So, you’ve gone for it. You’ve considered all the factors, updated your CV and decided that now IS the right time for that new shiny job you’ve been thinking about. Now it’s just the small factor of taking the leap and applying for jobs.

Unless you’re regularly active on the job boards, the likelihood is that you may not have a walking, talking knowledge of where to apply for jobs, and how to go about doing so. Particularly when looking for the RIGHT one. The job market can be a complex place, and one that should be navigated with care and consideration.

So, where do you go about searching and applying for that dream job?

Standard fares in looking for a new job typically centre around the following approaches:

Job boards

• CV Library (national)
• TotalJobs (national)
• Indeed (national)
• Reed (national)
• JobsInKent/South East/Essex etc (local)
• Milkround (Graduate)
• Estates Gazette
• Show House Jobs
• Governing body websites (RICs, NHBC etc)

By using these sites you can both register an account, meaning that employers and recruiters can also find you via your profile, aware that you have an active interest in seeking out a new role, or you can apply for single jobs without creating a live, viewable profile. Be aware that there are different settings, and you may wish to make your profile private if you do not want to be contacted by hoardes of employers.

Direct to company websites

For those with an industry background, you may know exactly where you want to apply, companies that interest you, competitors, graduate schemes, recommendations, and so you can make direct contact with hiring managers, see vacancies on ‘Work for Us’ pages, be aware of company changes etc.

But what if a job search site just isn’t cutting it for you? There are other options to, as explored below.

LinkedIn

The best free tool there is when searching for jobs. Look out for your connections recommending companies or roles, sharing advertisements from their organisations or their network.

This is in a similar vein to networking – if you have attended networking events, or perhaps have a large network of contacts within the industry, they may be able to point you in the right direction. After all the property industry is rather intricate and incestuous at times!

One thing to also bear in mind is projects. If you are aware, or it is advertised, that a business are soon to be taking on a project, the likelihood, more often than not, is that they will look to expand in line with the specific project. This may be due to required manhours, skillset shortages or an alternative approach to working.

Recruiters

I’ve left this one purposefully until last. Everyone has an opinion on recruiters. Some love us, some hate us. However, personal feelings and opinions aside, the undisputable fact is that recruiters are the best connected within an industry, particularly within a niche market. On a daily basis we are talking to a host of employees and employers within the industry, all of whom are filling our brains with industry knowledge, upcoming projects and (believe it or not!) industry gossip. Add on to this that we are aware of who is looking for a new role (actively and passively) and where is looking to recruit, we are 9 times out of 10 guaranteed to have an opportunity for you, be it a discussion or a placement.

We know the market intimately. We know who fits where, not just on paper, but culture fit also. We know that whilst a role may advertise 8-5, in actual fact you’re more likely to be in the office from 7-6 but a half day on a Friday for instance. All of those extra bits that don’t get down on paper! We know what really gets a client going and the companies who look for your experience and skillset.

We have the benefit of being able to speak directly to the hiring managers. We can sell you in on more than just a piece of paper, after all that is all really your CV is. We can expand on your knowledge, your personality, your wants and aspirations. And not just that – we know the competition! Who else has applied, who else is being considered. We are made aware of the recruitment process in its intricacies throughout all stages. The side extras that you may not know of until you speak with us.

When it gets to potential offer stage, we negotiate on salaries, benefits, hours on your behalf, taking the stress and awkwardness away. It means the process is smoother, it takes away the time spent that you may not have, and ensures that your details land on the desk of the right person, leading to the right opportunity. And if on one occasion we can’t find a role for you, recruiters have an excellent memory and will bear you in mind for any similar roles, that’s for sure! We offer you that hand hold and constant update along the way, ensuring that you always get a ‘yes or no’ answer and feedback.

The truth is, there are many different ways of applying for jobs. In our new social media age, gone are the days when job seekers looked through newspapers for new opportunities, or ads in shop windows. Go on to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and your newsfeed will be flooded with opportunities. People share ads nowadays, ensuring they reach maximum audience. There are groups on social media for jobseekers, meaning roles in your local area will be advertised.

One box doesn’t fit all, and it’s about finding the right way for you. Taking that plunge is scary enough sometimes, so make sure you do it in a considered and correct way!

Good luck!

For roles within the property industry call TDM on 01795 531 934 for a confidential and off the record discussion, or follow us on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram for advertised roles. We have specialist teams across the industry, inclusive of New Homes Sales and Marketing, Land and Planning, Technical and Design and Commercial and Construction.