Tag: job search strategies

How to Cold Email for a Job

Scott Asai2 Comments

With today’s technology, finding a job should be easier than ever, right? In theory, maybe—but in reality, unfortunately, not so much. Sure, job posting sites make it super convenient to browse openings at companies and narrow down search results according to personal preference (industry, location, seniority level, salary, etc.), but that doesn’t mean that job offers are quite as abundant. In fact, with so many applications pouring in on a daily basis, companies usually don’t even have time to respond to all of their applicants, let alone set up interviews and meet them in-person.

And yet, technology can still be your friend during the job-hunting process—that is, if you know how to use it. If it feels like you’ve been looking for a job forever, it probably seems as though you’ve considered every option out there that could possibly better your chances, from submitting your resume to an online review site to maybe even lowering your standards. Are you looking for a new way to approach the job hunt? Cold emailing just might the tool you didn’t know you needed.

What Is a Cold Email?

You’ve probably heard of cold calling, and sending a cold email utilizes the same concept: A cold email is an email that you send to someone whom you don’t know personally. Not to be confused with spam, a cold email is an outreach method employed by professionals to achieve all sorts of goals—expanding a client-base, finding new collaborators or investors, and plain, old networking are all popular uses of the cold email. Another use, of course, is to find a job.

Finding Jobs Through Cold Emails

Unless you find a job posting that specifically says to email someone with your resume and cover letter, you shouldn’t outright ask for a job in your initial cold email. Why? Because you don’t want to put that much pressure on your recipient at such an early stage—it will make them less likely to respond.

For this reason, it’s important to dial back your request to something that’s more immediately achievable, like asking if they’d be able to meet for coffee or have time for a quick phone call to talk about their company or personal professional experience.

This part is a lot easier if you can establish some sort of mutual connection with the person that you can mention in the email. For example, maybe they’re a graduate of your alma mater or you got their name from a professor, family member, or colleague. (Hint: LinkedIn is a great way to obtain this info.)

Can’t find any personal connection? Make your own! Tell them where you found their name, why you want to talk to them (that’s not getting hired), and how you can relate to their professional achievements.

So, get drafting, and jumpstart your job search with a bold strategy that’s been proven to work. Good luck—and don’t be afraid to follow up!

 

Essential Outreach Tips to Find a Great Job

Scott Asai2 Comments

Gone are the days when one could find their first job directly after graduating and then spending all the professional days working in the same company. In many times, people are changing their jobs nowadays even up to 15 times during their professional career.

The process of finding a job is different for different people depending on many factors. This article rounds up some outreach tips that could help you get hired faster.

While some approaches to job search are decreasing in popularity, social media platforms are now increasing in popularity regarding job search.

1. Networking & Referrals

Not all jobs are kept public. There is a “hidden job market” that can only be accessed through networking and knowing the right people. You will need an open mindset for discovering, exploring and being open to new opportunities.

Remember that networking works magic: each network–family, neighbors, close friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and co-workers — is part of another network. This tells you how networking can turn powerful more than you think.

You should start by making a list of all people you need to connect with, the ones in the industry of your choice and reach them first. These come first in recommending you to their networks as well.

2. Career Websites and Job Searching Platforms

There are many career websites and platforms out there. While some of them are regional, others are international/global.

You should know what you are applying for; the type of job, geographical area, department, etc. For example, if you want to work in hotel management, you could narrow down and say something like “hotel management in Seattle”. Before you start, ensure you have the best up to date resume and Cover Letter.

Many sites are offering many templates: CV and Resume templates, CV and Resume templates, marketing templates etc. Onyx is a customizable template which works well both as an online or physical resume. It has a personalized image that gives your resume some character.

3. Create your Online Career Brand

You should build your brand which showcases your expertise and passion online where employers searching the Web can find it you easily.

Most recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool, so you need to have a professional profile there. You can get hired easily when you have a brilliant online profile because you’re literary positioning yourself to be found by hiring managers with relevant openings.

4. Aim to Complete a Few job-related Goals Daily

Undisputedly, it takes a whole lot of time and effort to find a new job. When the job search takes long, one can easily get discouraged and eventually distracted.

The best way is to focus on daily goals which can motivate you to continue with your job search. Once you meet your daily job search goals, you’re motivated to keep on, towards your monthly goals. Then before long, you start getting interview invitations.

5. Job Fairs

Job fairs are the best channels to get hired, but you have to consider some tips here.

  • Most job fairs will advertise the companies participating in a job fair, so you need to check their websites to find out the open position they are having.
  • Ensure your cover letter and resume are updated 
  • Consider a networking card that includes your name, email, phone number and optionally your website, blog or LinkedIn account.
  • Have an outfit that’s appropriate for the job fair. A professional and comfortable outfit boosts your confidence.
  • Be ready with relevant questions for the recruiters just to show that you are passionate about the job.
  • Recite your elevator pitch and the eye contact to bring out the best first impression.
  • Make follow up with the recruiters, if possible send them a thank you note as connect with them on LinkedIn.

6. Company’s Website

If you have a list of companies you like to work with, the best thing is to go to their website and check the careers section for the job openings. If they do not have openings at the moment,

Consider sending them a polite pitch, telling them your competences and how you can help their company grow if they consider hiring you. Keep it brief and straight to the point. Then politely ask for more information about possible future vacancies.

