The 10 vital things you need to know as a job hunter

If I had exactly 5 minutes where I could make a major impact on how a job hunter approached finding a new job, I would provide them with the following list:

1. Job boards have a very low success rate so don’t focus all your energy on finding and applying for jobs online.

2. Rejection is just part and parcel of finding a new job – (in particular if using the job boards) so don’t take it personally – EVER.

3. You can have the best resume in the world, but unless you get it in front of the right decision maker (that is the person that has the ultimate say on who employs you or not), then it is a waste of time.

4. You need to tap into the hidden job market – if you don’t, you are missing up to 80% of the job opportunities out there.

5. A LinkedIn profile won’t work for you, unless you have a complete and effective profile and use the right strategies.

6. Job interviews are about making a connection. If employers were only after a particular skills set, they could easily just read a bunch of resumes and hire someone without spending hours interviewing potential employees. They are not just after a particular skills set, they are after someone with whom they can make a connection, will fit in with the culture, have the right interpersonal and communication skills and are enthusiastic about the opportunity (that is not just after a pay check).

7. While not all employers or recruiters read them – still send a cover letter, since many employers will reject an application without one. If sending a cover letter, don’t send a generic one – make sure you address the specific needs of the employer.

8. After a job interview, ALWAYS follow up with an effective thank you letter/note. It could be your ticket to success.

9. Recruiters are working for the company, not you! So don’t be lulled into thinking it is OK to spill the beans, or that they are somehow obligated to find you a job.

10. Employers are after a solution to their problem – a statutory or policy obligation to fulfil (particularly if government), or they want to make a larger profit. Period. To make a larger profit or to fulfil this statutory obligation, organisations/businesses need help and support (that’s you), from administration officers (task orientated), managers (managing people, resources and projects), through to the CEO, Director or Business Owner (the visionary leader). SO to succeed – you need to become the SOLUTION to their problem, so focus on employer needs and what you offer that can solve their problem.