5 Steps to Ensuring the Most Effective Job Search

Searching for a job can be time-consuming and discouraging, and sometimes it may seem as though your efforts are in vain. You need a job, so giving up isn’t an option, which means you have to learn how to make your job search as effective as possible. If you want to simplify and accelerate the process, reach out to our career coaches.

Here are five steps you should take to maximize the effectiveness of your job search. 

1. Develop a plan

The internet is brimming with job boards, so it can be hard to know where to start searching. Developing a plan will help you focus and stay organized. You may also want to designate a place in your house to conduct your search. 

Also, concentrate on one type of job at a time as looking at many different types at once can be overwhelming. Focus on one type, then move to the next if you don’t have any breakthroughs. First, though, determine what kinds of jobs you want so that you can refine your search. 

Another tip is to set a time limit since it’s unwise to spend all day searching. Give yourself a break every once in a while. Taking breaks may feel like a waste of time, but it’s important to mind your mental health and avoid burnout. Otherwise, you won’t be able to think as clearly and could make poorer judgments. A plan will help you find a job more quickly and effectively. 

2. Network on social media and in person

Developing professional relationships is extremely beneficial in a job search. If you focus on building mutually beneficial connections with people in the right positions, they may offer you a job or steer you in the direction of one; at the very least, you’ll be more comfortable asking them for a job. An employer will also feel more secure hiring you if they’ve already got to know you and trust that you would be a valuable asset to the company.

Thanks to social media, networking has become much easier than it used to be. LinkedIn is a valuable online platform for career development. On it, you can make professional connections that can eventually lead to a job. Even if your contacts don’t result directly in a new job, they can open other opportunities and help you refine your skills. 

Remember to network in person as well. Don’t be afraid to meet other professionals in your field and learn from their experience. This shows that you’re truly passionate about your career. If an employer sees you could be a good fit for their company, they may offer you a job. 

3. Be selective about the jobs you apply for

When you’re trying to find employment, there may be the temptation to apply for any and all jobs. That could work, but you may also end up with no job. If you jump on any vacancy you come across, you’re probably applying for a lot of positions you’re not qualified for, and if you’re not tailoring your resume for each individual job, you’re basically taking yourself out of the race right from the start. Don’t rush to apply for everything—rather, research the job and the company, thoroughly read the job descriptions, and only apply if you believe it’s a good fit. 

It’s also crucial to tailor your resume to each job. Read the job description and include keywords and other information that customize your resume for that position. If you don’t do so, you’re not likely to get hired. Most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATSs) to filter resumes based on certain specifications—typically keywords featured in the job description. If you submit a generic resume, it’ll probably never make it past those systems. Tailor your resume each time, no matter how annoying it may be, and the rest will fall into place. 

4. Hire a professional

Without a doubt, the best job search move is to hire a resume expert. It’s not just about helping you write a killer resume—career coaches, interview specialists, and LinkedIn experts will also help you succeed. Yes, you can go through the whole process on your own, but you can find a great job much more quickly when you hire professional help. It’s worth the investment—this is your career on the line, so let the experts help you.

5. Prepare for the interview

Whenever you submit a resume, you should begin preparing for a possible interview so you’re never caught off guard when you’re called for one. How can you prepare? 

First, research the company to understand its mission and focus. The more you familiarize yourself with the employer beforehand, the readier you’ll be to relate your experience to the company—don’t forget that the interview is more about how you can help it than how it can help you.

Next, be ready to prove your qualifications by giving specific examples from previous jobs that demonstrate your knowledge and application of a particular skill. Anyone can list skills on their resume, but it doesn’t mean anything if you can’t prove you do have them, and the interview is the perfect place to do that.

Finally, mind your attire. This might seem like a small consideration, but it can make a huge difference. When you’re competing against hundreds of candidates for the position, the final decision could come down simply to appearance. It can be a good investment to buy a new outfit for job interviews. If you can’t afford that, go through your closet and find the most professional-looking clothes you have. First impressions are critical, so make a good one.

The ultimate goal of any job search is getting hired. If you keep being rejected, use these tips to make your job search more effective. Better yet, contact our career coaches and resume experts for constructive advice.