Step by step guide when you’re looking for a new job
1
Sit and think about what you actually want
The most important thing to do first, is to think about what you actually want in a role. It’s a good idea to come up with a list of dealbreakers – things you absolutely cannot live without. And a list of desirables – things you can be flexible on.
It would be good to consider:
✔ Your minimum salary requirements
✔ Locations you’d be happy to travel to
✔ The type of environment you’d like to be in (large, small, corporate, non-corporate etc)
✔ What you want to be doing in the role (and things you’d like to avoid)
✔ What’s important to you moving forward (do you want to have progression, work-life balance, hybrid versus office based etc)
2
Create your CV
The next step is to create your CV, we have a handy guide and downloadable template to help you with this. There is a lot of advice out there that says to tailor your CV for every single role you apply for. We’re aware that this would be incredibly time consuming. So instead, we suggest creating a CV for each type of role you plan to apply for. For example, if you’re planning to apply for both Customer Service and Administration roles, have a CV for each.
This is especially relevant if you’re thinking about having a career change or taking a step down in roles. You will want to create a CV that is tailored more towards the type of role that you want to apply for, removing any irrelevant jargon and focussing on the transferrable skillsets.
3
Set up job alerts on job boards
Nowadays the main way to look for a job is via adverts posted on job boards. It’s a good idea to set up job alerts so you’re notified as soon as new vacancies matching your requirements are posted. That way you can get your application in before anybody else!
The main job board would be Indeed, so definitely keep an eye on that one! There is also TotalJobs, Reed, CVLibrary and Monster.
4
Register with Recruitment Agencies
A good recruiter will be worth their weight in gold when it comes to your job search. They will let you know about open positions matching your requirements and will also offer support such as CV tips and interview preparation advice throughout the process.
It’s important you work with recruiters you trust, so make sure to check out their Google Reviews and get a good feel for them from their website.
If you’d like to register your details with us, pop your CV to us via the form at the bottom of this page.
5
Apply for live vacancies and prep for initial calls
Once you start applying for live vacancies be aware that the chances are people will give you a call, to discuss your application. It’s not a good look to have no idea what job they’re talking about, so it’s a good idea to keep a list of the roles you’ve applied for, and what it was about the job that interested you.
It would also be worth having a think about how you would describe what you do in your current position and why you’re looking to move on from there, so you’re prepared for their initial questions.
6
Follow our interview prep guide
Once you start getting interviews arranged (wahoo!) it’s important to do your preparation. Take a look at our handy interview prep guide, with all the tips you need to ace every single one!
