With the new year well and truly upon us, it’s time to ensure that those resolutions we made are being kept! After all, if we really want to instigate some type of change in our lives, then we have to make it happen – that is especially the case when it comes to finding a new job. If hunting for a job is high on your agenda this year, then our Job Search Tips for 2015 should hopefully help.

Get organised

Just as is the case with everything else in life, a little planning and preparation is key. There is no point in starting your job search until you are properly organised. Take some time out to update your CV – refresh that personal profile, add in any recent training or qualifications and ensure that all your contact details are accurate and up to date. Create a basic CV template which you can customise or tailor for each individual application. Also, decide where you will record details of your job search activities – whether you use an app to do this or simply create a manual record, it can prove to be extremely worthwhile. It not only helps you keep track of what you are doing but also helps prevent any duplicate applications which could prove to be pretty embarrassing.

Be proactive

It’s all well and good applying for every job that you see, however there are jobs being filled each and every day which you will never see. These so-called hidden jobs do actually exist. So how do you find them? It’s simple really. Be proactive. Don’t wait on an employer to advertise – get out there and approach them first. Send in a speculative job application and get on their radar before they advertise online. Write a compelling cover letter and ensure that you sell yourself as a candidate they just have to meet. Let your CV do the talking.

Diversify your job search

If you’ve been job hunting for a while and finding it a bit of a struggle, then it’s time to shake things up a bit. Don’t simply do the same things that you’ve always done when it comes to job searching. If your job search activities generally consists of looking at the same online job boards day in and day out, you’re in trouble. Diversifying is key. Use those job boards of course, but mix things up a little. Get registered with some recruitment agencies, look at the local papers and check out individual company websites. The more you widen your job search and how you do it, the greater your chances of success.

Use social media properly

Social media has a really important part to play in job searching in 2015, so ignore it at your peril. Making strong connections on LinkedIn, engaging with influential people in your chosen sector on Twitter and joining relevant Facebook groups are all essential things to do. Also, many jobs are advertised on social media channels so don’t assume it’s just about conversational type interactions. Of course, it’s essential too that should a prospective employer choose to do a little searching about you on social media that they find only positive things. If that is not likely to be the case, take action now. Delete anything that would be deemed negative or offensive. At the very least, update your privacy settings so that your select group of friends are the only ones who can see what you post.

Always Network

Networking when job searching does not simply mean attending organised job fairs or industry events. Connect with employers and recruiters on social media. Let your friends and family know that you are looking for a new job. People we know can often open doors for us so don’t assume that they can’t. Use all opportunities that are presented to you to make people aware that you are on the lookout for a new role. In essence, network, network, network!

We hope that these Job Search Tips for 2015 will prove useful for any of you who are doing just that in the coming 12 months. If you are, best of luck!