Tools

#01
GET NETWORKING
The laws of getting a job have changed and if you don't abide by them you are decreasing your chances exponentially. Eighty per cent of jobs secured in today's market are gained through networking. Not through job ads. Nor by randomly sending out your CV.   

#02
DON'T BE DAUNTED
The global economy, mass redundancies and the internet have converged to create a cultural shift. It is phenomenal to have watched and participated in job searches over the last few years. Job search can feel daunting, but it doesn't need to be. Career planning and networking are the joint kings.

#03
MAKE A PLAN
Make sure you know the type of job you want. Understand your transferable skills that another employer will value. Be realistic about your job search and the market. Create a plan with objectives and goals. If you've been made redundant, treat your job search as your job. Don't be distracted by home life.

#04
STAY IN CONTROL
Find the best ways to help yourself. Today's rules empower you to take control of your career planning like never before. Yes, use the right recruitment agencies, yes, look at job ads, but search and select well and don't send CVs to every ad you see. Understand the secrets of a job search and work them. Keep every avenue open. Having options helps you to stay optimistic. Don't let self-deception be your downfall. If you're dealing with redundancy, move through common stages of shock, denial and anger as quickly as possible. The best place to be is acceptance, where you can move ahead and start solving problems. The faster you move, the better.

#05
PREPARE YOUR 'PITCH'
Start talking to people - face to face, at the sportsground, the gym or with parents at school. Reconnect with old colleagues and contacts. You never know who knows who. Get your casual but professional 'pitch' ready. Use it again and again so it feels natural to you.

#06
RESEARCH YOUR MARKET
Search the internet to find out what's happening in your industry. Resist the temptation to read just relevant business news. You should also research companies that outperform the market, know who's moved jobs and which companies have won new contracts. Find a way of getting in touch with key people - phone them, email them, find them on LinkedIn. If you are targeting a specific company to hire you, LinkedIn's new "Follow Company" feature sends notifications on activity such as hires, promotions, new job opportunities, and profile changes - all information you can use to help you land a job.

#07
USE SOCIAL NETWORKS
Do not fear social networks. They are a useful and easy opportunity to make yourself known to the right people. Don't kid yourself that it's a fad.  People have been networking for centuries, and social networks are a key way to do it now. It will be a skill you can reuse repeatedly in the future. Contact new and relevant people daily.

#08
BE CONSISTENT
Protect your personal brand on every relevant social network. If you say you're one thing on one site, but something else on another, you will be found out. Recruiters and prospective employers will Google you. Count on it.

#09
KEEP OPTIONS OPEN
Remember that if you've been doing the same job search routine for two months and it's not working, do something differently. Mirror other people's positive actions. If it works for them, could it work for you?

#10
DON'T STOP MOVING
Get out there and hit the ground running. See your positive side and sell yourself. Secure contracts to earn interim money or consider volunteering to keep active.  All experience can be used as a positive to sell yourself. It'll also help protect your state of mind. Job searching is like a rollercoaster. Be aware that you will experience ups and downs. Move to the ups as quickly as possible and remember a good attitude in every conversation you have can make all the difference.

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