Make Your Job Applications Count It can be too easy to hit the "send" button for any job you think is suitable, but have you really looked closely at the role, responsibilities, company, location, etc. Why are you considering a move and what are you ideally looking for? If you know what industry the job's in, does it appeal? Having relevant skills and experience are just part of a successful application. Organisations want to think that you're really interested in them and what they do as much as the role they're recruiting for. They certainly don't want to think that theirs is just one of several applications you've made that morning! If you do get shortlisted, keep in mind that one of the interview questions you may get asked is "why do you want to work for us?" Having a genuine interest in their product or service will make it so much easier to be enthusiastic when responding, but you'll also know that if you're successful, you'll be joining a company that really appeals.
Create or Update Your LinkedIn Profile This advice also applies to Seek and Trade Me profiles as all three platforms are regularly used by companies to identify candidates - quite often for roles that they aren't going to advertise. For many people, having a LinkedIn Profile isn't for them and that's absolutely fine. It's certainly not essential as you can still find a role through the traditional job board adverts (Seek, Indeed, Trade Me etc). However, it's becoming more and more common for candidates to be approached for roles that they weren't even aware of. Having a professional and updated profile gives you greater access to the wider job market and not just to those jobs that everyone else is applying for.
Use Your Networks And Contacts Once you have created your LinkedIn profile, it's a really good idea to start connecting. If using LinkedIn is something new to you, then start with people you know/work colleagues/previous colleagues and then look to connect with people in organisations you may be interested in working for e.g Line managers, HR Advisors/Managers and start following companies that you'd like to keep up to date with. In addition to using LinkedIn, word of mouth can be beneficial. If a friend or relative knows you're looking for a job (assuming they can keep that confidential!), they can keep their eyes and ears open for potential opportunities. Companies will often open up a new role to existing staff or ask if they know anyone who may be interested, so this can often be a good way of finding unadvertised roles.
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