Job Search Strategies

Over the years, I’ve realised most client’s don’t plan ‘what next’ in their career, or even think about the sort of company that they would like to work for. Yet the sort of company (whether big or small) you work for can have a huge impact on your overall career and lifestyle.

So in this article, I share with you the key differences between working for a large company versus a small company. Hopefully you will take this into account, in terms of the type of jobs and companies that you target. [Read more…] about What is best for your career – big or small companies?

From small and humble beginnings in the mid-nineties job boards have now grown to become an integral part of the employment process and a key way, people look for a job.

Today, there are hundreds of job-boards in Australia and an estimated 41,000 worldwide.  With off the shelf software and free job board technology readily available, you will find a job board available that will enable you to locate your perfect job – with every conceivable niche accommodated for, from location, profession, job type or sector.  Job boards regularly list tens of thousands of jobs each day and cover every target demographic from mature workers, part-time workers, teenagers, through to working mums. [Read more…] about How to make job boards work for you

Failing to narrow down your job search

If you are desperate for a job, just been made redundant, or just don’t know quite what you want to do, you might be like thousands of other job seekers out there and just apply for any old job that comes your way.

However, this is a major mistake, because you need to know exactly what sort of jobs you are going to apply for, BEFORE you start applying for jobs.

Now I know what you might be thinking – I need a job, any job, so I’m just going to apply for jobs. – PERIOD!  However, before you take this path, hear me out.  You see the ‘apply for anything approach’ is not effective.  Why? [Read more…] about Two Major Mistakes most Job Seekers Make

I often read headlines that inform us that age discrimination is a really big problem, with the Age Discrimination Commissioner stating that unemployment among older Australians is a national disaster.

Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that one-third of older people who have given up looking for work say it is because employers think they are too old.  In addition a staggering 68% of all age discrimination complaints to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in Australia are about employment. [Read more…] about Age discrimination – fact or fiction?

When you start to get frustrated with your job, sometimes it is easy to think it would be a great idea to leave and find another job.  This attitude is very prevalent amongst job-hoppers, who quickly switch jobs as a result of boredom, frustration, or a perceived, or actual conflict with other staff members or management.  But sometimes it is important to have a serious think about staying in a job, rather than leaving – and below is some valid points you need to consider as to why it might be a good idea to stay, rather than leave.

Being perceived as a job-hopper can be detrimental to your career

In a booming economy, if you are a skilled worker, then it is probably not going to be that detrimental if you have a record of job-hopping.  However, as the job market retracts (as with the current market), it will be more difficult to secure a new job and employers will prefer to employ someone with a stable work history to someone with an unstable work history.  If you have been through several jobs in the last year or so, you need to seriously consider staying put.

Excessive personal debt

If your finances are stretched to the limit, (mortgage, credit card debt, personal loans), moving jobs is a much greater risk.  Obviously if you can secure a higher paying position, then great, but make sure that the job is secure, the costs associated with taking the new job is minimal and that you are confident that the probation period is not going to be a problem for you.

No job to go to

It is not always a good idea to leave, without another job to go to.  Even assuming that you don’t need to work to make a living, or you can cover costs for an extended period of time – generally it is easier to find work, if you are in a job, rather than out of a job.  Plus it is way more stressful finding a job, when you are effectively unemployed, so it is best not to leave without a new job, unless there are extenuating circumstances at work, or at home.

No idea what you want to do

Unless you have a really good understanding of what you want to do, then don’t leave, just because you are bored or frustrated, as otherwise you could end up in another similar job, or situation.  Make sure you are clear as to what sort of job you want, and if necessary, get career counselling.

Is the job that bad?

Before you leave, carefully consider your current position and assess your options.  So often people convince themselves that they are being underpaid, but in reality are being paid the average market rate.  You also need to weigh up the various options, as it might be the job, rather than the organisation that is making you disillusioned or bored with your lot.  Remember, a change won’t necessarily mean that you end up in a better work environment or position, so do your homework before you leave.