Job Search Blog

This week its all about finding jobs direct. As an alternative to using job seekers websites, the following methods bypass the middle man and help connect you directly with employers.

Word of mouth – you hear of a job coming up

As a job seeker you are in a unique position to take advantage of this situation. Imagine this, a Manager of a reasonably large company has a job opening in the supply chain department. The Manager has a budget for hiring/staffing expenses however times are tough and it could cost thousands of dollars to hire the right person.

They are sitting at their desk when an email pops up from an address they don’t recognize and as they open it they realize its from someone that is seeking a position in a similar role which their department currently has open. The email is personally addressed to the Manager and is from someone that has experience and skills similar to what is being looked for. The the applicant has a professional looking CV and is available right away for an interview if required. It’s almost too good to be true!

Naturally, the Manager will more than likely follow this up and, if the applicant is successful in getting an interview, there may be little or no competition – ensuring a much higher liklihood of actually landing the position.

The scenario I have just described normally comes about when a person is told by a friend that someone at their work is leaving. That in itself is worth following up, as chances are that person will be replaced.

Research Company Career Pages

Another common and rewarding way to find jobs directly is by making a list of all the companies that you want to work for. Then, from that list, visit each company’s career site and check for any suitable vacancies. Most companies would prefer to hire someone they have found themselves, rather than paying a hefty commission to a recruitment agency.

For an example of a company with a great job vacancy section, check out Googles Job Page.

There is always something you can be working on when searching for a job. Don’t think that setting up email alerts to inform you of upcoming jobs is enough to get the ball rolling – be proactive! A job (in most cases) is not going to just come to you. You may need to hunt it down.

Happy Hunting!