2016 IS A NEW YEAR – SO DON’T REPEAT YOUR OLD MISTAKES! 

Is your 2016 off to a flying start – or are you struggling with the January job-hunt blues?

Graduate Fog hopes our fantastic readers are feeling refreshed after a good break during the festive period. We know that job-hunting can be emotionally and physically exhausting, so Christmas is the perfect opportunity to just STOP and recover before you start afresh in the New Year.

Taking time off can also give you the chance to reflect on important questions.

Whether your 2016 job hunt is off to a strong start or your energy is starting to flag already (it happens!), Graduate Fog founder Tanya de Grunwald urges you ask yourself the following three questions…

“WHAT DID I DO LAST YEAR THAT DIDN’T WORK?”
Tanya says: “One of the biggest mistakes that graduates make is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. Frankly, anyone who wails, ‘I’ve applied for 500 jobs and heard nothing back!’ should have stopped after 30 and reassessed the situation. Are you applying for roles on job boards that are too big or obvious? (Remember, if you’ve seen them, so have a zillion other people).”
ACTION: Note what didn’t work, and stop doing it. Spend the time trying new methods that might work (see below). Remember, your time and energy are limited resources – so it’s vital you make sure you’re using them in the smartest way possible.

“WHAT DID I DO LAST YEAR THAT DID WORK?”
Tanya says: “Okay, so nothing ‘worked’ in the sense that it led to a job offer, but what methods led to being invited for an interview – or a lead about a vacancy that you might not otherwise have heard about? In particular, look out for things you tried that took very little time or effort, but led to a really good result. Smaller job boards or niche recruitment agencies can yield better results than spending hours cruising big websites or generalist agencies. Have you tried the Graduate Fog Job Board?”
ACTION: Note what worked, and do more of it this year.

“IS THERE ANYTHING NEW I COULD DO THAT I HAVEN’T TRIED YET?”
Tanya says: “Many graduates only use one or two job hunting methods. forgetting that there are dozens. Also remember that different methods will work best in different industries. Are you sure you’re using the most effective techniques for the career you’re trying to break into?”
ACTION: For inspiration, see this list – or snap up a copy of our book How to Get a Graduate Job Now (remember, if you don’t get a job after reading it, we’ll refund your money, no questions asked!)

And finally…
Tanya says: “The key is to keep track of what’s working and what isn’t – that’s the small but crucial difference between smart job-hunting and regular job hunting. Keep any eye on what’s working and do more of it. Notice what isn’t working – and ditch it. You should aim to get to a point where everything you’re doing is likely to result in a new and promising lead. And the best news? When you start seeing more results, it’s much easier to stay motivated as your job hunt continues. Good luck!”

* HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT 2016?
If you’re job hunting, are you feeling hopeful? Are you trying new methods this year – or have you changed your mindset? If you have a job but would like a better one, what is your action plan? We’d love to hear how our readers are feeling – so please share your thoughts below!