The key to job searching is to find the right fit. Although, this effort sounds not that easy.

In today’s competitive and network-driven job market, some people simply apply, get an interview, and get hired.

The key to job search success is to treat the entire process as an important task.

In this case, successful job searching requires a special strategy. A good plan will ensure that you stand out in the eyes of employers.

Here are some of my best tips for job searching that will help you stand out from the crowd. 

 

Know Your Career Goals

The first step to a successful job search is knowing what type of job you desire.

It applies whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or a person looking to improve your position slightly.

Before you start job searching, you can think about strengths and weaknesses and the type of work. 

Besides, you can also use a career planner to get clear on the next step.

It can prompt you to reflect and take action on what motivates you. Therefore, it helps ensure a position that suits you.

Lastly, if you are still unsure of what you want, you can discuss it with the person you trust, like relatives or friends.

They will become your second opinion based on your expertise and interests.

 

Tap Into Your Network

Many jobs aren’t advertised at all. Then, how do you find out about these things? By networking.

For most job seekers, a wide network of contacts results in more job opportunities. Based on LinkedIn research, at least 85% of jobs are found through networking. 

As a result, you should not underestimate the power of networking in your job search.

When you start job searching, connect with everyone you know to obtain job leads and let them know you’re on the hunt. 

Besides contacting people you know, you can start conversations with people you meet at seminars, social events, and other events.

You shall have relevant topics to bring up in the discussion. Building connections is better than revealing that you’re looking for work.

By building networking, that topic will come naturally to the conversation. You may also find unlisted job openings or be recommendations for future positions.

Other networking options to consider are:

• Job fairs
• Alumni groups
• Professional societies and associations
• Local business community events

 

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Go Beyond Online Applications

You have to prevent yourself from depending on one online application. Otherwise, you could find a job for a very long time. 

Applying for jobs online may have a limit, especially if the employer doesn’t know you personally. There are many options to help you find jobs:

• Use job search engines to find openings on job boards,
• Company websites
• Sign up for daily or weekly job alerts by email,
• Attend career expo
• Search on social media

If you feel that this method is still ineffective in finding work, you might consider talking with people who work at a company you’re interested in.

However, the informational interviews are not advertised. So, you must find one.

Email an employer or someone who works for the company to arrange an informal meeting to learn about their experience and get some advice.

They may not be able to offer you a job right away, but it will help you to get on their radar.

 

Research Before You Apply

When applying for jobs that interest you, conduct some research on the companies. It will inform you about the company’s culture and values.

Thus, your research will tell you whether you are qualified or not to work for the company. 

 

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Tailor Your Resume To Each Job

You have to avoid sending the same CV and cover letter to every job opportunity. Therefore, tailoring your CV has never been more important.  

Reading the job description clearly assists you in finding a suitable position. Also, reviewing your CV will reflect what you should do as a candidate.

When updating your resume, keep the following tips in mind:

• Make sure your descriptions are concise and detailed.
• If you have a long job history (more than 15 years), focus on just the most relevant, significant and recent information.
• Remove any personal pronouns. Save them for your cover letter.
• Keep the resume length to two pages or less (or just one, if your job history is short).
• Proofread your resume very carefully for typos and grammatical errors.

 

We know that recruiters only spend a few seconds on your CV. Thus, you need to optimize it to impress the recruiters.

Hence, reviewing your CV is essential. It ensures your talents follow all of the job spec’s critical points.

In addition, your CV should be free of errors, formatted correctly, and easy to scan.

 

Prepare For The Interview

Interviews are an essential part of the hiring process. Moreover, being well prepared will help success in the interview.

One way to prepare is to practice answering commonly asked questions.  You can practice with your friend. 

Preparation will help you feel more comfortable when talking during the interviews.

You should offer excitement about your experience and yourself. Remember, an interview should not be an “improvisation” test, so prepare!

 

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Develop Examples And Stories Of Your Skills

This point is one of the essential job search tips. People tend to remember engaging stories and examples over facts.

Developing your personal experiences or accomplishments is necessary for a particular job during the interview session.

Angle all of your stories towards the job. Moreover, use the STAR method—situation, task, action, and result—to tell your story effectively.

It also helps you to feel more comfortable talking about yourself.

 

Follow Up Consistently

Your work is not done until you receive an acceptance or rejection. You can send a thank-you note to the hiring manager as soon as possible after the interview.

Moreover, following up with the hiring manager will show your interest and enthusiasm for the job. Once a week should be enough unless they give you a timeline. 

The key is to do with it professionally while not making you sound intrusive or needy. While you await a response, keep looking for a job and apply to what interests you.

If the employer rejects you, be grateful and polite.

 

Read also

Job Rejections: Survive Or Passed?

 

In a word, job searching can be a lengthy process. Besides, it can be challenging and overwhelming.

Remember, companies are receiving more applications than ever. The digital world has opened to a broader talent pool, which lets us find talent from all over the country.

Therefore, you can’t give up easily. Even when it seems like you are making no progress whatsoever, the right job could come along the very next day. 

It may take more time and effort, but getting your dream job is worth it. 

Implementing these tips will help you become more confident in your job search, strengthen your approach, and land your next role.

 

If you are ready to start job searching, we are happy to help!  Let us know your goals, and we’ll match you with the right jobs.

You can also visit our website by clicking here. Elabram will help you to find the right job for your needs!

Good luck to all of you on the job hunt!