Tips for finding a job faster

The key to finding a new job swiftly is to plan ahead and identify what you really want, in order to allow you to focus on the right roles at your most desired companies.

There can be a temptation to rush into things and ‘scattergun’ your options, but this course of action will only delay you finding your ideal role.

‘Before you begin your job search, know what you are after,’ advises James Brent, director at Hays Accountancy & Finance. ‘Rushing into things and “scattergunning” your options will only delay you finding your ideal role.

‘Before you embark on the hunt itself, take the time to reflect upon what direction your ambitions and your skills should take you. Consider your strengths, goals and opportunities within the industry – a specialist recruiter will be able to help you with this if you need.’

Job hunt

Moving on to the job hunt itself, save yourself (and potentially your recruiter) time by only applying to roles that are relevant to your skillset and those you have a real interest in.

Collate all the jobs that appeal to you and then prioritise your applications according to the ones that interest you the most and which you are most suited to.

This is also the time to consider the type of company culture that suits your personality type. Ask yourself key questions to help your search. Are you outgoing and sociable and want a working environment where social events are common? Or do you want to log off Friday evening and forget about work until Monday morning?

Create a model CV and tweak it to each application so that it is relevant to that specific job.

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Organised

It is advisable to be well organised.

Create a document of all of the jobs you apply for, what stage you are at with each one and the name and contact details of relevant contacts.

Add in any meetings or interviews to your calendar and take notes. You can refer to these before you make any follow-up calls or emails.

This can be a very useful exercise if you have a number of opportunities in the pipeline and you need to keep track of whom you are speaking to, about what and when.

Brent concurs: ‘To make your job search efficient and speedy, do stay organised. Keep a record of everything you have applied for and what the status of your application is.

‘Staying disciplined with your time will also help – schedule in specific time to progress your search, making sure to harness the times when you are most productive.

‘Also try to follow up each application with a phone call or a LinkedIn message. The more feedback you get, the better and more effective your job search will be.’

This article was first published in Student Accountant in February 2020