Proactive Job Search Tips

Job boards:

1. Choose your job boards, we are glad you are here by the way! As well as the well-known large players there are many independent and specialist job boards like us, who may get access to more specific industry or professional roles, so check online to see if there are any in your chosen profession or industry.
2. Set job alerts on your chosen job boards. When applying for jobs with us look for the button at the bottom which asks if you would like us to automatically set up job alerts for similar jobs. You can also create your own in the candidate log in area.
3. Make your profile and CV visible, this will allow employers and recruiters to find you and you get vacancies direct to your inbox. Ethical Jobseekers CV search function is linked to job advertisements so employers can only search CV’s when they have a listed vacancy.
4. Be mindful if you create a profile that you do so safely and do not include sensitive or personal information over the internet you do not want to be publicly viewed. Read our tips on Staying safe.
5. Check out Employer profiles – Find out more about companies of interest, our employers in our directory have a follow us button which notifies you when you log in if they have posted any jobs.

Social Media

Employers and Recruiters often use their social media, corporate website, employees and recruitment professional contacts to build up a pool of viable candidates for jobs. You can do this too.

1. Make sure your social media accounts are in tip top shape. If appropriate (i.e. you are not working) let your network know you are in the market for new opportunities.
2. Target Company Websites: If there are a few companies you are keen to work for, check out the company website. They may have a speculative application process. If they have a physical high street presence why not drop in and speak to the manager.
3. Follow companies you are interested in: Companies often post information on new vacancies or information that may indicate they are hiring such as winning new business or relocation.

Find a recruitment agent:

Recruitment agencies can be a good source of jobs for specialist skills or if you require immediate short term work.

Do not be afraid to ask them what sort of experience they have in the industry you are interested in. Ask how they would go about selling you to a client or job searching on your behalf. Check if they below to a certified professional body such as the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Be sure to tell them of your essential and desirable criteria. You should also read the terms and conditions of registration. Note: Recruitment agency services should be free to candidates so be wary of anyone who asks you to pay for them to find you work. They charge the employer on successful placement.

Friends or industry contacts:

Don’t forget your personal network! Ask around you may have contacts in the industry already. When appropriate get in touch, they may be willing to provide you with information on who to contact in their organisation about jobs.