Whether you are a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone between jobs – knowing how to find employment can make the difference between success and failure. This article will offer tips that can help get the process underway.
Stay in contact with everyone in your industry, including current and former employers, to let them know you are looking and see if any can introduce opportunities.
1. Know what you want
When starting a job search, an essential first step is defining precisely what you want to do. While this process may take some time, this must be completed before commencing any job searching efforts – otherwise, you might end up in something similar to your old position or worse; or become distracted by promises of higher titles or increased income that won’t satisfy.
Once you know your desired career field, it’s wise to delve deeper. Speak with people in the industry; read articles and books; watch related videos or podcasts; this can help you better understand what skills are required, what companies you should work for, and what compensation will be expected of you.
Networking can also be beneficial. Although networking may seem intimidating initially, reaching out to your network and informing them of your job search can make a huge difference – up to 85 percent of jobs are filled through networking! Don’t hesitate to ask someone you know for help – ask away!
Reassess your social media profiles to ensure they reflect what you wish to accomplish professionally by clearing away any inappropriate or unprofessional posts and selecting profile photos that suit the jobs you’re applying for. It would also be wise to update your resume accordingly to reflect better the type of opportunities that interest you.
2. Get a good resume
Finding employment is all about presentation, and your resume plays a pivotal role. Your CV should clearly and comprehensively demonstrate all your qualifications while explicitly tailored for every position you applied for.
Start by reviewing the job description and noting the skills and requirements needed by an employer. Next, go through your work experience and pinpoint any relevant abilities or achievements you possess that match these criteria – make sure they appear on your resume using bullet points with action words as appropriate.
Include your education and training experience on your resume. A “highlights” section at the end can also be helpful; include your GPA, awards, and honors received, study abroad experiences, thesis or dissertation completion date, or any other notable accomplishments as needed.
Turn to websites such as Indeed, Tech Ladies, and Glassdoor for help finding companies hiring. They provide daily job listings, salary info, and company reviews – and can even help prepare for interviews by answering common interview questions from specific companies.
Remember when submitting your resume that it may not go directly to a human but instead go into an applicant tracking system (ATS). This software can detect keywords, location, years of experience, and type of jobs done before. By including specific terms or keywords that stand out in its search results, your resume could make its mark with the ATS.
3. Get a good cover letter
If you want to secure employment, having an excellent resume and cover letter are essential in helping hiring managers assess who you are and whether or not to interview you.
According to the career guidance site The Muse, you need to craft an engaging narrative about why you want the job and which qualifications qualify you. A compelling narrative allows hiring managers to connect more closely with you as an individual while feeling as if they know more about you and want to get to know you better.
Make sure that you use specific keywords in both your cover letter and resume to increase employer visibility on job search sites. Matching up keywords with job descriptions will make you stand out among other candidates while making it easier for hiring managers to locate you and access your information.
Finalize your application process by tailoring your resume and cover letter for every position you apply for to increase its likelihood of getting noticed by hiring managers who may otherwise be overwhelmed by an abundance of applications.
If you’re applying to Nike, customize your resume and cover letter to highlight any experience with similar brands or companies and any personal connections at the company that could vouch for you – this can make an enormous difference when attending interviews!
Finding a fantastic job online through sources like Craigslist or LinkedIn is vital, as is networking within your industry, attending job fairs and business conferences, and setting alerts for companies or roles of interest.
4. Get a good interview
Before going into an interview, research as much about the company as possible from as many sources as possible. This means going beyond what they provide on their website or social media pages by talking with people in your network, reading current news releases, setting Google alerts for them, and checking out competitors – this will enable you to formulate appropriate questions specific to them and also address any concerns that might come up in an interview (e.g., work-life balance in remote era).
At times it can help to have someone put in a strong recommendation on your behalf. Leverage your professional network – people from previous jobs and anyone who has provided help – by keeping in touch and notifying them of your job search. While this method might not be as efficient, use personal devices rather than company devices when networking via your professional network.
Attend job fairs. Held by colleges, universities, and companies alike, these events allow you to meet multiple employers simultaneously. Make sure to bring plenty of printed resumes and business cards along. LinkedIn job notifications also allow you to stay informed when new positions matching your criteria are posted – an effective strategy that takes minimal effort but saves time and energy! When practicing answering common interview questions beforehand, it is wise to avoid reading from scripted answers; employers prefer hearing engaging stories rather than generic answers!
5. Get a job
A job can provide the means to meet daily expenses while earning enough to invest in your future, whether college tuition fees or starting a business. Aside from financial gain, work also brings personal satisfaction and fulfillment by giving a sense of achievement and purpose.
To land the desired job, you must be clear on the type of work that appeals to you and can explain that to potential employers. Be ready to explain why you would be an ideal candidate for each role while answering questions about your skills and experience. If unsure, explore various career paths until one fits perfectly with your personality.
Network with professionals within your industry and maintain relationships with old coworkers and bosses; this may allow them to assist you with finding employment or recommend someone who can. Furthermore, don’t hesitate to ask friends and family members if any jobs may be available.
There are various job search methods, from job fairs and online job boards to social media and part-time or internship jobs – as well as part-time and internship positions – where you can test out potential new careers or gain valuable work experience. It is best to only apply for positions you qualify for; many employers won’t hire anyone without sufficient qualifications in their expertise. If this applies to you, take some courses or volunteer to become more proficient.
