How to succeed: 3 effective tips and tactics for a proactive job search
When looking for a job, it is important to actively monitor job sites such as kaikkityopaikat.fi. This will help you build awareness of which companies are actively growing, understand the types of roles these companies are looking for and tailor your future job application in the best possible way.
In addition to browsing job advertisements, proactive contact and relationship building is also crucial. Especially in a challenging market, competition for vacancies is fierce and it’s important to make sure you have access to the so-called “job seekers”. It’s important to make sure that you are able to access even the most hidden jobs. This refers to positions that are filled through networks without having to open the job to public search. This saves the company time and money when they know, for example, where to look for a vacant job. This saves the company money by knowing that they have three potential candidates with the right background for the role and, more importantly, a genuine interest in the company.
Below are the three most essential tips for proactive job search.
1. Beat the hidden jobs – make cold contacts and start building your own network
The best way to expand your network is to be in touch with decision-makers directly. A few decades ago, this was done by going to a company’s office or other premises and saying “hello”, so to speak. The same tactic works today, but of course everything is done entirely digitally.
If you are looking for a job in, for example, financial administration, it is best to contact the team leader directly who is responsible for e.g. 6 people. The same applies to other roles such as marketing and sales. For example, use LinkedIn or Google to find out who the team leader is and contact them directly by email or LinkedIn message.
Keep your message reasonably concise and make sure you explain why your background is relevant (e.g. three years’ experience in an assistant controller role), why you are interested in the company (e.g. I am interested in the energy sector through my education and green energy) and open up your timeframe (e.g. my current temporary role ends in three months). If there is no reply you can always call the person back and introduce yourself. Remember, employers appreciate your proactivity and curiosity. Summon up your courage and create your own opportunities!
2. Participate in events
Different industries hold different events that bring together a large number of the people working in the industry. Many of these events, such as Matkamessut or Habitare, are free or almost free for consumers. Attending these events is a convenient way to meet face-to-face with representatives of many different companies. For example, it is reasonably easy to talk to eight different companies in two hours. Make sure you collect contact details for each meeting. For example, you could ask for a business card or take a picture of a lanyard. Even if the person you are talking to is not directly responsible for recruitment, you will often get a good snapshot of the general recruitment situation and often also the names of people to contact.
3. Go through your existing network
The old saying: he who asks does not go astray.
This is also true today, so make sure you use your existing network.
A lot of people think I don’t have a network when everyone else does.
So think through all your old school friends, former colleagues and close relatives.
Where each one is working today and whether any of these companies might be a good match for your skills and industry experience.
Often this also means actively communicating that you are looking for new opportunities.
Have you remembered to mention in various encounters that you are looking for a new job, by the way.
Many people find it challenging to put it forward even though it takes maybe 10 seconds to say the actual sentence.
At the same time, ask if you happen to know of any jobs that might be available that I could fit into.
If you have ten conversations like this, often one or two people will say that now that you’ve mentioned it, you should probably talk to Mikko or Maija, for example.
Sometimes the solution to a problem may be closer than you think, so don’t forget to tap into your own network of friends and acquaintances.
Finally
In summary, proactive job search requires active networking, attending events and making use of your own network.
The starting point is that networking and being active is an important way to find hidden jobs. Secondly, events are an effective way to meet face-to-face with company representatives. Thirdly, existing networks should be harnessed as old contacts and acquaintances can open up new opportunities.
Proactivity and courage are key to finding a new job. Get out of your comfort zone and take the plunge, because a new job is just around the corner.
Good luck and good luck in your job search!