Where to Look for Your Next Role

How To Find The Right Role, Not Just The First One That Comes Along

Entering the job market, whether by choice or circumstance, can feel overwhelming. Securing your next position is one of the most important steps in your career, yet many candidates limit themselves to browsing a handful of online listings and hoping for the best.

You will almost certainly find a job. But will it be the right job? Will it be the best opportunity available to you?

To maximise your chances, you need a structured, proactive approach. Below is a checklist to help you start strong and position yourself for success.

Optimise Your Online Presence

Your digital footprint is often the first impression employers see.

• Review all social media profiles, not just LinkedIn.
• Remove or privatise anything unprofessional.
• Use a clean, professional profile photo on LinkedIn.

A polished online presence builds trust and reinforces your credibility.

Prepare A High-Impact CV

Your CV is your marketing tool. Make it count.

• Keep it to two pages maximum.
• Focus on the last five years.
• Tailor it to each role you apply for.
• Run thorough spelling and grammar checks.
• Ask a reputable recruiter or headhunter to review it.

A strong CV increases your chances of being shortlisted and taken seriously.

Work With Trusted Recruiters

If you're not already connected with recruitment or search consultants, now is the time.

• Choose one or two reputable consultants you trust.
• Avoid having your CV circulated without your consent.
• Insist that no employer is approached on your behalf without your approval.

Quality consultants can open doors that job boards cannot.

Use CV Banks Carefully

Many job boards offer CV databases where employers can find you. However, if you're currently employed, proceed with caution:

• Your employer may see your CV.
• Some consultants may submit your CV without permission.
• Mistakes happen and CVs have been sent to current employers in error.

Choose reputable job boards that protect your privacy and work only with vetted recruiters.

Search Online, But Search Smart

Online job searching is essential, but not exhaustive.

Job titles often vary between employers:

• Department Manager / Section Manager
• Assistant Manager / Deputy Manager
• Store Manager / Branch Manager
• Area Manager / District Manager

Considering alternative job titles can help you uncover more opportunities.

Use industry-specific job boards whenever possible:

• Retail: Retail Appointment
• Hospitality: Hospitality Appointment

Generic job boards offer volume, while specialist job boards offer relevance. Using both will give you the best coverage.

Make Direct Approaches

Don't wait for a vacancy to appear.

• Identify companies you'd like to work for.
• Check their careers pages regularly.
• Send speculative applications when appropriate.
• Visit local sites or stores and ask about upcoming opportunities.

Many roles are filled through recommendations, referrals and proactive outreach rather than advertisements.

Create A Job Search Plan

Treat your job search like a project.

• Write down your strategy.
• Create a checklist.
• Track applications and follow up consistently.

This is a pivotal moment in your career. A structured and intentional approach will help you secure not just any job, but the right one.