Module Two: Job Hunting Processes

 Module Two: Job Hunting Processes

The Job Hunting Process

There are different stages that leads up to the point of getting a job offer. each of those stages comes with unique, demands, tasks purpose. They are so interdependent that you need to excel in the first stage before may get to the second stage, and the order continues like that.

The stages in the  job hunting process (cycle) include:

1. Looking for work 
2. Applying for jobs
3. Screening (Aptitude test and/or Interviews) and 
4. Job offers.

Looking for work: 

This comprises  all the various steps you take to get to know about job leads or job openings that you like. 

To save time , minimise disappointment and  make this process highly productive, it is important to  search for job roles that fit in with your qualifications and goals. Search for such jobs in companies that you're really interested in.

This doesn't require applying to all jobs, which will increase stress, dissipate time and may lead to higher rejections. 

When you   lack  passion for a job role or for a company, you may not put in the necessary effort needed to convince  the hiring manager that you're the right fit for the job. 

But, when you define your career interest, the roles and companies you prefer and focus on those, it is easier to take stock of factors that make you a right fit and showcase them to potential employers. This will make you to stand out and usually increase chances of getting shortlisted.

Steps in Searching for Work

Looking for work involves: 

• Defining your career preference--the roles you love  as well as the companies you love to work for.
• Researching the companies and the requirements of the roles 
• Taking stock of the qualities you have that are required by the potential employers [qualities that make you suitable for those roles].
• Checking job listings
• Building your network
• Staying connected to your network
• Leveraging your network for job leads and advice
• Contacting recruiters in your network to learn about openings

Applying for jobs: 

Applying for jobs involves preparing tailored resume and cover letter ( where applicable) for each role you find interesting and sending your application to the potential employer. 

To boost your chances of getting invitation for screening [ aptitude test and/or interviews], ensure to pay attention to the important details that may help to avert getting rejected at application level. These include applying to jobs you are qualified for. 

It doesn't mean you have to be 100% qualified before you can apply. If you meet at least 65% of the job requirements, apply for it. To do so, make sure you observe the next detail which involves  tailoring your application to the specific job. Then, proofread your application ( resume, cover letter) and equally have it proofread by someone you trust, who's willing to help, before sending the application.

It is worth emphasizing that when searching and applying for jobs, make sure potential employers can find you easily and be interested in you by:

• Applying to jobs you're reasonably qualified for-- jobs you meet most of the requirements.
• Using tailored resume or customizing your resume to fit in with the requirements of the job you're applying for. Do same for your cover letter, when cover letter is  required. Smatkaria writes/reviews the resume and cover letter of each of our clients and tailor them to the specific job the client is applying for. We equally  conducts regular monthly sessions where we guide our clients to practice the writing of job tailored resume and job tailored cover letter. Contact our customer care if you need a custom resume and/or custom cover letter to apply for job. See contact info here
• Building online presence, through social media, professional sites, and a personal website, if you can. Personal website can be helpful too, when used to showcase your competencies and  opinions in a field, in other to attract leads and offers.
• Optimizing your social media profiles, to rank well on Google
• Connecting with and reaching out to recruiters directly, from time to time, so they can easily remember you.

Screening for work:

The screening stage may include aptitude test and interviews. When that is the case, the aptitude test will usually come before the interviews. Aptitude test is used to select potential candidates that should be invited for interviews. Interviews are used to discover suitable applicants that are qualified for  job offer.

To succeed in the screening stage, or to  avert being rejected at this level:

• Prepare well before taking aptitude test to enable you to ace the aptitude test.
• Prepare well prior to interviews so as to  perform satisfactorily at interviews.

To do that, the following will help:
Review the job description. 

Job offers: 

This stage covers getting an offer for the job you interviewed for, signing the employment agreement and resumption of work.