How to: jump-start your job search

Why is it important?

If you're fortunate, a dream job may one day land in your lap, but this passive approach to job hunting certainly can't be relied upon. What's more, if you've been in the same job for some time, it is likely that your jobseeking skills will be out of practice.

And if trawling through the job pages or surfing job boards isn't yielding results, it is probably time to take steps to jump-start your search.

Ideally, you need to be hearing about vacancies before they are advertised, enabling you to steal a march on other candidates. This isn't as difficult as it sounds, you just need to be proactive and capitalise on all media and methods available to you in your search.

Where do I start?

Be clear about the kind of position you are after and that it represents a good fit. If you are going to proactively network and market yourself, you must measure up to your billing in reality.

Paul Armstrong, client partner at HR consultancy Penna, advises thinking about yourself as a product and listing your selling points, what you like doing and what you want to do less of. It is also important to be aware of your weaknesses but don't underestimate your skills and talents, he says.

"The key is not to procrastinate - it's easier to give yourself permission to get out and talk to people on a research project regarding your future than agonise about the actual decision to resign or accept an eventual job offer. Your future is out there waiting for you to bump into it," he says.

Network harder

Effective networking is central to any active job search. Most of us are part of more than one network even if we don't realise it.

There is your professional network of current and former colleagues and people you have met through work at events such as conferences and courses and then there is your private network of friends and those people you have met socially or at non-work functions. Look at who could be most influential in the networks and stay in regular contact with them.

Attend events where you think you might meet existing or new contacts that will expand your network further.

Be relentless in your networking activity as you could be just one person away from your perfect job. Bear in mind also that networks can grow organically.

"The more people who know that you are in the market the more chances you will generate," says Armstrong, who also says it is important to see the long-term value of networks. "The person whose advice you seek now may well need yours in a few months' time."

Get cold calling

Cold calling has pushy, sales connotations for many people but a voluntary inquiry can be an effective way of hearing about jobs in the 'hidden' market, especially if you have identified a particular company for which you'd like to work.

It offers the potential to strike up an instant connection with a potential employer and could make the difference between hearing about a vacancy before it is advertised and seeing it at the same time as everyone else.

Remember too that if you are the perfect match, it will save your prospective employer costly recruitment fees. Even if there isn't a current suitable vacancy, register your interest for future positions.

Make use of technology

The internet has given jobseekers a powerful tool to jump-start their job search. As well as being able to check out employer career sites, job boards and referral and reward sites, a wealth of social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Viadeo have emerged which can help put employers in touch with potential talent and vice versa.

Their use is two-fold for proactive jobseekers: they may find themselves targeted by employers using such sites to spot potential talent who may be spending time on the network and they can use them to build an online network that can help in their own job search.

If you only do 5 things

1. Expand your network.
2. Rehearse your 60-second introduction.
3. Work on raising your profile.
4. Begin cold calling.
5. Tap in to technology.

For more info

101 Ways to Power Up Your Job Search
Tom Buck, William R Matthews, Robert N Leech, McGraw-Hill Education, £7.99, ISBN 0070410437

How to research the job market
How to plan your career online
How to sell yourself in 60 seconds

Scott Beagrie

Expert's view looking for a new job

Paul Armstrong, client partner, Penna

What's the latest thinking on job hunting?

All the baby boomer, generation X, generation Y and 'millennium' stereotypes are fascinating to read up on. Employers have had to change their thinking in the recruitment process. Anti-ageism legislation, diversity and changing demographics mean that the job market is more flexible and buoyant than it has ever been - it's time to throw off your shackles and get active.

How can you get something extra from the process?

Job searching can be tiring, stressful, emotional and demotivating but it can also be a huge development experience. Many people build skills or inner levels of self-confidence and awareness through their job search, which stay with them throughout the rest of their careers.

How can you measurably improve your chances?

Be clear about what they are offering as a 'product'. Can you articulate that in 30 seconds? Hone your elevator speech.

What would be your three top tips to those looking for a new job?

• Be proactive - talk, research, help others and build your profile outside your current organisation.
• Draft and rehearse your elevator speech - be clear about who you are, what you can do and what you want.
• Build confidence - dress the part, define your achievements, put your weaknesses into perspective - you are probably much better than you think.