Searching for work isn’t always easy. Even if you’ve got the basic job seeking best practices in place, you still might not be finding the right opportunities.
It’s important to look after yourself along the way and reach out for help if you need it.
At APM, we believe everyone has the right to experience the life changing benefits of work. We’ve helped thousands of Australian job seekers find a job, and believe there’s a job out there for you too.
If you’re stuck in a job search rut, here are 5 job seeking strategies you might not have tried before.
1. Post your own ads
Job seekers usually look online for job advertisements and then send in an application. But what if you turned that strategy on its head and advertised yourself to potential employers?
Marketing yourself to potential employers is about showing them you’re the ideal person for their company.
Where to post ads
Job search platforms like Indeed and Seek allow you to post your resume so that employers can search for people who might be a good fit for their company.
It’s a good idea to fill out your profile fully so you appear in more searches for employers.
When uploading your resume to a platform like this, keep in mind that employers will be searching for keywords, including job titles, skills and company names. Make sure you include the relevant keywords and skills so that they can find you.
You can also put posts up on social platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. If you want to reach a wider audience, you can even promote these ads and target them to a particular audience.
Knowing how to market yourself well will also help you when you write your resume and go for job interviews. It should be something you practice whether or not you post an ad online.
2. Make a human connection
Sometimes employers can overlook a resume, but it’s harder for them to ignore someone they’ve got a connection with.
Before you send in your job application, try reaching out to someone at the company and making a human connection.
For example, you could call the office and ask for advice about how to go about the job application. Or you could visit in person and introduce yourself.
When trying to make connections, don’t make it all about yourself. You should also ask questions, show genuine interest and practice active listening skills.
Get personal on your application
Instead of addressing your cover letter 'to whom it may concern', it’s better to use a specific name if you know it. You may be able to search for the right name using LinkedIn.
3. Show what you can offer
If you want to work for a particular company, why not do some work to show them what you can offer before you approach them?
Do some research into the company and find out what their pain points are. What areas could they improve on? What are some opportunities for them to grow?
Draft up your ideas on how to solve the problems or grow the company. Doing this work for free shows the company that you are innovative, motivated and a creative thinker.
It will also put you in a good position when you reach out to them for the first time if you’ve already got something value-adding to offer. It’s a great chance to show them that you understand their vision and want to help them get there.
4. Use social media to your advantage
Many people think of social media as something you use in your personal life to connect with friends and family. But social media can also be a useful tool for job hunting.
Make connections in the industry
Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with a community of others who are interested in a similar topic or field. Small businesses will often post job openings on Facebook groups when they’re trying to reach a group of like-minded people.
Show off your portfolio
Social media is a good place to show off your past work, especially if you work in a creative field such as photography, design, marketing or landscaping.
Tell people you’re looking for work
Many job openings are filled by word of mouth. Telling the people you’re connected with on social media that you’re looking for work could help open doors for you. Employers can be more likely to hire someone who comes with a glowing recommendation from someone they know.
Present the best you
It’s possible that employers will look at your social media before deciding to hire you. It’s worth taking a look at your social media accounts from their perspective – are you showing qualities and characteristics that will impress them?
5. Get support from employment services
If you’ve tried the traditional tactics and some of the more unique strategies and still can’t find work, it might be time to ask for a little help.
The job seeking process isn’t always easy, but support is available to help you reach your goals.
If you’re living with an injury, illness or disability and looking for work, you could be eligible for Disability Employment Services, a government funded program designed to help people like you find a job and succeed in the workplace.
When you register with a provider such as APM, you’ll be able to get support with things such as:
- Finding suitable job opportunities
- Career advice
- Accessing further training
- Writing resumes and job applications
- Preparing for interviews
- Accessing mental health services
- Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
- Accessing workplace support to help you succeed in your new job
At APM, we believe that if you want to work, there’s a job out there that’s right for you. And we’re ready to help you get there.
Register with us today and let’s get started.