Traditional and Modern Job Hunting

It is hard to remember just how time consuming and, frankly, disheartening job hunting could be before the advent of the Internet! The only ways of finding a new job back then were to read through endless pages of vacancies in newspapers and industry publications, to meet with numerous recruitment agents or to post off copies of your CV to companies, the majority of which wouldn’t even bother to reply.

But now, the Internet means that you can look for work from the comfort of your own home! Most potential employers and recruitment agencies utilise the Internet to advertise vacancies and you can email your CV or complete a job application form online. However, there are still some people who prefer the more personal approach of the traditional job-hunting process, so this article discusses both methods to help you decide which is best for you.

Recruitment agencies

Whether you initially contact a recruitment agency online or by walking into their offices, a face-to-face meeting is by far the best way to make sure that they understand your career ambitions and requirements. Once they have ascertained what you are looking for, and obtained a copy of your current CV, the recruitment consultant will then be able to utilise their local knowledge and industry expertise to match you to suitable vacancies or advise you on the key companies that you should be targeting.

There are many recruitment agencies on the high street, some of which even specialise in particular industries. The more agencies that you sign up with, the better your exposure will be and the greater your chances are of being matched to the most suitable job.

Advertised vacancies

Many local and national newspapers and publications include jobs pages listing vacancies either relevant to a particular industry or a specific location. It is also possible to subscribe to dedicated recruitment papers and trade publications, which also contain valuable information on the specific companies you may wish to target.

Newspapers are considered to be one of the most popular methods of finding employment and, as such, most adverts tend to generate a significant number of responses. It is therefore essential that the CV and covering letter you submit are particularly strong if you are to stand a chance of receiving a response of any kind.

The speculative approach

There may be particular companies which you wish to target in your job search and it is acceptable practice to submit your CV directly to them. Again, this is a method which does not necessarily have a terrific response rate, but by sending them a copy of your current CV and a covering letter explaining why you want to work for them in particular and what skills you can offer, you should be able to make an impact and, if nothing else, have your details put on file for future vacancies.

Building up a network of contacts

It can be extremely beneficial to get yourself known within your target industry sector so that you are able to maintain awareness of specific organisational or industry changes which could lead to vacancies becoming available. Establish business and personal contacts and make sure that you are the first person they tell when positions arise.

The World Wide Web

The majority of the traditional methods of job hunting described above are now available as online services, something which is of particular advantage to people relocating to a new area. Recruitment agencies have their own websites enabling direct access to their services while also allowing you to monitor exactly what progress is being made on your behalf. Newspapers and industry publications advertise vacancies online and also offer a search facility which allows you to quickly find those vacancies most suited to your needs.

Forums and chat rooms are a popular way of networking without having to travel but it is important to remember that, no matter how informal this may seem, your every word is being carefully monitored so you must remain professional at all times.

Many companies now advertise vacancies online which enable people to apply via email or by completing an electronic application form. Also, there are a number of dedicated job sites, either industry specific or general, which are commonly used by recruitment agencies and companies to advertise positions.

Make an impact

Whether you prefer tradition or modern job hunting, it is important that your CV and any application forms you complete really emphasise the value you can add to a company based on your existing skills and experience. Make sure that you create a positive first impression whether this contact is made in person, over the telephone or via email.

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