How do I find a job?

The most common way to find a job is by searching for and applying to a vacancy. An organisation actively seeks a candidate and posts a vacancy for this open position on its website and/or elsewhere online.

You can see what's being asked and respond to the information provided. However, remember that writing a good job description is quite challenging.

Don't take a vacancy as the only truth. If you contact a contact person listed in the vacancy before applying, you'll find that job requirements or tasks, for example, can be interpreted differently than you initially think. So take advantage of the opportunity to gather information before applying!

• To stay informed about vacancies in your field, you can create targeted ‘job alerts’ and automatic search profiles via LinkedIn (Jobs) and Google (Jobs).
• Keep a close eye on organisations that are of interest to you (and similar ones). Where do they post their vacancies? Through their own website, a job portal, or LinkedIn? Actively follow these and, if possible, have vacancies automatically sent to you.
• Search via the Leiden University Jobs & Events portal or via vacancy websites on the Career Zone or via LinkedIn.

Only when you notice that all channels are drying up, mass channels such as Indeed also make sense to use your limited time as effectively as possible.

In many cases, before a vacancy is actually posted and can be found (online), many people are already aware that someone is being sought. This includes, for example, the network of the person who has left, the network of that person's team, or the people at that person's new organisation.

It can be beneficial for the employer to find a match for the vacancy with one of the interested candidates before a job posting is published online. Why?

• The work needs to be done, so the longer it waits, the more frustrating.
• A search for an employer costs time and money (posting job openings, etc.), which is best kept to a minimum.
• And a job application process often involves unknown candidates, while a process where interested candidates contact each other through word of mouth also involves the factor of ‘reliability, because they are known or recommended’.

The figures vary, but all experts agree that this method of job hunting is indispensable in today's job market. It's therefore important to learn to network effectively in addition to the more traditional ways of looking for work through vacancies and/or open applications.

• To find a job through networking, it is very important that you are clear about what you are looking for. This way you can tell your network what they should be looking for, for example.
• Try to get as close as possible to the opening of a vacancy, so network with people at organizations that are interesting to you and/or in interesting positions.
• Share your (specific) wishes via LinkedIn (and/or other channels) and with everyone you know and speak to.

It's common for people to find jobs through an open application. It's different from a targeted application. After all, you don't know if there are any opportunities available. Nevertheless, it's worth seriously exploring this application method as well.

Advantages of an open application

• You don't join the ‘large group’ of other applicants who apply.
• you show initiative and courage.
• you demonstrate your interest in an organisation.
• you stand out. With an open application, you're asking for exclusive attention for your profile.
• who knows what opportunities exist.
• you don't go for an existing vacancy profile, but for something that truly suits you.

Disadvantages of an open application

• It's possible that your dream organisation simply doesn't have a spot for you.
• keep in mind that an open application might not immediately lead to a job.
• it's harder to explain what you're looking for and convey your motivation.
• the (application) process can take longer.

To increase the chances of an open application being successful, good preparation is essential. With an open application you have to convince the employer of your added value even better than with a targeted application.

Before sending your CV and cover letter, it's therefore advisable to gather information first. It's frustrating to put a lot of effort into your cover letter only to discover that the department or position you're interested in will eventually disappear.

Gather information

• What do you find when you study the website? Where do you think the organisation is currently facing a problem that you could address with your knowledge and expertise?
• Do you come across any job openings? And if so, which ones? This provides insight into whether an organisation is growing, for example.
• Do you see that they are open to open applications? That makes the whole process easier right from the start.
• When you search for the organisation on LinkedIn, what profiles or backgrounds do the people who work there have? What kind of positions do you encounter?
• Contact someone who has a position that interests you.
  • What can this person tell you about the position and the organisation in general?
  • Can this person or a recruiter also tell you if they are open to open applications?
  • If so, what is important and/or to whom should you direct your open application?

Note: it's best to contact someone by phone. This way, you can ask specific questions. Plus, you'll get an immediate response. If you just send an email, it's questionable whether you'll ever hear back.

In addition, keep the initiative with you: contact the organisation again if, for example, you have not received a response two weeks after sending your letter.