How to improve your employment search?

Searching for potential jobs should not make you feel like you are wasting your time, it should be an in-depth process where you invest your time using the right platforms to yield the results that you are after. Job searching does not mean you upload your CV to various job sites/portals and you are done. Not in the least. Once you have uploaded your CV you then need to look at applying for jobs that suit your employment needs. This is how you can improve your employment search:

• Modernize your CV: even though it may be tempting, it is not recommended that you apply for every single job because the salary looks great. You also need to consider exactly what the job description says as well as what duties you would be required to do daily. Before applying for any possible positions, it would pay you to revise your CV to ensure that it has been updated with recent job positions as well as job responsibilities. You could also make use of Grammarly to check your CV for any grammatical errors or misspellings of certain words. If you are unsure about your CV format you can search on Google for the correct format of a CV and you can rework it from there. Many websites offer free and professional curriculum vitae templates that can be polished up and transformed into a brand-new CV.
• Networking relationships: do not forget that attending work functions or community events can also help you form relationships with new people who can help you build up some new and existing contacts which could help you in the future. These relationships could be a great deal of help if you are looking for another position or would like to try another career path altogether.
• Create a LinkedIn Profile: have you ever heard of Linked In? Of course, you have. LinkedIn is used by millions of recruiters and potential employers to help seek potential employees to fill potential positions within a particular company. If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, create one as soon as you can. Many recruiters spend a considerable amount of time searching Linked In for new candidates so why not create a professional LinkedIn profile and start compiling your resume? It is also a good idea to connect with a variety of recruitment companies, influential people as well as various industries within your career field. If you are unsure how to create a LinkedIn profile, start by taking a professional photo of yourself. Dress to the best of your ability, smart and professionally. Make good use of professional business language during the process of compiling your LinkedIn resume. Avoid using any slang language as this will come across as being sloppy or unprofessional.
• Use specific keywords: while you are busy searching for employment, it is always a good idea to use specific keywords when searching for potential positions. For example, you cannot type in the word “administrator” when you are actually looking for a personal assistant position. Narrowing down your search and using precise terms such as executive assistant, personal assistant, lawyer or senior supervisor can make your search work a lot easier in the long run. Keep in mind that the more specific you are when it comes to your search, the better your search results will be.
• Use the correct job portals: there are many companies out there searching for potential employees but what you need to be aware of is which jobs are real and which jobs may potentially be fake. This should give you even more motivation and reasons to do your homework and complete in-depth research when searching for platforms to upload your CV. The most common job platforms include P Net, Linked In, Careers 24, Career Junction, and Indeed. Be aware of hidden terms and conditions when you are applying for a position. Remember to always read the terms and conditions when applying for a job through a recruitment agency or any other agency for that matter. If you are required to pay a certain administration fee upfront, then you should stop and do a thorough background check on the agency as well as the job. Typically, agencies who charge fees upfront are running some type of scam, and they should be avoided at all costs – as you will lose your money and not get a new job. Reputable Agencies do not charge you any fees for finding a new job.
• Set expectations for yourself: without setting any expectations, you are more than likely to stress yourself out more or even feel burnt out which you would like to avoid at all costs.  Setting a goal for yourself every day and achieving that goal, will already put you on the right track. Try to look for positions that can help you increase your current skills and knowledge. It might not bring you a senior position, however, you are showing the employer that you are willing to start at the bottom and work your way to the top no matter how long it might take you. Taking initiative and showing how determined you are is one way you can boost your chances of landing a job.