Your Comprehensive Job Search Playbook
Whether you're actively looking for a new role or exploring opportunities, having a structured approach to your job search dramatically increases your chances of success. This guide covers everything from optimising your online presence to negotiating offers, giving you the tools to take control of your career journey.
Optimising Your Online Presence
LinkedIn Profile Essentials
- Professional headshot (recent, high quality)
- Compelling headline beyond job title
- Keyword-rich summary section
- Complete experience with achievements
- Skills section with endorsements
- Recommendations from colleagues
LinkedIn Activity
- Set profile to "Open to Work"
- Engage with industry content weekly
- Share relevant articles and insights
- Comment thoughtfully on posts
- Connect with recruiters in your field
- Join relevant industry groups
CV Best Practices
- Tailor for each application
- Lead with achievements, not duties
- Use metrics and numbers
- Keep to 2-3 pages maximum
- ATS-friendly formatting
- Proofread thoroughly
Where to Find Opportunities
Job Boards
- SEEK (Australia's largest)
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Industry-specific boards
- Company career pages directly
Networking
- Industry events and conferences
- Professional associations
- Former colleagues and managers
- Alumni networks
- LinkedIn connections
- Informational interviews
Recruitment Agencies
- Partner with specialist recruiters
- Access hidden job market
- Get salary insights and advice
- Interview coaching support
- Negotiation assistance
- Long-term career guidance
Pro Tip: The Hidden Job Market
Up to 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised. To access these opportunities:
- Build genuine relationships with industry contacts
- Register with specialist recruiters who have exclusive mandates
- Attend industry events and be visible
- Reach out directly to companies you admire
Application Strategy
Quality Over Quantity
- Target 5-7 quality applications weekly
- Research each company thoroughly
- Tailor CV for each role
- Write compelling cover letters
- Follow application instructions exactly
- Track all applications systematically
Standing Out
- Lead with relevant achievements
- Show understanding of the company
- Highlight transferable skills
- Include specific examples
- Address selection criteria directly
- Connect with the hiring manager
Follow-Up Protocol
- Wait 7-10 days before following up
- Keep follow-up emails brief
- Reiterate your interest
- Offer additional information
- Be persistent but not pushy
- Know when to move on
Salary Negotiation
Know Your Worth
- Research market salary ranges
- Use SEEK salary insights
- Talk to recruiters for benchmarks
- Consider total package value
- Account for your unique skills
- Factor in location and industry
Negotiation Tactics
- Never accept the first offer
- Let them make the first number
- Negotiate total package, not just salary
- Be confident but not aggressive
- Use silence strategically
- Have a walk-away number
Beyond Base Salary
- Bonus and commission structures
- Additional annual leave
- Flexible working arrangements
- Professional development budget
- Salary review timing
- Sign-on bonus possibilities
84%
Employers expect negotiation
$5,000
Average increase from negotiation
7%
Typical counteroffer increase
Your 90-Day Job Search Roadmap
A structured, systematic approach to your job search increases your chances of success. Follow this 90-day roadmap to stay organised and on track.
1
Days 1-7: Foundation & Setup
- Update and optimise your CV for target roles
- Refresh your LinkedIn profile completely
- Set up job alerts on SEEK, LinkedIn, and Indeed
- Create application tracking spreadsheet
- Identify 20-30 target companies
- Reach out to 5 contacts in your network
2
Days 8-30: Active Outreach
- Apply to 5-7 highly targeted roles per week
- Connect with 10-15 relevant people on LinkedIn
- Request 2-3 informational interviews
- Research recruiters specialising in your field
- Attend at least one networking event
- Follow up on applications sent 7-10 days ago
3
Days 31-60: Interview Preparation
- By now, you should have interview requests
- Practise interview responses with someone
- Research each company thoroughly
- Prepare thoughtful questions for interviewers
- Continue networking and applications
- Send thank-you emails within 24 hours
4
Days 61-90: Offers & Transition
- Receive and evaluate job offers carefully
- Negotiate salary and benefits professionally
- Request formal offer letter before accepting
- Resign from current role professionally
- Thank everyone who helped in your search
- Update LinkedIn with new position
Pro Tip: Weekly Job Search Schedule
Dedicate specific time blocks to job search activities:
- Monday: Review job boards, set up alerts, plan week ahead (1-2 hours)
- Tuesday: Research companies and tailor applications (2-3 hours)
- Wednesday: Networking - reach out to contacts, LinkedIn engagement (1-2 hours)
- Thursday: Submit applications and follow-ups (2-3 hours)
- Friday: Interview prep, skill development, review week (1-2 hours)
Consistency is more important than intensity. Small daily actions compound over time.
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