A recent survey by Frontline Recruitment found that 72 per cent of Gen Z workers have considered leaving their role in the last 12 months, but only 19 per cent of respondents have actually made the choice to leave and look for other work.
So, if you are someone who has decided to look for a new role, the shortage of talent is leaving the job pool wide open. That’s why it’s crucial that you have an effective job search strategy to wade through the options and find the role best suited to you.
Which platform is best for job search?
NSW Managing Director of People2People Recruitment, Catherine Kennedy says that the best platforms for jobseekers include job boards like Seek or LinkedIn, or company websites, as “they might post openings there that aren’t listed elsewhere, giving you an edge in your search”.
She also suggests networking and attending industry events; going through recruitment agencies for “job leads and career advice”; or joining a professional association. For example, if you are a community worker, you might join the Australian Community Workers Association. This can “give you access to job listings, networking opportunities, and career development resources.”
Some other platforms include Vpply, an online job search platform using video applications, and freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr to help you land contracting jobs.
How do I use ChatGPT to find a new job?
Director of IT recruitment agency Real Time Australia, Ellis Taylor recommends using ChatGPT to level-up a CV by saying to the digital tool:
“Please optimise my CV for this job.
“Use bullet points for {job title} with a {professional} tone. Qualify my achievements and consider the values of {company you’re applying to}.”
The IT recruitment expert also recommends asking ChatGPT for advice on the best CV type for the position you are applying for, or direction of where to apply.
What to look for in a job advert?
Ms Kennedy recommends taking note of the roles and responsibilities on a job ad; the qualifications required; where the job is based; the salary range and any flexibility or benefits offered. But, she says, above all, look for a unique selling proposition.
“This could be anything that sets the company or role apart from competitors, like their learning and development program, an innovative approach to business, or a commitment to employee development.”
On top of this, the People2People Recruitment part owner advises jobseekers to look at reviews on job sites like Glassdoor to see what insiders really think of the workplace that could be your next second home
“Over 62% of Australian employees stated purpose at work is key to their happiness at work, so making sure the company culture aligns with your own values will be essential to make this new job opportunity a positive experience.”
How do I stand out in my job search?
Ms Kennedy emphasises the importance of staying “organised and systematic” when searching for a job, keeping track of where you’ve applied and approaching each application with specificity.
“This shows that you’re taking your job search seriously and that you’re not just applying to anything and everything.”
To stand out in your job search, the recruitment expert also recommends being prepared for behavioural interviews, which ask candidates to provide specific examples of how they have handled work situations in the past. To do this, ensure you have stories and examples prepared ahead of time that match the qualities listed in the job description.
And, she adds, never underestimate the power of keeping your social media and LinkedIn up to scratch, or even consider creating an online website to showcase your portfolio.
How do I get a job with no experience?
If professional experience isn’t in your wheelhouse, “identifying your strengths and skills is crucial”.
Ms Kennedy says that skills like “excellent communication skills, computer proficiency, or attention to detail” can be valuable to an employer.
She also urges jobseekers with little experience to be “proactive”.
“Don’t wait for job openings to come to you; take the initiative to reach out to potential employers and express your interest in working with them.”
The Sydney woman recommends talking to friends and family to build a network and put yourself out there for potential jobs, and to “not to lose hope if you don’t hear back from employers right away.”
How do I use LinkedIn to find a job?
For 2023, LinkedIn found that with the rise of skills-based hiring, the top five in-demand skills are management, communication, customer service, leadership and sales. They recommend that you “learn these skills to help you stay in demand,” and list them on your profile to help recruiters spot you and want you.
Mr Taylor says the best way to utilise LinkedIn is by finding mutual connections of people who work at the company you would like to become a part of.
He also encourages jobseekers to “research types of employees they’ve hired in your position before and analyse the patterns.
“Once you have your pitch down pat, reach out directly to the hiring manager (potentially via LinkedIn) and shoot your shot!”