3 Ways to Make Your Job Search More Efficient
Doing some prep work before you begin looking for a new job can make your search much smoother. While it may be tempting to simply dive in and try to find a job as quickly as possible, you’ll save yourself an awful lot of headache if you take the time to plan the process. Having all your ducks in a row not only reduces the stress of this difficult undertaking, but it also helps you devise a strategy that increases your chances of getting an offer.
Below are three tips to set you on the right track. One thing you can do now to save yourself a lot of hassle later is getting your resume ready to go. Of course, you’ll need to customize it for every position you apply for, but starting with a solid base will make the process much easier. If you need help crafting your resume, check out our professional resume writing services.
1. Know exactly what you want
Be clear on the type of job you want to land, as well as your career goals. It’s important to consider not only what you want now but also what you want for the future—what positions can you apply for now that will propel you along your desired career path? Have in mind a couple of different positions that you know you would both excel at and enjoy. Once you identify those, you’ll have a good starting point for your job search and avoid wasting time mindlessly browsing vacancies that don’t reflect your interests.
It’s also a good idea to take some time to zero in on what makes you unique. Share with hiring managers how you stand out from the competition so they understand why you’d be the ideal candidate for the job. You have to consider that you’re competing with maybe hundreds of other applicants. To the hiring manager, you’re just one faceless candidate in a sea of many, so if you don’t make yourself stand out, you won’t get the job.
2. Network as much as you can
Someone in your circle of friends or colleagues might have the inside scoop on a job you'd be interested in, so make sure they're aware that you're on the market and let them know what type of job you're after. The caveat, of course, is that you may not want to reveal your job search to current co-workers, who may inform your boss of your planned departure. However, do leverage your connections from previous jobs.
Another great way to network is LinkedIn. Touch base with your connections there to check if they have heard of any job openings that might be a good fit or have them introduce you to someone in your industry who might be able to help. This will be easy if you’ve been maintaining a friendly, cordial, and mutually beneficial relationship with these people. Don’t forget to offer them value in return!
3. Familiarize yourself with ATSs
In today's job market, it's vital that you know how to maximize your chances of getting past an applicant tracking system (ATS). A lot of companies use such software to process resumes, with the ATS scanning for keywords used in the job posting and its algorithms deciding whether the submissions are worth forwarding to the hiring manager's desk.
Take some time to learn how ATSs work so that when you see a vacancy you're interested in, you’ll know how to optimize your application for these digital gatekeepers and be able to focus solely on submitting the most effective resume possible. While using keywords to tailor your resume to a particular job may feel tedious, it’s quite straightforward. Simply identify the keywords in the job description (they’ll likely be bolded, italicized, underlined, or otherwise different from the rest of the text) and add those that apply to you to the relevant sections in your resume. Be sure to introduce them naturally—they shouldn’t sound forced.
Before you begin your job search, make sure your resume is up to date and highlights your unique skills and work experience. It should also include a clear and concise career summary that showcases your best qualifications. If you need help crafting this important document, consider our professional resume writing services.
