Make it happen

You need your own career and job search strategy. The best strategy for you will be built on your strengths. Networking? Writing job applications? Working? Don't leave your career and employment happiness to chance. Work on your skills and strengths and be open to advice.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the jobs market. There will be greater competition for jobs in coming months, and there will also likely be fewer advertised positions.

In these conditions, it is more important than ever to know what employers want, and how to demonstrate your suitability. Some key things to consider during this time are:

•  If you are looking for a job, try to keep an open mind and be as flexible as possible. For example, don’t restrict your search to familiar industries. Consider industries and sectors that currently need more workers like transport and logistics, some segments of retail and wholesale trade, health care and some manufacturing industries.

• Continue to check online recruitment websites, frequently, as these will always be used by employers. Check as many recruitment sites as you can, as well as checking the websites of big employers, as many of these only advertise jobs on their own websites.

• Be proactive in seeking employment by approaching employers directly (e.g. by email or by phone), checking social media, including Jobs Groups on Facebook, and reaching out through your network of family and friends.

•  When speaking with employers, be as flexible as possible with your availability and highlight your transferable skills and experience. Employers will be looking for reliable and flexible workers, with good communication skills who can learn new tasks quickly and adapt to new working environments. If you can, give examples from your work history which highlight these skills.

• Take time to update your résumé and cover letters. Ensure they are up-to-date, accurate and don’t contain spelling mistakes.

Information sourced from https://lmip.gov.au/default.aspx?LMIP/GainInsights/EmployersRecruitmentInsights