How to conduct an effective job search

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The process of searching for a job has evolved over the years. Now, it’s more than simply applying for a job and hoping you get a call for an interview.

The jobs market is far more competitive and network-driven than it was in the past. Nowadays, the most successful job seekers apply a range of strategies to help them land their perfect role.

We’ve put together a list of top tips to help you conduct an effective job search. Try these practices to optimize your job search and get your resume noticed.

Tip 1: Update your resume

Your resume is the most important tool when it comes to landing a job interview. It’s your first chance to impress potential employers and allows them to see at a glance your skills and level of work experience.

It’s also a good idea to write targeted resumes and cover letters that are linked specifically to the job you’re applying for. This might take more time, but it will help recruiters and hiring managers see how you would be a perfect fit for the role. It will also give you a better chance of getting an interview than a generic resume or cover letter would.

For more advice, check out our blog on how to write an effective resume.

Tip 2: Choose one job title at a time

Even if your skills are suited to several roles, focus one one job title at a time when you start your job search.

You want to “sell” your talents to the company you’re applying for, so don’t spread yourself too thinly. By focusing on one job, you can showcase your credentials and demonstrate how they apply to that specific role.

It can also become easy to get the bug for job hunting and end up applying for every job in sight. Though this approach will get your name out there, you run the risk of coming across as too generic. Focusing on specific job roles will make you stand out, as you’ll be making a more conscious effort to prove how you’d fit into that position.

Tip 3: Search for variations of common job titles

Many job roles have a variety of names. When you start searching online, use the most common titles related to your targeted job. For example, if you’re applying for a civil engineering role, the most common title to search for would be ‘Civil Engineer’. However, there may be related roles with different titles, such as:

• Field Civil Engineer
• Civil Construction Engineer
• Civil Site Engineer
• Civil Structural Designer
• Civil Quality Assurance Engineer

Spend some time searching for different titles that match your skill set, as this might help you to find more opportunities. It’s also a good idea to use quotation marks in search engines. This will find exact matches for the roles you’re looking for and make it easier to find the jobs you want to apply for.

Tip 4: Refine your search

If you’re using a job search website to apply for positions, make the most of search filters. These help you to look for jobs that match your career interests

Example filters include job type (e.g. permanent, contracted etc.), location, salary and discipline.

Tip 5: Look for jobs within a specific location

It’s important to consider location when applying for a new role. Remember, getting a new job can change your life dramatically, so if you’re not willing to relocate for work, you’ll need to ensure you only apply for positions in your home location.

You can restrict your search to jobs within your preferred location. This can be done through filters on job boards, but you can also conduct a location-specific search in Google.

To do this, type in the title of the job you’re interested in, followed by the location, and add the word ‘jobs’.

An example search would be: ‘civil engineer united states jobs’.

Using this search format will bring up the type of job you’re looking for in the location you’d like to work in.

Tip 6: Search for specific companies you want to work for

Take some time to plan your job search. We suggest putting together a list of companies you’d like to work for and review open positions directly on their website.

However, many companies work with recruitment agencies to look for candidates, so it’s always worth including company names in your job search criteria too. This means you won’t miss any opportunities at your targeted place of employment.

It’s also worth researching the company you want to work for on sites like LinkedIn or Glassdoor; this will give you an employer’s view of the organisation. You’ll learn helpful information about the company’s values and what it’s like to work for them.

Tip 7: Get organized

The job search process can be time-consuming, so set aside an hour or so in your day to conduct your search. Plan your strategy; decide when you’ll focus on your CV, and when you’ll spend time filling out job applications.

Tip 8 - Build your network

It’s also worth creating a network of contacts related to your industry. You can do this by signing up to specialised recruitment sites like Airswift, as well as by setting up a profile on LinkedIn. This will help you to meet prospective employers and recruiters, talk to people in your sector and share your knowledge of your industry. Doing so will make you stand out to recruiters and companies looking for new staff. Employers and recruiters also post jobs on LinkedIn, so you can always keep an eye out for new opportunities.

For more tips on finding a job, check out our jobseekers' guide.

Contact Airswift

What better place to start your search than on our very own jobs board? Feel free to browse our current positions with some of the world’s biggest energy, process and infrastructure companies. And don’t forget to create an account - that way you can create job alerts and will never miss out on opportunities related to your search!