Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/649887
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 MARCH 2016 II Careers & Training Mastering the job search IT is never too soon to start thinking about your future career... and never too late to make a change if you are looking for something new. Of course this is easier said than done, particularly if you have held your current job for a while and feel out of touch with the employment sector. Putting yourself out there, whether you've only just taken off your toga after gradua- tion or you are looking to change career, can be a daunting task. Should you go it alone? Should you use a recruiter? Does handing out printed CVs still work? Do you have the skills to make you stand out? The workplace has changed immeasur- ably in the last decade, one could even argue within the last five years and even in jobs that have been around for genera- tions. Tech-based jobs, for example, are almost unrecognizable from the days when an ECDL certificate was all you needed. Hospitality too has undergone major changes, thanks to the increasing importance of online reviews in maintaining a solid business reputation. Every other sector has evolved in one way or another and you should take this into account when you are looking for a job. Whatever sectors you're looking to work in, there are some things you should con- sider when hunting for your next prospect. Understand your search criteria Figure out your top five priorities, whether it is company culture, salary or a specific position. If you understand what motivates you as an employee, it will be easier to tar- get your applications to opportunities that match your skills and ambitions. Also be flexible. You don't want your specificity to cost you your dream job at your dream company. Tap your network. Everybody knows somebody. Within your existing network, there are probably three jobs that would be appropriate for you, but the people who could help open doors to those jobs just haven't thought of you. Make a list of everyone you know. Set a goal to touch base with three people you have not talked to for a year or more. Iden- tify the 25 most influential people in your network and brainstorm ways to strengthen your relationships with each. Use LinkedIn to maximum effect LinkedIn is a powerful tool to easily con- nect with the right people. Search your target market based on your industry, qualifications, university and interests, and connect with the people who interest you. For example, if you work in the insurance sector, you could aim to connect with all potential bosses and human resource departments in this industry and in your market. Read the job description thoroughly Reading the job description during your job search may take up time up front, but it is a major time-saver in the long run; you won't be applying for jobs for which you are an unlikely candidate. Companies generally have limited flex- ibility on their mandatory requirements, be it a particular university degree or specific job experience. However you should apply for a position if you are confident you can do the job, just be prepared to explain precisely how your skills or experiences are applicable to the opportunity at hand. Customize your resume and cover letter Shape both your cover letter and resume to speak to the company, position, key words and job requirements. Having mul- tiple "versions" of your resume can be an effective way of tailoring your experience to a particular role or industry. Don't stop applying for jobs Keep sending out CVs and looking for vacancies while you are waiting to hear back from an employer. Most job seekers are rejected by several employers before landing a job. Learn from your mistakes, and keep applying until you get the right offer. Worst-case scenario, you will be jug- gling multiple job offers. Check your skill set Although you may not have the time or financial resources to pursue an ad- vanced degree, taking additional course- work in your field to boost specific skills can get you noticed by a recruiter. Also, don't forget to cite key experience gained from volunteering for community, school or nonprofit groups. Look at your transferable skills, includ- ing project management, budgeting, supervising others and organizational planning. Know your worth Even in such a highly competitive job market, it's a mistake to settle for less just to get the job. Before accepting an offer, consult a salary survey or online salary calculator to make sure the package is competitive within your field. It's an out- dated idea that you should take anything to get your foot in the door - it could take you 10 years to get a decent salary.