How to look for a job

You are better off applying to a small number of vacancies where there clearly is a good fit rather than machine-gunning applications hoping to hit the bullseye by the laws of averages. You won’t

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By Kevin-James Fenech

Kevin is the founder and owner of JOB Search - jobsearch.mt and FENCI Consulting fenci.eu.

Normally, I am on the other side of the fence- helping companies search and find the best talent- but I think there’s a lot of value in also helping job seekers since the job marketplace can be bewildering and competitive.

Moreover, January is renowned for being one of the best months for recruitment so hopefully, this article is timely.

My first piece of practical advice is to always look for a good fit. The biggest mistake some job seekers make is to either aim too high or too obscure. You don’t apply for a job you are not qualified for or lack the necessary experience and you certainly don’t tell your prospective employer that you just ‘...feel like a change’.

I’ve seen interviewees who have been in manufacturing for 20+ years applying for a marketing job because ‘…they feel like a change…’ or applicants applying for a position when the vacancy clearly states you must have XYZ qualification which they don’t have. Common sense is a must here :) and be patient i.e. wait for the right job.

You are better off applying to a small number of vacancies where there clearly is a good fit rather than machine-gunning applications hoping to hit the bullseye by the laws of averages. You won’t.

Next, be strategic and clever about your next career move. I suggest following companies that are of interest to you.

By this I mean keep an eye on their website; Like + Follow their social media pages; keep track of them in the press and media. If possible network within the company so as to have the inside ear; maybe even go as far as to reach out to the HR Head or Manager.

When the right opening becomes available you stand a better chance of getting to know. It definitely is worth your while following companies you admire; companies that cherish values you appreciate; companies which pursue strategies you feel inspired about; and companies which have leadership qualities that you feel you can learn from. By doing so, you stand a very good chance of ‘marrying’ into the right company and becoming a part of something you love.

In today’s day and age, it is a must to also sign-up with several job search platforms or vacancy sites. I am here thinking of sites like Keepmeposted, Jobs in Malta, Vacancy Centre, Employ Malta and Job Search.

These sites are free and the contemporary way of keeping your ear to the ground and knowing what’s out there. These sites also allow you to apply electronically and upload your CV which makes the application process so easy and hassle-free.

I recommend that you sign-up with more than one because currently there is a proliferation of sites given the growth of the industry. It doesn’t cost you the job seeker/applicant anything so it is a no brainer really.

In addition to the above, it pays you to exploit and use to your advantage your own personal networks. Tell friends, personal contacts and/or trusted mentors that if the right job comes along you’d be interested in exploring.

Explain to them what would get you excited and motivated since sometimes it takes someone else to find your next job. Ironic I know but very true.

It is also very effective, to reach out to head-hunters and recruiters. Tread with caution here but teaming up with the right one can be very useful. I advise the reader to use due caution because some head-hunters/recruiters are only in it for the ‘commission’ and don’t really look at the right fit for employee and employer.

Also, they might try to ‘trade’ your CV too much turning you into a cheap commodity. This notwithstanding, there are some very good head-hunters/recruiters out there, who can get you passed doors and obstacles, so just do your homework, as in some instances they could be the solution you are looking for.

As you can tell there many different ways to look for a job. The point I am trying to make is that you have to work hard to find the right job.

It also doesn’t just fall into your lap. You have to actively search and use all the tools available to maximise your chances of finding the right job.

I think it is definitely worth making the effort since as Confucius put it: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Good luck!

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