Job hunting or searching is the act of looking for employment, as a result of unemployment, discontent with a current position, or a desire for a better position. The immediate goal of job seeking is usually to obtain a job interview with an employer which may lead to getting hired. However, most jobs in many institutions are rarely advertised. It is therefore upon the jobseeker to search for jobs in this hidden job market. Please note that, managing your job search is just as important as identifying job opportunities and submitting your application. Job search techniques include but are not limited to the following:
This involves perusing through the print or online advertisements
This is where Job seekers visits companies to make inquiries check notice boards for vacancies or even submit resume.
Networking is the most effective way to learn about careers and ultimately to land a job. Such networks are created among family, friends, alumni, acquaintances or business professionals. Networking is one of the main ways of learning about jobs that are not advertised and those that are yet to be created.
This is use of agencies that recruit on behalf of employers. To make yourself a memorable candidate who stands out from the all the others who come through an employer's doors every week, Stay in touch regularly with prospective agencies and let them know you are willing to take on lower paying or less popular jobs to get your foot in the door. This will get you their attention as someone prepared to work hard if offered an opportunity.
This is use of events where employers or recruiters give information to potential employees. Job fairs can be a good source of job leads for recent graduates and those in hot fields. A job fair presents a good opportunity to interact with many employers at a go.
There is a paradigm shift where employers are moving from using external recruiters to an internal hiring process that depends heavily on identifying prospective employees through their online presence and through referrals of existing employees. Therefore, personal websites, social media presence on Facebook, WhatsApp, twitter, Linked In profile and a well defined personal brand may attract attention of prospective employers.
Some professions post vacancies through their newsletters on notice boards.
Employers and organizations may post vacancies on notice boards at factories and offices and strategic public places. Therefore, it is advisable not to pass such notice boards without checking for possible advertised vacancies.
This is where a job seeker uses the telephone or email to contact individuals within an organization by finding their contact details on the company website or by inquiring with a receptionist about job openings or upcoming vacancies