Hunting for a new job when in need of one can often urn in to a job itself. This is because the competition in today’s market is now more than what it used to be. This fact is not to scare you off but to let you know you need to make extra effort in approaching the game and process so as to be effective as much as you can.
Even if you’re familiar with job hunting, the way in which employers hire and the skills you may need to bring to the table in order to be hired are always changing. In this article, we’ll discuss some things you’ll need to brush up on and how to master your job hunt to land the position you’ve been vying for.
Clearly Define Your Goal
Your major priority should be to narrow your focus on to what you expect to get out of the job. Your hunt will take longer and possibly not produce expected results when you enter the job market without the certainty of what you are looking for. Consider the following and outline your goals:
- What position are you seeking?
- What industries would you like to work in?
- How much money do you want/need to make?
- What is your work availability?
- How far are you willing to travel?
- What position are you seeking?
- What industries would you like to work in?
- How much money do you want/need to make?
- What is your work availability?
- How far are you willing to travel?
For each item, you’ll also need to determine where you’re able to be flexible – chances are you aren’t going to tick off every single box with the job you land.
Perfect Your Resume
The next step is to carefully build up your resume after being sure of what job you are hunting. You are expected to be prepared with a professional and well-crafted resume when that anticipated interview comes in view. Indeed, and Monster are some of the websites that can help with the preparation of your resume if you don’t know how to go about it. Make sure you do your final editing of the grammar and spelling before sending it.
Another thing you should research is keywords and phrases that employers in your desired field are watching for. This can be particularly important because many companies, especially large ones, are using resume scanning software that is designed to pick up on particular things they’re looking for.
Keep a Spreadsheet
Make sure you keep a simple spreadsheet record as you search. This does not need any special expertise. You will be able to organize where you have applied, who you have spoken to, when to follow up and what job leads are dead with the sheet.
Be Persistent
When you’re hunting for a job, persistence pays off. Don’t apply or submit a resume and wait for a call – you should be the person to call. We aren’t saying call every day, but you should put yourself on a follow-up schedule. Try giving a follow-up call every 7-10 days, it may end up putting the right person on the receiving end of your call eventually.
Use Multiple Sites
You are not to be limited to a single career search site as there are a few reputable ones out there. Each of these sites offer different things. You can use the following simultaneously:
- Monster
- Indeed
- Zip Recruiter
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Simply Hired
Clean Up Your Social Media
Yes, you are social media is a personal outlet, but more and more employers are searching perspective hire’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles for information on who they may be hiring. You should tone everything down, make your profiles private, or both. First impressions count.
Get to Know the Industry
Things change a lot even if you know the nitty gritty of a company. Make sure you are always updated on current events, important skills and who is who in your industry of choice. This will go a long way in contributing to the success of your interview.
Network
Networking should be part of your top priorities. Try your best to attend every event of the industry. Attend job fairs, presentations, networking events and expositions as well. You never know who you might meet and impress.
Be Timely
This should go without saying, but be timely with any and all responses to prospective employers. Return voicemails same or next business day A.M and respond to emails as soon as you see them. This can mean the difference between you or someone else getting the job, plus it’s polite.