Job Search Strategies

It often happens that when a job isn’t found quickly, the problem isn’t the economic crisis or lack of opportunities, but the method used to search for available jobs.

Many make the mistake of sending out dozens of generic CVs, wasting time and energy and failing to develop a truly synergistic approach

 

There is, in fact, the possibility of developing a strategic approach, using support and programs specifically designed to help young NEETs get back into the game.

The advice we can offer is the following:

1) Contact the employment and guidance services available in each European country, relying on expert career counselors to obtain support in finding a

job or training program suited to your specific situation. They often also offer the opportunity for personalized guidance interviews and recommendations for internship or job offers suitable for young NEETs;

 

2) Learn about public programs specifically designed for NEETs and designed

to help young NEETs enter the workforce. To do this, we recommend contacting the relevant regional offices or the aforementioned employment centers, which can provide information on calls for proposals and pilot projects for youth employment, as well as extracurricular internships, apprenticeships, courses with attendance allowances, etc.;

3) Invest in training and new skills to broaden your skillset, including obtaining additional diplomas or professional qualifications, or even taking free training courses (there are always many funded by the European Commission and aimed at unemployed young people) to improve your computer skills, foreign language skills, or other skills useful for finding a job;

4) Participate in internships, traineeships, or apprenticeships so you can then add relevant work experience to your CV: these options allow you to learn a trade on the job, and the experience is often so valuable that it translates into a real job contract, or at least enriches your CV with references;

5) Participate in training opportunities or volunteer experiences, even abroad, which will help boost your self-confidence and, at the same time, acquire transferable skills, demonstrating your abilities, commitment, and determination to future employers. They will also provide potential networks of useful contacts or help you discover new passions and career paths;

6) Develop self-employment opportunities by taking advantage of the ESF and ERDF provisions, which support the formation and creation of new businesses by providing significant financial contributions, including non-repayable grants.

 

In short, you should never give up and remain isolated, but rather take action to find a career option that is often precisely suited to the needs of young NEETs.

Among the additional options available today, the Internet also offers job portals that are worth considering.

 

 

Job portals

 

Job portals and online digital platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, CareeBuilder, Glassdoor, etc.) support the employability of NEETs and facilitate matching of supply and demand and self-employment by almost always offering all of the following services:

o personalized orientation,

o targeted training,

o support in creating a CV,

o mock interviews,

o direct access to internships or job offers.

 

In fact, job portals can do many things to help NEETs and, in general, anyone who uses them find work, as well as supporting companies in their search for talent

and people who meet their company’s hiring needs.

This is because on job portals:

1. Companies can post job ads, allowing candidates to find these opportunities and apply for available positions;

2. Those interested in finding a job can create their own personal online profile with their skills, experience, and CV;

3. Tools are available to help and support the search process, allowing you to add or remove search options (geography, job type, duration, qualifications required for selection, and so on)

 

 

4. Advice and resources are provided to help candidates improve their skills and prepare for job interviews;

5. Communities exist that allow direct connections between candidates and companies, facilitating information sharing and messaging;

6. Selection services are offered to help companies find the best candidates for open positions;

7. Labor market analyses and statistics are provided to help companies make informed decisions about their hiring strategy;

8. Training services are offered to candidates to improve their skills and achieve their career goals.

 

 

Spontaneous applications

Another method, still popular today, is to send your resume and cover letter to a

company you’re interested in, even if there aren’t any specific job postings. This is because companies often don’t advertise or promote vacancies, even when they have them.

Sending a spontaneous application allows you to build a bridge with the company itself, demonstrating proactivity and interest in that type of work. In many cases, it allows company managers to review potential resumes and profiles that could be useful and offer added value. This increases your chances of being noticed and landing a dedicated interview with the recruiting managers, where you’ll then have to play all your cards to be hired.

 

To do this, we recommend:

1. Research the company you’re interested in and identify the right person for your application (for example, the human resources manager).

2. Personalize your resume and attach a cover letter and cover letter;

3. Be specific about the position you’re applying for, professional and clear in your description, demonstrating enthusiasm and interest in the company and the industry;

4. Send your application via email or through the “recruitment” section of the company website;

5. Follow up with a phone call to confirm the email was received.

 

Online presence for employability

 

It’s important to clarify that given how important and widespread internet use is,

its use has obviously also become essential for employability. It’s essential for those seeking a job or wanting to advance their career to have an online presence b

ecause it:

 

Ø creates a positive and professional image of the candidate,

Ø improves their reputation (so-called personal branding);

Ø facilitates networking,

Ø allows you to partially demonstrate your digital skills,

Ø increases visibility,

Ø allows you to reach a wider audience,

Ø facilitates access to remote work opportunities

 

making your profile visible to corporate recruiters and employers.

From this perspective, it’s a good idea to use the following online tools:

a) LinkedIn or similar professional sites, which also allow companies to search for interesting profiles,

b) A personal website or blog to showcase your skills and expertise, or knowledge and experience.

c) Social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can be used to create an online presence and for networking.

d) An online portfolio can be used to showcase one’s work and projects, thus demonstrating a specific aptitude and preparation for a particular job or profession.