Finding a job can sometimes be tricky. Now as you know, your friendly Jobfind Consultant can help you with training and finding jobs that suit you, but there are still a few things you can do to get you started and make the process easier.

1. Be clear on your preferred job but also be flexible.

Make sure that the job you are seeking is a realistic goal. Find out the skills and experience required so as to consider how much you might match them. Be prepared to be flexible on the type of job or the location depending on your goals.

2. Update your resume and produce ‘calling cards’.

Aim to stand out from the crowd with your resume and always have a copy with you (you never know when a job opportunity may come up). You may also like to produce ‘calling cards’ or personal ‘business cards’ with your contact details to hand out as appropriate. Every good idea counts.

3. Time and effort will pay off.

Check newspapers or go online every day to see what’s out there. Also, pick up the phone as often as possible and target recruitment agencies specific to your industry. Decide on the minimum hours you will spend job searching each week and make sure you achieve this.

4. Go the extra mile.

Try a few different approaches to job searching and make sure you fill in ‘expressions of interest’ forms when offered by a company. Phone canvassing and door knocking are tough work but can pay off big time when you find a job.

5. Learn how to network.

You now know that 80% of jobs are not advertised and networking is a great way to find these. Tell everyone you know you are looking for a job and the type of work you are interested in. Stay in touch with the right people and gently prompt them about any jobs they know about. Your Jobfind Consultant can help you learn more about networking.

6. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job.

Make sure you answer all the selection criteria given in the advertisement and try to find a contact name to add to your cover letter. If you’re young or haven’t worked in a while include any unpaid work experience on your resume.

7. Improve and practice your interview skills.

Practice, practice, practice. In the end, it’s worth it. Participate in mock interviews and ask for feedback from the person ‘interviewing’ you. Learning how body language works is also important. Practice looking people in the eye and think about questions you could ask an interviewer.

8. Be reliable.

Attend all appointments and interviews – no excuses – and respond quickly to any requests for information or forms to be filled out. Employers rate ‘reliability’ as one of the most important qualities in an employee so make sure you demonstrate this right from the start.

9. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

Be punctual and appropriately dressed for interviews. Employers rate ‘appearance’ as an important quality (along with attitude, experience and reliability). Up to 90% of the selection decision is based on your tone of voice and visual appearance (e.g. how you sit or stand), especially during the first 5 minutes.

10. Keep smiling and stay positive.

Smile often and practice smiling with your eyes (make sure they light up!). Remember that on average people go to 8 interviews before being offered a job so keep going. Don’t give up. Attitude and enthusiasm are 2 of the most important qualities employers look for, so stay positive and you’re half way there!