Some job hunting best practices

In general, I consider that the job hunting process is tough and it might require you to spend several hours a day for the applications. In my case, I followed some advices from career coordinators and other successful job hunters. I can share some of the best practices I used:

• Create different versions of your CV and cover letter, this means, you should shape them according to the description of the job your are applying to, describing your previous achievements, studies and experiences that are more relevant to the position. Try to keep your CV as simple as possible. Be precise.

• Make short phone calls to companies before applying and show your interest by asking questions related to the job ad. Sometimes it helps, sometimes is doesn't, but probabilities increase for sure.

• Register all your applications in an excel file, google doc, etc. and save all the information you need, eg. company names, job descriptions, dates, contacts. Most of the companies remove their job ads from their websites after the application's deadlines. It will also help you to keep track of your applications and if an employer calls you, it would likely easy to remember why they are calling you.

• If you have a job interview, make a previous research about the company. Try to research case studies, financial reports, products or services. This would definitely give you a plus from your competition. And always show you are interested in the position, if you really are.

• After a job interview, try to register the questions they have asked you. This would work as a feedback for other interviews.

• Learn Finnish. It is always positive that you have at least some basic skills of the language. In both interviews I had with the Finnish SMEs, they asked about my level of Finnish (in Finnish). Even if you still have basic skills, this definitely shows your interest in the country in a long-term basis.