Searching for work

Job-seeking the smart way

The economic downturn has resulted in one of the toughest job markets we have seen in years. Recent member feedback has highlighted the difficulties some members are encountering finding suitable jobs. If you consider that over the last year salary levels have come down and competition for jobs has increased dramatically then it's not surprising that jobseekers are finding it tough.

The good news, however, is that there are plenty of things you can do to increase your chances of securing a job!

Reality Check

The uncomfortable truth for job seekers is they need to adjust their expectations in the current market, ideally everyone wants a full-time permanent job at their own level of experience but this might not be possible. If so then you have to consider your alternatives:

Revise your salary expectations (are you pricing yourself out of work?)

Consider taking a more Junior role in order to return to the workplace - be realistic, apply for roles 1 or 2 steps down from your last position but not less than this

Consider different locations further from home (could you re-locate if necessary)

Consider working on a contract or part-time basis (the more flexible you are in relation to work the better chance you have)

These can be difficult choices to make but will increase the range and number of roles you can apply for. Knowing what options are viable for you will focus your search and avoid time-wasting. Furthermore, you'll be able to target the right places to send your CV.

Work out a System

It's a good idea to develop a routine or plan when applying for jobs, be disciplined and adopt a systematic approach - this way it's much easier to keep track of applications (it reflects badly on you if you keep applying for the same job!). The main ways to finds out about new opportunities include;

Job websites (Irishjobs, jobs.ie etc.),
Checking the media (local/national newspapers, radio & TV adverts)
Recruitment agency websites
Word of mouth (networking)

You should check these areas every day. Get into a routine as it will help you to keep a track of your applications and more importantly help you to keep positive. Below are the main ways you can apply for jobs.

Applying Direct to Employers

In an attempt to cut recruitment costs many employers are increasingly looking to recruit staff directly themselves. This is good news for jobseekers but the difficulty for you is differentiating your CV from all the other applicants. Below are some simple rules to follow;

Include a cover letter - make it engaging, relevant and try to show some previous knowledge of the company you're applying to.
Find out the name/names of the relevant people in the accounts or HR dept that are looking after the recruitment (this is sometimes included in the job advert but if not then find out!)
Follow up your applications with a phone call -Speak with the relevant contact (as above), introduce yourself and ask if they've received your application. Also find out when you could expect to receive feedback from them.
If you don't hear back then follow up again with a phone call. Be persistent but don't become a nuisance. Remember that the HR/Accounts person looking after the role is busy. They might have 20 CV's sitting on their desk so it's up to you to make your application a priority but always be polite and friendly.

Send a speculative application

Sending your CV to a company in this way is less likely to result in an immediate interview but you never know what results you might get. They may not be recruiting right now but they'll have your details for the future. Again, be smart and think about it before sending your CV:

State clearly on your cover letter your skills/experience along with the type of role you'd be interested in doing for the company
Target relevant organisations within your sector (e.g. if you've worked in accounts for a pharmaceutical company then send your CV to all pharmaceutical companies in your area)
This is a numbers game - the more companies you contact the better chance you have of a positive result. The advantage of being an accounting technician is that every company has some form of accounts dept to contact
Follow up with a phone call to the HR/Accounts dept. Even if they don't have a vacancy right now they're much more likely to remember your application in future when a position arises
If you do come across a firm looking for staff then you're less likely to face as much competition.

Using Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies are a good way of applying for jobs. Bear in mind that most agencies have long standing relationships with their clients (employers) and therefore will have access to vacancies that otherwise won't be advertised.

Register with 2 or 3 relevant agencies. Once you've registered the agency will consider you for all their positions (You don't need to keep applying to them)
Check their website regularly and if you see a new role that you feel is suitable then give them a call or drop them an e-mail (always try and meet a consultant face to face as they're more likely to keep you in mind for future positions)
However, don't expect a recruitment consultant to be in constant contact. If they have a suitable role they will call you (they get paid on commission and it's in their interests to do so!)

Networking

A large percentage of candidates hear about roles through word of mouth so networking is more important than ever. Any application will always be looked on favourably if it comes with a recommendation;

If you're applying for a role and know someone who works in the company then have them send in your application, more importantly ask if they can talk to the relevant person about your CV.
Keep in regular touch with your contacts, friends, ex-colleagues, etc. if you are looking for work, don't be afraid to let people know your available. You don't necessarily have to call people and ask for work but it's important to remain 'in the loop'
Sign up for any relevant accounts newsletters, seminars and events
Keep an eye on the papers, watch the news for any important developments in the sector

In the current competitive job market it's no longer enough to email your CV and wait for the phone to ring. Be smart in the ways that you look for work and make sure you're application has the best possible chance of being considered. Work out a routine for applying for jobs and be disciplined - treat finding a job as your job. Keep an open mind and be flexible on the type of work you're after. Make sure you follow up on any application with a phone call or e-mail to the relevant person. Most importantly, stay active and positive!

If you have any questions on this or need any advice on job searching please email the recruitment team at info@AccountingTechniciansRecruitment.ie