7. Social Media Channels

Social media channels like Facebook, Google+, etc are powerful tools when it comes to searching for jobs. You need to consider the following advice when using social media channels; 

  • Use your real name on your profiles
  • Consistently use professional images across platforms.
  • Only make professional and appropriate images or posts
  • Delete the profiles on the websites that you are not using anymore regularly.
  • Consistently and professionally tell people who you are, what you do and what are your plans.

LinkedIn comes as the most popular job site, but other platforms such as Facebook and Google started implementing job searching options.

In the current modern and dynamic job market, finding your dream job might require a combination of more of the above methods. Try first the ones you are familiar with then get out of your comfort zone from time to time and experiment with more others as well.

Are You Restricting Your Employment Chances?

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Collaborative post – may contain affiliate links

If you have been in unemployment for a while, you need to ask yourself why. It may be that you have simply been unlucky when applying for jobs, but on the other hand, you may be sabotaging your employment chances yourself. Consider the following as possible reasons why.

 

  1. You may be applying for jobs that you are underskilled or under-qualified to take on. If so, you need to do one of two things. Firstly, speak to a careers advisor for guidance on what jobs suit you and ask their advice on the skills and qualifications you need for jobs you are interested in. Going back to school to get the qualifications you need, such as an MR license or a specific certificate of study, will add to your employability. Secondly, find voluntary work in the areas you are passionate about, as you will learn useful skills that will help improve your chances at job interviews.

 

  1. You struggle at job interviews. We understand that job interviews are difficult, but you can improve your chances. Role-play interviews with family and friends, research the company you are applying to, and arrive early to give you time to go over your notes and gain confidence before facing the interviewer. Again, a careers advisor will also give you some useful tips on how to interview well.

 

  1. You are unmotivated. After being out of work for a while, depression and despondency can set in. You may have the ‘woe is me’ attitude, with the assumption that you are unemployable, and that you will never get the job you want. But here’s the thing. Other people will sense that attitude within you, including any employer you interview with. It’s a vicious circle, we know, especially when you continually face rejection, but use some of these tips to help you stay motivated when you’re feeling low.

 

  1. You aren’t doing enough to find work. You need to do all you can to get a job, so explore as many avenues as possible. Look at all the job sites online, network with employers at job fairs, and visit the places you are interested in working, and hand in your cv in person. And don’t forget to tap into the power of social media, as you can improve your chances using the information presented in this useful guide. The more you can do to find work the better, so get out of bed in the morning, make a plan, and put it into action.

 

  1. You are too fussy. It’s only fair that you apply for the jobs you want, but you can’t be overly-fussy. Sometimes, any job is better than no job, as you will at least have references and something on your cv to prove your employability at interviews. So, even if you don’t get the salary you want, and even if you have to do work that you consider beneath you, know that you will never get anywhere if you’re always on the lookout for that ‘dream job.’ You may find it eventually, but you can continue searching while you are in employment doing something rather than nothing.

Thanks for reading, and good luck in your job search!

Discover How To Find Fantastic Opportunities Online

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Collaborative post – may contain affiliate links

A quick look at the job or business market will probably lead you to believe that opportunities are slim. But actually, they’re not. You just need to know how to look or rather how to get the attention of the right people. If you make the right decisions online, you won’t have to go looking for your next job or employment contract. Instead, the client or the employer will come looking for you. We’re going to teach you some of the best ways to make sure that you are making the most of what the online world has to offer when you are chartering your career.

Use Social Media Effectively

There’s no excuse anymore, if you’re on the job market, you need to make sure that you are active on social media. It’s not uncommon these days for employers to use social media detectives when they recruit for a position. It could be one of the first things that they look for. Essentially, this individual will be looking for your digital footprint online. You might think that if there’s nothing to find this is the brightest outcome, but it isn’t. Your social media can be a digital snapshot of who you are and what you could bring to a business. If you show the right qualities and traits, you could be in a prime position to get the interview and impress them even further.

Obviously, the main social media to focus on would be Linkedin. Here, you can build up an actual professional profile and give employers all the information they need to consider you. The downside of this is that if there is a problem with your profile, you’ll be passed over for a lot of jobs without ever realizing why. The plus side is that if your profile is great, you could find jobs without even trying.

Get A Recruitment Agency On Your Side

What is a recruitment agency? A recruitment agency will essentially be the keyholders of your CV. By doing this, you can pay to have a company manage your job prospects for you. If you have the money, this is well worth doing. It essentially means that businesses or clients will go to the agency for CVs or indeed advice on who to hire. The agency can then recommend you if they think that you’ll be suited for the position.

This can work both ways. Business owners or individuals can look for things like commercial construction jobs on one side, while on the other clients or other business owners can seek out the contractors and managers they might want to hire. Regardless of what side you’re on, it will be useful to get a recruitment agency.

Never Forget To Network

Finally, you need to make sure that you are networking as much as possible, connecting with people who could benefit your career. As the old saying goes, it isn’t what you know but rather who you know. These days, it’s easy to get to know people in the online world who could help drive you towards career victory.