Successful job hunting

In the minefield that is the graduate job market, there are those who land a job right away and those who struggle through the process of finding one for a long time. 'Luck' is usually the response we hear from disenfranchised job seekers when they find out that their friend was offered a position after only a two-week search. With many graduate job seekers vying for only a few open positions, the truth is that 'luck' rarely has anything to do with it.

Realising that their job search campaign doesn't have to be a never-ending struggle, successful job seekers approach the process with patience and persistence. If you want to be among the highly successful job seekers follow the six steps outlined below.

1. Search with purpose
Instead of trying to fit into a mould set by an employer, target organisations that match your goals and career values; doing this will allows you to focus your energy into searching for a position that is a natural fit.

After all, you don't want to find yourself embarking on another search within a year's time because you made a decision in haste.

2. Always be prepared
Be ready for your day's activities. Opportunities rarely land on your lap and you have to be prepared for the surprises that may come up during the day. You don't want to be caught sleeping when someone calls to discuss an employment opportunity.

Waiting around before you begin aggressively looking for a position can be a costly mistake. You don't want to find yourself in a situation where you are running low on resources and desperation is about to set in. This is when mistakes are made and your job search may begin to suffer.

3. Develop a job search plan
Organise your job search, map out a strategy, set priorities, and establish goals. Begin your search with a clear focus and a plan. Participate in a number of activities including responding to adverts in newspapers, posting your CV on the internet, and going on informational interviews.

4. Write follow-up letters
Well-written follow up letters can make a difference as to whether you get hired. A follow-up letter is more than a simple note thanking the interviewer for his or her time. It should be a sophisticated letter that either re-affirms your interest in the position, serves as an opportunity to mention an important point you neglected to bring up, and/or provides an opportunity to offer new insight on a topic that was discussed during the interview.

5. Network and avoid negative job seekers 
Job clubs are a great way to generate ideas and for networking purposes. However, some are also a breeding ground for negativity. These support groups can inadvertently affect your job search. Take inventory of the job seekers in attendance. Do they offer words of encouragement? Are they supportive of your efforts, or do they feed into your insecurities?

If after such meetings you feel emotionally drained and start to believe your chances of landing a job are bleak, then it's time to search for new groups to network with!

6. Be good to yourself
There are two types of job seekers. One, that has a laid back approach, and the other that always feels "there aren't enough hours in the day" and compulsively searches for a job without taking a breather.

Following in the footsteps of the latter is the fastest way to reaching burn out and when careless mistakes are often made. Though your job search should be your primary activity, don't allow it to consume your every waking moment.

Every so often take a break; spend time with people who support you, listen to music and participate in activities you enjoy. Clearing your mind replenishes your energy and will allow you to continue searching for a job with a fresh outlook.

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