Five effective job search channels to find your next role
posted 15 Nov 22
Conducting an effective job search is essential. The job search process can be time-consuming, but there are tools to help expedite the process and help you manage your time more effectively. Explore five main channels for your job search and how to use each channel to your advantage.
1. Job boards
Create a list of keywords and skills related to your job
Different companies use different terminology regarding job titles, but you will want to have maximum exposure to relevant listings. To help facilitate this, we recommend creating a list of related job titles to the one you are searching for and a list of the skills they demand to input into job boards such as Reed and Indeed. You can also use websites such as Ongig to help find related job titles if you are unsure.
Job boards will pull these keywords and skills from job descriptions, so it is a great way to discover new roles that you may not have necessarily searched for but demand a similar skillset.
Create a job board profile and upload your CV
Becoming discoverable is crucial for your job search, and most job boards allow you to create a free profile. Recruiters and hiring managers regularly search job board databases to filter for relevant candidates. Adding a CV to your profile will allow recruiters to contact you with suitable opportunities or upcoming vacancies not yet advertised.
Set up job alerts
Job boards will offer an option to sign up for job alerts personalised to your search queries. By signing up for these email alerts, you will receive notifications of new opportunities straight to your mailbox and could even be one of the first applicants.
2. LinkedIn
With three people being hired on LinkedIn every minute, 56% of professionals use the platform to connect with recruiters and internal hiring managers.
Grow and engage with your network
Leverage LinkedIn to its full potential by connecting with thought leaders, companies you want to work with, and those in similar roles to yourself. Comment and engage with experts in your field and actively share content and findings from your industry. The ‘People you may know’ feature will recommend members based on where you have worked, studied and your current contact list to help grow your network.
Use the jobs section
It is free to create job listings on LinkedIn via the jobs section and low cost to promote them, so you may find jobs not advertised on job boards. You can also set your profile as ‘Open to work’ to let recruiters know they can contact you.
3. Networking
According to LinkedIn, 80% of professionals consider networking a crucial way of discovering new jobs and finding career success. From this, it is evident that making new connections can prove invaluable long-term.
Join online groups
Online groups and forums, including Facebook groups, are a great way to chat with likeminded professionals. Centered around a common theme, they are safe spaces to strike up conversation, ask for advice or recommendations, and share industry news.
Select a small number of relevant groups to keep up to date with and participate in to develop a consistent presence. There are also groups dedicated to posting job vacancies which allow you to get in touch directly with hiring managers.
Join online events and webinars
Connect with people in your space by signing up for online networking events on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Eventbrite. With the demand for online events increasing, there will likely be events happening in your industry. It is the perfect way to share knowledge, establish your brand and build a contact base.
4. Apply and reach out directly to the company
Some larger companies or companies looking to reduce hiring costs will manage the sourcing of candidates internally and advertise via their website. If you are interested in a specific company, one way to get your foot in the door is to reach out directly to the relevant manager. Employers will become familiar with your name and interest in the company.
If you are working with a recruiter, make sure they aware of the companies you would like to work at, even if they do not have available roles at present. If your recruiter thinks you would be a good fit, they can approach them on your behalf.Â
5. Partner with a specialist recruiter
Partnering with a specialist recruiter is the simplest way to begin your job search. Research local or industry specialist recruiters who advertise similar roles, submit your CV to their job board, and pick up the phone to discuss your requirements and skillset with a specialist. The recruiter may already have several roles in mind that they are currently recruiting for or will actively begin to search on your behalf, saving you time!
As one of the UK's leading recruitment agencies, Search specialise in over 15 distinct specialisms. Our extensive network of employers and unique insight into the market allows us to match you with the best opportunities. Speak to one of our expert consultants today to help us to understand what you are looking for in your next role and allow us to find your ideal role.
If you have found the advice above useful and want to take the next step in your career, access our free Career Toolkit for more help with your job search.
