A job search can sometimes take only a few days but it can also take several months. Therefore you need to have some staying power and to be very positive.
A few quick reminders to help with the job search are
Set Aside Time
Have you heard the saying “it’s a full time job getting a job”? Well, this is so because looking for a job can take a lot of time. So, make time available for the job searches and be consistent. Do not make an effort one week and then stop for several weeks after that. You need to keep at it. And the more time you spend on your job search, the better your chances of finding a job.
It is very common for people looking for a first job to spend most of their days on the mission. So don’t be discouraged.
Apply, Apply, Apply
Check your local papers out to see which ones have ads for the kinds of jobs you’re looking for. Be sure to check the papers as early in the day of publication as possible. And if it’s a hard copy; circle the ads you find interesting and then go over each of the circled ads carefully and several times. Just to make sure you have the right skills and qualifications for them.
If you do not have access to a local daily paper do not be shy to ask the paper person to have a quick look through the advertisement and to jot down any new offers in a note book. Some other places you can look are notice boards at shopping malls, city markets, government lobbies, the gates of business premises and on company websites ( some have a “Do you want to work for us?” section).
Check every possible outlet out and apply if you think you qualify for the job. Do remember too that you can also walk in a premises and ask for an opening. In fact some sectors like retail and restaurants, often want people at short notice.
Keep Records
Every time you send an employer a job request or answer an advertisement be sure to record the date. Also, keep the papers you submitted in a safe place and go back there every so often. Weeks, even if it is months later, go back and check your records. Which jobs did you apply for, who did you speak to about looking for a job and which are the places you visited?
The onus is on you to keep track of all the places you’ve applied to, where they are located and who you talked to. And to make a follow-up.
Be Resourceful
Not everyone has an email address, a physical address or a phone number. If you are one of those people then do not be afraid to ask relatives or friends for assistance. Ask to use their address or phone number for communicating and to get replies. Also ask them for help with money to travel to and from an interview, to use in an internet café or buy a bundle for your phone.
If you are in good terms with your neighbor; ask them for help. Or ask people in charge at your place of worship. The point here is to try as many avenues as possible. And remember that people cannot read minds. Approach them and explain to them about what you need. Many cases more than none, they will come up with a solution.
Use Social Media
Social media is the public address system that is available to all of us. Post frequently on your status or pin on your page that you are looking for a job. With a summary of who you are, what you have done, and what you can do. Do mention the kind of job you are looking for and the special skills you have to offer.
As social media is with you all day every day keep tabs on the jobs that are advertised on people’s timelines and do not be afraid to use it to ask people for advice, for leads or even finances to get you started.
Beware
Be very aware that there are a lot of scammers out there so be careful. If a job sounds too good to be true, it is probably too good to be true. So make sure you know what’s involved before you apply for or accept a job offer. Also, you should never have to pay anyone for giving you a job or giving you an appointment for an interview. You may have to pay for an application form but make sure you can trust the source.
Be positive. You will get a job!
