Unless you’re one of the lucky few in a high-demand position, finding a new job can be a difficult and frustrating experience.
You can make the job search a little easier by adopting proactive job search strategies, and the job search tips in this article apply to all job seekers, from beginners to veteran candidates who need a quick update.
Here are some of my top tips for finding a new job at any stage of your career.
Be clear about what you want
Before you begin your job search, consider your strengths and weaknesses and the type of work you like. The better you know yourself, the more likely you are to find a new job that makes you happier. What do you expect from a job? What matters more: the title, the money, the promotion, the job itself, the location or the culture of the company?
Research your target companies
Once you know what you want, then it’s time to find out what the companies you’re applying to want. A good tip for finding a new job is to search a company’s Glassdoor page. This will help you get a feel for the company culture, find out common interview questions, and even find out your likely salary.
Customize your resume for each job
Your CV is still one of the most essential tools when looking for a job. I see many resumes filled with responsibilities (rather than concrete accomplishments), and job seekers submit the same resume to different job postings. One of my best tips when looking for a new job is to have an achievement-based resume that includes quantifiable accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Make sure they fit you well. Do you study the words and phrases used in the job description? Be sure to include them on your resume (assuming you have that experience, of course). Match your CV to each position – The recruiter should know within seconds of reviewing your CV that you have the skills they are looking for.
Build your online career brand
Building your brand simply means showcasing your expertise, strengths, and passion online where employers searching the online web can find it. Most recruiters, myself included, use LinkedIn as their primary research tool, and if you’re a professional, you should use LinkedIn to your advantage. It’s an excellent resource for finding people who work at the companies you’re interested in and positioning yourself to find recruiters and hiring managers with relevant job openings.
Get organized
Before you apply for a job or interview employers, take a moment to develop a system to help you manage your job search. For many, a simple spreadsheet is the best way to keep track of jobs you’ve applied for, interviewed for, etc.
Build, maintain and use your network of contacts
For the vast majority of job seekers, a large and robust network of contacts (people you know who want to help you find job opportunities) leads to more job opportunities. Networking, in person and online, is essential to your job search success.
It also helps you get a good overview of what’s available so you can be more strategic in your job search. Feel free to reach out to people on LinkedIn, and if you know someone who works at a company you’re interested in, ask them for a recommendation. Hiring managers would instead interview references than review resumes that come through a career site.
Don’t limit yourself to online applications
If you rely solely on submitting applications online, you may have to search for a long time. When you apply, the company may be in the final stages of interviewing, or the position may already be filled. Get in direct contact with the companies that interest you. You can contact an internal recruiter or schedule interviews with people who work at these companies. Ideally, you want to be known by people who can help you get your foot in the door.
Try to achieve a few work-related goals every day
It takes a lot of time and effort to find a new job. It’s easy to get discouraged and distracted during a long job search, but by focusing on reaching your daily goals, you can motivate yourself while laying the foundation for success.
Be kind to yourself
Finding a job can be stressful. So take some time to meditate, exercise, watch a movie, or whatever helps you relax. Create a good support network. The process becomes less painful when you have people to think things through or vent your frustration.
Develop examples and stories that demonstrate your skills
This is one of the most essential tips for finding a new job. People remember stories. Therefore, your goal should be to develop a series of interview stories that Use them in networking meetings or job interviews to showcase your skills, achievements, and passion for the work you do. unforgettable stay! Using stories (use the STAR format) can also help you feel more comfortable and confident talking about yourself.
Prepare for all job interviews
Before you’re invited to your first interview, develop answers to common interview questions and then practice, ideally using a mock interview technique with a friend, network contact, or interview coach. The more prepared you are for the interview, the more comfortable you will feel and the more likely you are to succeed.
After interviews, write thank you notes to all interviewers
A quick thank you note (email is acceptable) outlining your interest and suitability for the job, and the employer may not give you the job offer, but it will help you stand out from the crowd. About this simple act of courtesy.
Keep contacting hiring managers
Your work is not done when the interview ends, or the thank you letter is sent. Regular contact with the hiring manager shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position. The key is to do it professionally without seeming like a nuisance or needy.
Expect the job search to take longer than you think
You can expect to land a new job in no time, but the reality is that it can take months to find and land the right position. You have to prepare yourself for a long struggle mentally, and then you could be pleasantly surprised if you are one of the lucky few whose job search is short-lived.