Are you looking for a new job, but you’re unsure where to start? If you read our last blog, Not Sure What You Want to Do? Let’s Figure It Out!, you are becoming more familiar with your likes and dislikes – this will aid you well here.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but don’t fret–you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a simple guide to help you with a successful job search. After following these basic steps, you’ll be on your way to securing your dream job.
Do Your Research
Taking the time to dig deep into your research will set you up for success from the get-go. You can start off by just browsing job titles and descriptions to get a sense of what is available to you. Then, as you get more confident in your job goals and knowledge, you can start to do more targeted searching.
There are many tools and apps designed to aid your search. Make sure you take advantage of networking sites, job search engines, and job banks. Use a focused keyword search to find the job descriptions that best suit you. You will surely find results that interest you by playing around with different search titles and keywords.
Keep it organized
While conducting your job search, there are so many details to keep track of, and it can be challenging to stay on top of them. When your job search becomes disorganized, it may hinder your success, but could also harm your mental clarity. It could cause you to lose track of which jobs you have already applied to, and which still need tending to.
Keeping your job search organized is critically important. It will ensure that you are as efficient as possible with your most precious resource, time. To help make this easier, we have created a free Excel spreadsheet to help keep your job search on track.
Polish your professional profile
Most likely, you have already accumulated some form of a digital footprint. Try Googling your name and see what comes up. Think about the message you want to send to potential employers, and make sure that your professional profile reflects it. This means cleaning up your virtual footprint on any networking websites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social media platforms.
Make sure to review your privacy settings on all your social media accounts, so you can be sure who is able to see what. Your personal brand exists whether you are managing it or not, but if you are proactive and thoughtful with it, prospective employers will be able to clearly see just how amazing you are.
Working Your Network
Attending networking events might be something that you do even when you are not job-searching; to learn, and to exchange ideas with motivated professionals. The tools you have gained from these events will serve you well in your job search.
During a job search, don’t shy away from attending networking events or reaching out to professionals at organizations you’re interested in. This is a great way to learn more about a job and the company’s culture. It will also help you form connections that will help you stand out.
You don’t have to wait for an event to start networking, these days you can network from your couch. Research people working for the company you are interested in or those who are in the position you are hoping for. Follow them on social platforms and interact with their posts – you could even be so bold as to send them a message! You will be surprised by the responses you get, and any inside information either about the company or the position will be helpful to you.
Prepare for the application process
Make sure that you have everything in line to apply. This is where the information that you found in step one will come in handy. Write or update your resume for each application you submit, keeping in mind the specific organization’s requests and the jobs you are targeting. Visit our blog for some advice on customizing your resume to fit a job description.
When reading through a job description, notice the keywords that are used, use those same keywords in your resume, and tailor your past experiences to the requirements the company lists.
Choose your references carefully, ideally, they would be professionals who are reliable and can highlight some of the best work you’ve done in the past. Practice any skills that you may be requested to perform to ensure passing any tests with flying colors. You can even practice for your interviews by reading questions that will likely be asked and formulating answers to have on the ready. It is also helpful to have someone perform a mock interview with you so that you can get comfortable answering in front of someone.
Consider working with a recruiter
If you are feeling stuck, recruiters can help you figure out your goals, gain insights into what employers look for, and provide support even after you land a job. If you want more information, check out our blog on the advantages of partnering with a recruiter.
The job search process can be daunting, but eventually, all your hard work will pay off. Stay as focused and positive as possible throughout the process — remember there are many resources out there to help you.
For job search advice personalized to your needs, please feel free to contact our team: contact@quardev.com. We are standing by and happy to help.
