Is your current job unsatisfactory, or have you recently graduated and are looking for your first job? The job market is sometimes difficult to penetrate, both for young fresh graduates and experienced people. Start by networking and searching the internet for vacancies, polishing your CV and cover letter, then submitting an application that stands out from the crowd. This process may seem exhausting, but with determination and a plan, you'll get through it until you find the perfect opportunity.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Applying for a Job
Step 1. Read the job description carefully
The first step in applying for a job is knowing the requirements. Pay close attention to the job description. Focus on the qualifications required and what the task is.
Don't apply for jobs that fall outside of your qualifications. For example, if you don't speak Spanish, don't answer job postings that say "Speak Spanish."
Step 2. Search for keywords
Pay attention to what is emphasized in the job description. For example, in a vacancy for a marketing position, you might see terms like “digital marketing”, “SEO”, and “Google Analytics”. Make sure you mention these terms in your CV and cover letter.
Step 3. Review your material again
Most job search sites and company sites require you to submit files over the internet. Before clicking “submit”, read all the materials that have been prepared again. That includes a cover letter and CV. You should also pay attention to fields in online forms that ask for personal information and ensure that all information is entered correctly.
Step 4. Conquer the interview
After submitting your application, you certainly hope to get an interview. If asked to come, take the time to prepare. Make sure you've prepared examples of accomplishments and how you can help the company. For example, say, “I know you're looking for a new way to increase sales. I would be happy to propose some ideas for direct marketing activities.”
- Wear professional clothes.
- Make eye contact and speak with confidence.
- Arrive on time.
Step 5. Follow up
After the interview, a proper business etiquette to follow is to send a short thank you note. Usually, thanks are delivered via email. You could write, “Thank you for taking the time to see me today. I enjoy learning things about your company and look forward to working as part of your team.”
You can also follow up on a cover letter. For example, “I am writing this letter to confirm that you have received my application. I'd be happy to provide another example of my qualifications if you find it helpful."
Part 2 of 3: Preparing Materials
Step 1. Match the CV with the job description
A CV is a way to list your skills and qualifications. CV is also a medium to show employers that your skills match their needs. Take the time to tailor your CV to the job you are applying for. Look for keywords and themes in the job description and make sure your CV answers those keywords.
- For example, in a vacancy there is a requirement of “good communication skills”. Make sure you include specific examples of how you used your communication skills.
- You don't have to reshuffle your CV every time you apply for a job. Just make sure that the CV emphasizes the most important skills for the job in question.
Step 2. Create a personal profile
Start your CV with a little information about yourself. Write a paragraph mentioning your skills and what qualifications you can bring to the job. Explain briefly and professionally.
- Describe your most important skills in just a few sentences.
- Avoid vague skills like “neat and organized”. Use descriptive terms such as “negotiator”, “decision making”, and “time management”.
Step 3. Create a cover letter
Although a CV is actually sufficient, most vacancies require a cover letter. Prepare a draft and modify it according to the type of work. A good cover letter should describe your experience and qualifications. Use specific examples to explain why you are a good fit for the job.
- Perhaps the job description of the position you are interested in asks for people who can work as part of a team. You could write that in your experience as an intern, you were responsible for managing a project that involved several interns.
- Try to keep the cover letter only one page long.
Step 4. Edit carefully
Look carefully at your cover letter and CV, then make the necessary corrections. Make sure you correct any mistakes in spelling or grammar. Have friends or family read it. Other people's eyes can sometimes spot the error you missed.
Step 5. Improve your presence on the internet
Modern job search is mostly done through the internet. So you must have a good impression in cyberspace. Create a positive and professional social media profile. You never know when a potential employer will see your information.
- For example, create an impressive LinkedIn profile. Your profession should be concise and clear, like “Research Analyst”.
- Use the space provided to list your qualifications and experience.
- Don't forget to edit your profile.
- Enter contact information and link to CV.
Part 3 of 3: Looking for Job Opportunities
Step 1. Search the internet
Many companies and organizations advertise vacancies on job seekers and employer websites. If you know which company you want to work for, start by checking their site. Usually, they provide a “Vacancy” or “Job Opportunity” section. Click on the section to see what it contains.
- You can also use online job search engines to broaden your search. Enter keywords and geographic locations on popular sites such as Indeed, Jobs.id, JobStreet, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
- For example, if you are looking for a job as a medical equipment salesperson in Banjarmasin, use the search keywords “sales” and “medical”, and the geographic area “Banjarmasin”.
- Craigslist is also a great site to search for vacancies. This site is very helpful if you want a job ASAP.
Step 2. Use social media sites
Social networking sites aren't just for playing games and connecting with old friends. You can also search and apply for jobs from there. If you choose to use social media in your job search, consider setting your profile to “private” and creating a new, professional profile to share with employers. The following sites are great tools for job hunting:
- LinkedIn. You can use this site to create a professional profile. Post a biography that lets potential employers get to know you. You can also upload your latest CV for others to see.
- Twitter. More and more people are using this medium to find work. You can follow companies of interest and view job advertisements. You can also search for jobs with popular hashtags like #locker and #job.
Step 3. Take advantage of labor market information from the Manpower Office
You can also use the internet to search for job market information on the Ministry of Manpower website. Find a job in the city of your choice.
Like other job search engines, you can also search by keyword and city
Step 4. Start building the network
Networking is an opportunity to strengthen connections with people in your career field. On these occasions, you can also meet new people. Start making connections and communicating with people who can help you in your job search. You might say, "I'm just starting out in marketing, do you know if there's a right opportunity for me?" Consider contacting:
- Lecturer at college
- old boss
- People in the company you are interested in
- People who have the same career as you want
Step 5. Spread the word that you are looking for a job
Friends and family can be very helpful in the job hunt. They may know there are vacancies that you don't know about. They may also have friends of friends who are looking for employees. Make sure everyone in your community and family knows that you are looking for a new job.
You could say, “I'm looking for a job in publishing. Please let me know if there is info on vacancies in that field.”
Step 6. Attend a job fair
Job or career fairs are great opportunities to meet new people and learn a lot about companies and other job providers. Employment fairs are usually organized by the ministry of labor and universities. Sometimes private organizations also do it.
- Check the Ministry of Manpower or university website for information on job fairs.
- At job fairs, you can collect brochures and other information about the hiring company. You can also talk to recruiters.
Step 7. Make settings
A concrete plan will be one of your best resources. Make a job search plan. Take the time to plan how you will find work. Create a calendar of related weekly or daily activities, In that calendar, you can enter tasks such as:
- Search for vacancies on the internet
- Contact connection
- Polishing CV and cover letter
- Apply for a number of jobs each week
Tips
- Apply for multiple jobs at once.
- Always update CV.
- Know all the new opportunities in your area.
- Take constructive suggestions.
