How to Find a Logistics Job: Step by Step Guide
In a competitive recruitment market, understanding how best to approach your job search is critical to its success. Not all desirable vacancies will be easy to find – in fact, some employers will work exclusively with recruitment agencies, ensuring they only receive applications that have been carefully vetted.
Midas is a recruitment agency hiring exclusively for the freight forwarding and logistics industry. We’re on a mission to help talented jobseekers like you gain access to the most rewarding opportunities going.
To help you get your search off to a good start, we’ve highlighted some important steps to take.
Set Goals
The job search can be all-consuming, but it’s important to remain focused on what you want from this career shift. To keep yourself goal-oriented, take some time before beginning your search in earnest to write a wish-list for your future role. Think about responsibilities, location, salary, development opportunities, companies you like, and work life balance. Think also about which of these are non-negotiable, and which you could compromise on for the right opportunity.
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Gain Experience
Keep a lookout for opportunities to develop your skills and gain experience in the sector. Not only will this enhance your CV, but it will also show potential employers that you have a passion and a drive to be part of this dynamic and exciting field. Employers in freight forwarding and logistics value jobseekers who can hit the ground running. That’s why, whether it’s an internship, a placement, or a Saturday job working as a warehouse assistant, experience will set you apart from other applicants.
Search Smart
Approaching your job search the right way is crucial. You can use online job boards, but there are plenty of other ways to find a great opportunity, so don’t restrict yourself only to this method. Above all, make sure you keep your goals and non-negotiable requirements in mind as you search.
Think Location
Location is important when it comes to logistics jobs, and the best way to approach the search may vary according to where you are in the world. Though this guide mainly focuses on UK job searches, Midas is also a prominent figure in US logistics recruitment. If you’re looking for a role across the pond, view our US roles here.
Be Organised
This is not a step to skip! It’s easy to become disorganised when searching for a job, but setting clear timeframes and logging application outcomes is a good way to stay positive – as well as keep track of things. You could do this on an excel spreadsheet, inputting when you can send follow-ups and dates you should have heard back by. Approach your job search like a professional project; applying a clear structure to what can feel a chaotic time!
Keep Networking
Connecting with professionals already working in the industry is a great way to learn about the roles available and the duties you might have. These days, there are various ways to network, such as attending industry-specific events, conferences, and expositions, or approaching employers at career fairs. You could also look to network virtually via LinkedIn or even an industry webinar. Again, immersing yourself in the field of logistics is the best way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession. If you do attend any events, don’t forget to have business cards and an up-to-date copy of your CV to hand. That way, if you hit it off with an industry professional, you can let them know you’re on the hunt for a new challenge!
Build a Professional Brand
Let’s talk brand – no, not the brand you want to work for, but your own brand as a professional. Portraying yourself in a professional light will do wonders for your chances. At interviews, we all know we need to dress neatly and present ourselves well – and the same is true online. Craft the perfect LinkedIn profile and make use of it for networking as we discussed! Also, take the time to clean up any other social media accounts you have – even old accounts you no longer use may come back to haunt you if a hiring manager decides to have a Google!
Keep Preparing
It’s easy to get distracted by the job search, but continuing to focus on fine-tuning your application and developing your skills is crucial. This could involve anything from finding a voluntary role, taking an online course, or reading up on the industry. When your future employer invites you for an interview, they want to see demonstrable passion and drive for the industry. By continually preparing and conducting regular practice interviews with friends and family, you’ll put yourself in the best position for success.
Tailor Cover letter & CV
You’ve found some jobs you know you’d thrive in – now it’s time to apply. Don’t send your CV to dozens of jobs at once with the same materials – do so in small, targeted batches. Even if you’re excited and know the position is yours for the taking, don’t get in touch too hastily. Spend some time reading the job description carefully and follow all the instructions to the letter. Hiring managers get a lot of emails, and tailoring your CV and cover letter to their specific requirements using keywords and clear examples is the best way to clearly show that you’re a perfect fit. And, before you click send, take some time to proofread your spelling and grammar – looking professional is key!
Find Your Career in Logistics with Midas
If you’re ready to kickstart your job search, contact one of our recruitment consultants today. We’ll take the time to understand what you want from your next position, and only send you opportunities we know you’ll thrive in. To us, nothing is more important than helping the logistics professionals of tomorrow achieve challenging and rewarding careers.
See more: Top Tips & Advice for Jobseekers in 2022
See more: What are the Best Paying Jobs in Freight Forwarding & Logistics?