Job searching tips

Was Confucius right?

Confucius may well have been on the right track with that quote, but he certainly did not have to face the unique difficulties of a job search in today's challenging job market. 

One thing that still holds true is that finding a job and finding a good one are two very different things. Jobs are actually quite easy to find, but if you want to be truly successful in your search, focus on finding a good job that will help develop your career.

What's the difference?

It starts by spending the time necessary to properly prepare yourself for the actual job search. It's not enough to send out your resume for every position you find and hope for the best. You may be lucky and eventually receive an offer, but it will probably not be for the type of position you are truly seeking. Or, worse yet, an offer might not come at all.

Proper planning and preparation can make all the difference.

1. Understand the job search process

To prepare yourself effectively for a job search, you will need to understand more about the process. It starts with establishing a clear career objective. Take some time assessing what you are looking for and then researching possible career types and/or companies that can offer this type of opportunity. Look at the requirements, both academic and non-academic, that are needed to succeed in the type of career you are targeting, and look at your own skills and experience to determine if you need to improve your background to make yourself a more attractive candidate. 

Talk to individuals in companies or positions that you are targeting, both to build industry networks, and also to understand how they were able to get to where they are today.

2. Leverage the three critical job search tools

Once this preparatory work is done, devise three critical tools for your job search: 

• Your resume  
• Cover letter 
• References or letters of recommendation    

Each of these tools needs to be carefully prepared and targeted toward the specific position you are applying to fill, regardless of the way you are applying (by mail, in person, or through the Internet). Most effective job searchers have multiple versions of these tools, each tailored to meet the specific requirements of each specific job they are targeting.

3. Target your ideal company & find the way(s) in

Job searching requires a great deal of persistence and patience - and often comes down to being at the right place at the right time. Effective job searching is all about maximizing the likelihood of being in the right place at the right time. 

Employers use many methods to hire for their open positions. Sometimes, they advertise in websites, newspapers, professional magazines and on college campuses. Some companies use employment agencies or post their positions exclusively on their own websites or internet job boards. Other organization's list positions internally first, so that current employees have the first opportunity to apply. Often employers will call associates, friends and current employees to request recommendations and referrals. 

At Unilever ESA, all the recruitmant is made thriought the website, once you register with the careers tool, you will be receiving Job alerts in the field selected one a vacancy is posted. This applies to all levels of recruitment from internships, mid-career recruitment to management trainee positions.

Finding out how your target company locates its talent is the most important part of your job search research. Once you have confirmed the routes into a company, your goal is to proactively aim to use all of these avenues to your advantage.

4. Know your competition & understand the market

If you are entering a highly competitive field, job leads will be more difficult to identify. For example, positions in marketing, advertising, journalism, creative writing, human resources, and media are limited. This is not meant to discourage you from pursuing one of these occupations, but to demonstrate the importance of understanding the job market and preparing a job search plan appropriate to your field. 

5. Keep track of your searches

One of the most important skills in effective job searching is organization. Keep notes on all of the positions you have applied for and keep track of any progress or contact you have made. You never know when a potential employer may contact you. Being prepared for every eventuality will help keep you focused, relaxed, and confident in your search.

The better you get at your job search, the easier it becomes. Just when you have finally mastered the process - it is over and a wonderful job is yours! But it is a life skill that you will return to again and again.