How to Look for a Job — and the Mistakes You Must Avoid
Despite all the technology in this rapidly changing AI world - the basics of Job Search still apply - it still needs human touch
You're ready to make a move. Maybe you've been thinking about it for a while, or maybe something has pushed you to act or your role has been made redundant. Whatever the reason, you're now facing the job search — and if you're finding it overwhelming, you're not alone.
Here's what most people don't realise: the way you search matters just as much as what you're searching for. Too many good candidates miss out — not because they lack skills or experience — but because they're going about it the wrong way. Over-relying on one channel, applying to everything that moves, and forgetting that hiring is fundamentally a human process – even in this AI driven world
Let me walk you through where to look, what to do — and just as importantly, what to stop doing.
Where to Actually Look
Online Job Boards
LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, Seek, and industry-specific boards are the obvious starting point — and they're worth using. Set up alerts for your target roles and check them daily. Good roles move fast; many are filled within days of being posted.
Your Network
This is the one most people underuse. The research is consistent: the majority of roles are filled through networking — often before they're ever advertised. In actual fact over 80% of roles are successfully filled this way (even the ones that have ‘gone out to market’… but shhhhhh, don’t tell anyone)
Talk to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Let people know you're open. A warm referral carries far more weight than a cold application, and many hiring managers prefer to hire through someone they already trust.
Direct approach to Company
If you have specific companies in mind, do your research, find out who works there and identify who you should talk to. Applying directly also signals that you actually want to work for them and with recruiters charging between 10% -25% of starting salary you could be saving them some money.
Recruiters
Specialist recruiters are particularly valuable in sectors like finance, technology, engineering, and legal. Build a relationship with two or three reputable recruiters in your field. They often know about roles that never go public, and they can give you real insight into what the market looks like right now.
QUICK TIPS
• Set up job alerts on at least two platforms so you never miss a live listing
• Tell at least five people in your network that you're looking — specifics help ("I'm looking for senior marketing roles in the tech sector")
• Identify ten target companies and check their careers pages weekly
• Connect with two or three specialist recruiters in your field this week
The Mistakes That Are Quietly Costing You
Applying to everything
I get it — it feels productive. But mass applying leads to poor-quality applications, zero tailoring, and more rejections (and no-one likes rejections) . You end up exhausted, demoralised, and no closer to a job you actually want. Focus on roles you genuinely want and are suited for. Quality beats quantity every time.
Skipping the cover letter
Many candidates either skip it entirely or send the same one to everyone. Where a cover letter is requested — or even optional — a well-written one can be the difference maker. It's your chance to speak directly to the role, explain your motivation, and show some personality. Your CV can't do that on its own.
Neglecting your digital presence
Employers will Google you. An outdated LinkedIn profile, unprofessional social media, or a complete absence from professional networks can raise questions before you've even had a conversation. Make sure what people find online supports your application — not undermines it.
Taking rejection personally
Rejection is part of this process — almost everyone experiences it, often a lot of it. Don't let it derail your momentum. Every rejection is information. Ask for feedback where you can, learn from it, adjust, and keep going. The people who land great jobs aren't the ones who never get rejected; they're the ones who don't stop.
Not following up
After an interview, send a brief thank-you note within 24 hours. After submitting an application to a smaller organisation, a polite follow-up after a week shows initiative. Most candidates don't do this — which means the ones who do stand out immediately.
The Bottom Line
Job searching rewards persistence, strategy, and patience. Treat it with the same professionalism you'd bring to the job itself — because in many ways, it already is the job.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you keep hitting walls, you don't have to work through it alone. That's exactly what I help people with at It's My Life.