I can’t find a job, please help! 

Finding a job can be really challenging. It might be the environment you’re in that’s making it difficult or it could be how you’re navigating the process. In this article we list a couple of things you can do to improve your chances of success in landing a job. So let’s get started.

Get someone to look over your resume and cover letter from within the industries you’re interested in

There are some universal truths when it comes to resumes (make sure your spelling is correct) and there are also some nuances that are relevant for different industries and job roles. Our tip is to find someone from within the industry you’re looking to work in and to ask them to look over your resume and cover letter and to provide some feedback. This is an invaluable way to make sure that your resume gets seen and ticks the right boxes.

We also have a range of general recommendations on our blog that can help you to perfect your resume and cover letter. 

Resume tips: https://blog.careerhq.com.au/tag/resume/ 

Cover letter articles: https://blog.careerhq.com.au/tag/cover-letters/

Contact your champions and ask for help

Your champions are the people who know who you are and are willing to support your career journey. It might be your old boss, a supportive teacher or an extended family member who you know would be keen to help you. Don’t be afraid to reach out and to let them know that you’re looking for work. Our tip is to make sure that you are as clear as you can be with what you’re looking for. Remember, someone can’t help you if they don’t know what you’re looking for. 

Check your socials 

Every employer is likely to do at least a basic social media search before hiring you. You could have the perfect resume and cover letter, but if your social media is not up to a professional standard it’s likely that your resume won’t even be considered. Spend some time untagging those old photos and have a look over posts to check that the message you’re sending out online aligns with the values of the organisations that you’re applying to. 

Think outside the box 

Often a large percentage of people are looking at a small number of jobs in certain industries and companies. Spend some time thinking outside the box and make sure you’re researching a diversity of roles and industries. Even if you can’t get your dream job now, the contacts and networks that you make in a different role are likely to get you one step closer. 

There is bound to be some industries in which there is a talent shortage and you’re more likely to get to the top of the talent pool in these companies. Some examples in NSW include aged care and transport, two industries which are always looking for talent. 

Where can you get support in your community? 

It can be easy to lose the human touch in your job search as the internet becomes the most popular companion for most job seekers. We encourage you to get out from behind the computer and to go and visit some local spaces and organisations that are in charge of sourcing and connecting employers with employees. It may be your university or TAFE, your local Council, recruiters or employment agencies. These spaces are designed to support your transition into work and too often they are forgotten as people get lost in cyberspace.  

Practice makes perfect when it comes to job interviews

Rarely is a successful job interview a matter of chance. It is all about being prepared, knowing the role you are interviewing for and knowing how to answer a range of questions that share why you’re the perfect candidate for the role. 

There are a number of ways to begin your interview practice. Here is an article that shares a range of ideas on how to prepare for your next job interview: https://blog.careerhq.com.au/tag/job-interview/ 

We also recommend that if you have never had any job interview coaching it could be worth visiting a career coach or your local career centre to get some face-to-face career coaching where you can prepare and practice your answers to questions in real life. 

Consider the location

Are you willing to relocate for a job? Maybe your job scan is too limited to your local area? Depending on your situation is might be worth extending your job search to other cities or areas where there are a greater number of opportunities. 

The most important thing is to keep a positive and open mindset

We know it can at times feels like a full-time job looking for a job and that it takes a lot of confidence to continue to put yourself out there. The good news is that if you’re open to feedback and learning you will end up being successful in finding work. It might not be tomorrow, but if you keep asking yourself how you can improve on your job seeking skills you will increase your chances of success.