Job Search Strategy

What’s your job search strategy? Are you waiting on responses from applications through LinkedIn or Indeed? While this can work, a clear strategy will help create better quality applications and opportunities to reflect on what you want in your career.

It is important to start with you when developing your strategy. Ask yourself the following questions:

What type of job am I interested in?

What do I visualise myself doing every day? Who will I be working with?

What will I be telling other people about my day, my week when I get this new role?

What kinds of jobs or companies might fit my values, interests, and personality?

Use your experiences in your modules, INTRA or Erasmus placements and participation in university life or part-time jobs to give you insights. Try writing out an ideal job description; describe the tasks, who you’d be working with, and the skills required (these should be your strengths) and take note of Gradireland’s Rules for an Effective Job Search.

With some knowledge about what you’re looking for, it’s time to explore the labour market. This may require more research on job titles and industry trends (Careers Portal is a good starting point), and talking to professionals. DCU Business School alumni can also make use of their networks with academics, alumni, friends, colleagues, classmates, professionals, or teammates from extracurricular activities to help them find out more about the types of jobs that are out there. You can use LinkedIn to explore career pathways, look into the job titles created by different employers and get a sense of what types of roles and companies match what you’re looking for. Make sure you have a compelling LinkedIn profile before you start!

You can broaden your search by researching job titles in your area of interest. Not all HR jobs include the term “HR” or marketing roles “marketing,” by looking at job titles of alumni through the DCU LinkedIn page or looking at the job titles of professionals in some of your top choice companies (use LinkedIn)..

If you have experience already you might want to try working with a recruiter. This is not a shortcut to a job and you must be willing to put effort into the relationship for it to work. You can find these companies through a Google search. Google maps can be very helpful in identifying companies or agencies in your field of interest and in your local area. Once you have a list of companies, do a bit more research. Follow them on LinkedIn and check for mutual connections, follow the people most likely to post about upcoming vacancies.

Your job search strategy should always include job research. Reading the job specifications can help, so can reaching out to your network to ask questions about their job and industry. An informational interview (networking conversation / info gathering session) can help get you answers and insights into careers you’re interested in. 3 Steps to a Perfect Informational Interview

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to work on your application materials and to start applying. This guide from The Muse has some more helpful information to get you started. The Ultimate Job Search Guide: Literally Everything You Need to Know to Land a Job You’ll Love. Don’t forget to track your activities, keep your network up-to-date and thank everyone who helps you out along the way.

Job Search Strategy