Organise Your Job Search: A Simple System That Works
Job hunting is a job in itself, and the people who treat it that way tend to find work sooner. A simple system helps you keep track of applications, follow up on time and avoid sending the same CV everywhere. Here is a straightforward way to organise your search in Jamaica.
Decide what you are looking for. Write down the type of role, the parishes you can realistically travel to and the hours you can work. Someone in Portmore aiming for Kingston jobs will plan differently from someone in Mandeville open to Manchester and St Elizabeth.
Build a target list. List 20 to 30 employers you would like to work for, from large companies to local firms in your area. Check their websites and social media for vacancies and news.
Keep a tracking sheet. A notebook or a simple spreadsheet works. Record the company, the job, the date you applied, the contact person and the next step. It stops opportunities from slipping through the cracks.
Prepare your documents once, then tailor. Keep an up-to-date CV, a basic cover letter, scans of your CSEC/CAPE results, HEART/NSTA Trust certificates or UTech and UWI transcripts, your TRN and a recent police record from the JCF. Then adjust the CV and letter for each job.
Set a weekly routine. Choose a few hours each day for searching, applying and following up, just as if you were at work. Include time for learning, such as a short HEART/NSTA Trust course, which also looks good on your CV.
Use every channel. Online job boards, company websites, newspaper classifieds, recruitment agencies, friends, past teachers and church contacts can all lead to work. Many jobs in Jamaica are filled through people who know people.
Follow up. A polite call or email a week after applying can move your CV to the top of the pile.
Review and adjust. If you are getting no responses, change your CV. If you are getting interviews but no offers, practise your interview skills.
Splash Jamaica has just relaunched and posting jobs is currently free, so new listings are going up regularly. Add us to your weekly routine.