Graduates-Finding It Difficult to find a job?

January 17, 2012 at 5:26 PM

Finding it difficult to find a job?

In this current climate of high unemployment with some employees finding their jobs under threat of redundancy, many professionals are wondering how and where to job seek. With the knowledge that even with sector specific qualifications and skills guaranteed jobs are hard to come by, the ‘should I stay or should I go’ dilemma is ever prevalent.

But it far easier these days to find jobs if you know where to look.

Many jobs in the UK are filled without ever being advertised, so as well as regularly checking recruitment websites for advertised vacancies, candidates should also create a check list of target sectors, skills and where appropriate companies. By keeping up to date with sector news; and company updates via news sites, online trade publications and also Social Media sites like Twitter, prospective employees will learn about opportunities ahead of any jobs being advertised.

In addition regular job searches on recruitment sites like Guardian jobs. Property Week and Estates Gazette will keep candidates abreast of advertised job opportunities. Job hunters should also consider working their alumni – reconnecting with former colleagues, co-workers, student and graduates.

Why is it difficult to find a job?
Basically it’s difficult to find a job because there are less jobs than there are jobseekers. Certain industries, retail, banking, local government and in some cases healthcare have been hit hard by the recession suffering funding or revenue cuts. In these industries candidates may be advised to consider how transferable their skills, experience and qualifications may be to other industries or roles. Again recruitment sites and trade news sites can be good sources of career change ideas and routes into emergent employment markets – where new job opportunities may be coming from.

Tips to help you job seek - Set job goals
• Have a clear goal of what your next job role will entail.
• What are your current strengths? List all prior skills, achievements, and experience on your CV, and sell yourself on application forms and cover letters.
• If your ideal job were unavailable, how could you change things? Eg your commute or sector?
• Measure your milestones. Are you receiving feedback from potential employers or recruitment agencies?