How to Job Search?

"I've applied for more than 150 jobs, but only got through 2 interviews so far. What do I do? Can you help me?"

"I've been applying for more than 10 jobs a day for the past 2 months. No response at all. Can you please guide me to find a job?"

"I'm an international student trying to get my first job. I've been applying on SEEK, LinkedIn, Facebook etc., and also for graduate programs. Everyone needs work experience or Permanent Resident. I haven't received any response yet"

For almost a year, I've been helping new migrants to understand how the Australian job market works. Most voice the concerns that mentioned above, and if you are reading this - very likely that you are going through the same. Job search is hard, and if you are a migrant - it's very important to understand how the system works and work accordingly.

INTRO

By using job search techniques which work in your country, you are burning the wrong fuel to fire the engine. It might spark one day and get you through - but other wise you just wasting all your energy doing the wrong things. Gone are the days wherein you just apply online and wait for things to happen. You have to make stuff work for you now.

Why is this the wrong way to look for a job?

I'd like to quote Thushan(a Recruiter from Hays) to explain what's wrong with this approach

"When I put up an ad on SEEK, I get like 200 applications overnight. Out of which I'll filter out 50 very quickly. But before I take a look at that 50, I'll have a list of 20 to whom I've already connected or met before. I'll call them first, then the 50 and if I still don't get anyone I'll go back to the 200."

That's how the system works today. With competition so high, if you rely on just applying online - you end up in the 200 block (note that depending on your role, the number of applications can sky rocket!). Luck plays a big factor here. Your resume might be fantastic, your profile might be brilliant - but that's not what counts here. I used to say in Australia - Who you know matters more than what you know. But I was recently corrected by Johnathan Maltby - It's not who you know matters, it's who knows you!

If the recruiter knows you, you'll be the first to get the call - simple. So your target should be to get in that list of 20.

How should you look for a job?

Do not rely on just online applications. There is only so much 2 pages can do for you. You have to network extensively, make yourself visible and slowly build your brand. Branding is one thing that people do not give any importance to while job hunting. Your brand will bring recruiters to you instead of you chasing them.

Using LinkedIn

I this age of technology, it's easy to garner attention. LinkedIn is an amazing tool if you use it right. Let me show you the right way to use LinkedIn

1. Find Recruiters OR Find people in the org you saw an opening
2. Connect! Connect! Connect
3. Send your resume, ask for referral and to let you know if there is ANY relevant opening

If you think that's the right way - you are totally wrong. I did this for the 8 months while job hunting, and 95% of the time I just got back silence. Instead of doing this, do the following -

1. Write meaningful posts - it could be about the tech you are working in or a meetup you just went for
2. Engage in posts made by people whom you are trying to connect
3. Give them a reason for them to help you (in this case a referral)

I know this works because when I started blogging (I just wrote about my journey to Australia), recruiters started calling me and checking in how I was doing. This was a stark reminder for me that I was playing it all wrong!

Be consistent on this. Note that if you lose momentum, you have to start again. Also keep in mind that this is a slow process (hey but that's better than what you are doing now!)

Networking in real world

Go for meetups, try to get people for a coffee catchup (Note : don't just target recruiters. Anyone in your domain). Don't go with an intention to get a job/referral. Go to talk, learn, observe and improve yourself. When you start doing this - you'll slowly be visible and people will be ready to help you.

Example : You meet a recruiter at a meetup and have a nice chat. Get their contact/card after the conversation and connect to them on LinkedIn. Next day appreciate them for the chat and tell them that you'd like to know more about the industry and if they are open for a coffee catch up. This works ways better than a cold call/email as you have made a personal connection.

Conclusion

Networking is key to mould your career in the future. Start doing it now - all migrants come here without knowing anyone and don't make that an excuse for not networking. It can do wonders for you if done right.

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I've just covered the tip of an iceberg in this article. It's a continuous process and make your unique journey out of it. I've been going through this journey and sharing a lot of info on my LinkedIn posts - take a look and share your thoughts!