What's the best way of finding new job opportunities?

[jim]

These days, we've got all sorts of different ways to source new job opportunities, and I'm interested to know what Hexites have found most productive for them...

There are a multitude of CV sites, e.g. Monster, and of course LinkedIn, which are prowled by recruiters and headhunters.

Then there's the more traditional approach of getting in touch with the companies directly, i.e. their dedicated careers sites.

And the other option of trying to network your way in through mutual acquaintances etc.

And probably another great option I've not thought of!

Obviously the first is easiest, because you effectively put your information out there and wait for people to come to you. The latter options on the other hand require your own effort, but puts you immediately in touch with the people you're interested in.

So what works for you? Do you think some methods are worthless? Is it a question of quantity vs quality? Does it vary depending on your situation?

[TheAnimus]

A question would be, what is a new opportunity? Doing the exact same thing you've been doing for the last few years with just a different name on the pay cheque? Changing career completely? Moving city?

[jim]

A question would be, what is a new opportunity? Doing the exact same thing you've been doing for the last few years with just a different name on the pay cheque? Changing career completely? Moving city?

Any and all, tbh. I'm interested to see what experiences people have had!

[Domestic_Ginger]

I was made redundant earlier this year. I signed up new scientist jobs (often too specialised), total jobs (loads of adverts inc. Civil), monster (pretty good), reed (unsure) and got sent emails. I did regular search's at specific companies as well as the previous jobsites once a week.

Putting your CV out there unfortunately attracts recruitment agents. A particularly unsavoury bunch who in my experience are usually clueless as to what the jobs they are advertising entail. Often positions are misadvertised. They may contact you for job opportunities because they have matched a couple of words on your CV to those in the job advert. Rant over before it starts.

[DanceswithUnix]

Rant over before it starts.

Oh go on get it out of your system, bottling these things up is bad for your blood pressure

Attack on all fronts I would say. Have had success from word of mouth and searching job sites (jobserve in my case as a software/firmware guy).

Thing with job sites is you can't just send your details in and wait. Send the details in one day, note down the agency contact, and phone them. When I was made redundant I spent the mornings phoning contacts from the previous day and the afternoon hunting through job sites for the latest updates and emailing. A full time job. If you don't chase up, you often won't hear back though, and talking to people is way better than them just seeing your CV.

[Galant]

1. Word of mouth
2. When dropping off or sending a CV, always trying to speak with a manager/decision maker (in person or on phone) as I do so. Gives more of an opportunity for a significant first impression.

[jackvdbuk]

well im currently applying for 1st line jobs in th city, coming from a 1st line job.. ill let you know how it goes

but i really struggle with generic job sites being smashed with applicant after applicant.. puts me off

[jim]

Putting your CV out there unfortunately attracts recruitment agents. A particularly unsavoury bunch who in my experience are usually clueless as to what the jobs they are advertising entail. Often positions are misadvertised. They may contact you for job opportunities because they have matched a couple of words on your CV to those in the job advert. Rant over before it starts.

This is something I've found quite intriguing. I've been contacted multiple times of late by recruiters who state that I'm "exactly what they're looking for", yet they're recruiting for an industry that I have zero exposure to. Sure.

On the one hand, it's good, because it's gives me a feeling of flexibility and reassurance to have new opportunities drop into my inbox every now and again, but on the other hand, I'm really not convinced that they care whether I'm suited or not.

[OilSheikh]

Best way is to get someone you know in a company to get you the job. I have seen this occur so many times, it's unbelievable.

[csgohan4]

I hate nepotism, it's rife in my company and their all idiots, it's not what you know but who you know attitude is really demoralising the staff here. Happy I am leaving next month W00t.

[csgohan4]

This is something I've found quite intriguing. I've been contacted multiple times of late by recruiters who state that I'm "exactly what they're looking for", yet they're recruiting for an industry that I have zero exposure to. Sure.

On the one hand, it's good, because it's gives me a feeling of flexibility and reassurance to have new opportunities drop into my inbox every now and again, but on the other hand, I'm really not convinced that they care whether I'm suited or not.

They have to make you feel like the best employee in the world and so you get the job with them so they get commission. I have seen these around, the jobs they offer aren't exactly the 'best in the world' type. They have their own motives. Important to anyone is if the job fits you rather than the agent

[toys4grownups]

The best way to find job is to register on job portals.

[Crumbles]

I actually found mine through indeed.co.uk in the end. Just kept on searching in the finance and sales sectors and kept applying even when it turned out I didn't have all the necessary qualifications I kept applying. Eventually after applying 3 times in a row and then meeting the area manager who commented on how pertistent I was they took me on.
Been in the job about 7-8 months now, still feel rather new but at the same time really enjoying myself, earning a much more decent wage and am doing fairly well so I'm happy!