How to make the most out of your search
If you are at a loss for what you can possibly do to get a leg up and land your DREAM job…
If that amazing opportunity seems a little far out of reach…
If no one seems to be lending you a hand…
Then this article is perfect for you. You will leave with not only 3 productive ways to keep moving forward in your job search, but 3 more ways to start gaining the help of others in your search.
You’re never alone in the search if you apply these suggestions!
“You must learn the new ways to network, apply and interview for a job.” says Akilha Satish, CEO of leadership program Meseekna. This is so important because in an information era where there are many ways to learn about potential employers, (such as Fairygodboss), and where they can learn about you, (via LinkedIn, or ZipRecruiter), there are many ways for you to utilize your exposure. Networking is more critical to your job search than ever before, as most job openings aren’t even posted, so you will need to utilize the vast array of internet resources, as well as your personal contacts to find the job openings suited for you.
Make sure to ask about online and remote jobs, there are lots available! Because of the pandemic and also an increased use of online projects and tools by employers, make sure to ask employers about any remote jobs they’re offering. If you care about being at home, this one’s for you!
Always make sure to research your target companies. (Buj, M). If you can do this, not only will you know exactly what to expect at possible interviews, but it will also make sure you walk into exactly where you want to be. Employers take notice of when you take the time to get to know them like this, and they get a feel for the dedication and commitment you have as well.
Change your resume to each job. (Buj, M). This is important so that hirer’s can get exactly what they need from your resume, and be impressed by exactly who they need! You’ll become exactly who they’re looking for.
Always write thank you notes by email to your interviewers afterwards! (Buj, M). What goes around comes around, and when you say thank you in a personal and specific way to someone, it makes them care even more about you. Hopefully you’ve just had a great interview, and when you take the time with great etiquette to thank them, your employer should be impressed.
Get on LinkedIn, and see if any of your mutual connections have contact with anyone in the organization you desire to be in. (Liu, J). Maybe you can get an introduction to an employee at the company you want to work for through one of your relationships. Always ask, and see if you can network your way to the role you want!
Build relationships with people in the company you desire to work in. (Liu, J). Building off of the last tip, try to befriend and relate to the person with whom you were introduced to. That way, you’ll not only have potentially a great friend for life, but someone who will stand up for you when you apply for that interview, and recommend you for your desired role.
Set networking goals, like reaching out to two people a week. (Liu, J). You can proactively take control of your job search by making certain you can get to the right people. Going back to the tip about using LinkedIn to look for mutual contacts, that is a great way to achieve a goal like this. It’s always up to you what you decide to do, but look for ways to get out there and get exactly what you want.
Position yourself as a problem solver and solution thinker, rather than a job seeker. (Liu, J). This is a quote by Jackie Mitchell, the founder of Jackie Mitchell career consulting, that talks about the profound wisdom of the way others perceive you. Position yourself to be valuable, intelligent, and useful; rather than tactless, direct, desperate and vulnerable to collapse. It shows employers you have initiative, you don’t flinch under pressure, and that they can depend on you and your consistency.
Self-reflect, and think about what you have enjoyed, hated, or found meaningful to do in your previous job experience, or in where you want to end up. This is the most important! Your experiences, your callings, and how well you’ve done certain work in the past should help you decide, more than anything else, where you’ll end up after this job search.
In the information era, there’s so many job opportunities waiting for you if you’d just begin in the right places.
Always see if an opportunity is right around the corner when you check LinkedIn to see if anyone you know is working for the computer you want to be in, and reach out. Build and nurture that relationship, and see where it takes you! Set a goal and try to push yourself out of the comfort zone every week to get to know new people; and when you talk to them, position yourself in such a way where you don’t come across desperate, but thoughtful, caring and respectful of what they say.
Of course, you can never prepare enough for those interviews you do land. Make sure you research the company you are interviewing for, tailor your resume for the company and understand their values to leave the best impression possible.
Works Cited references
Buj, M., Buj, M., & Expert, C. A. (2021, August 31). 14 quick & effective tips for finding a new job. LiveCareer. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/search/14-job-hunting-tips
Liu, J. (2021, February 4). The rules of job-hunting have changed during the pandemic-here are 3 ways to shift your approach. CNBC. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/04/career-coaches-best-advice-to-job-seekers-in-2021.html