Between searching through open roles, sending in applications, and going to interviews, finding a new job can be a long and stressful journey. That’s why we’re here to assist along the way! Below, we have seven insights on how to navigate a job hunt, from before you even begin to after you’ve made it to the interview.
Set your career goals
The first thing you’ll want to do is to clearly define your career goals. Do you want to be in an office, or outdoors? Would you rather fill a more creative or analytical role? Do you want to work your way up to a management position within a number of years? Knowing exactly what you want to do — and where you want to go — will help you not only to find the right position for you, but also to stand out as a motivated and driven candidate during the interview process.
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Do your research
Once you know your goals, it’s time to research how best to meet them. Learn more about common career trajectories within your chosen field so that you can get an idea of what paths you might take. Then, look into companies that are hiring for your role, whether or not they seem to be a good fit for you, and what their job expectations are.
Hone your resume
Next, you’ll want to polish up your resume. And this entails more than simply adding in your most recent work experience. By making sure everything is properly formatted, the design is catered to your industry, and the right words are included, you can help ensure your resume makes it past the initial computer screen and goes on to wow the hiring managers.
Additional resources:
- How to Write an Effective Resume
- Word to Include on Your Resume — and Words to Avoid
- Soft Skills to Put on Your Resume
- Quiz: Is Your Resume Ready?
- How to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Common Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Pros and Cons of Resume Templates — and How to Use One
- How to Write a Career Change Resume
Update your LinkedIn page
According to Forbes, 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find potential candidates. You can tailor your own page to help them find you easier, but that’s not the only use this site has. You can also access job listings and join industry groups to better help you network during your search!
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Employ multiple job-finding sources
LinkedIn isn’t the only place to find open roles, though — there are plenty of resources you can use, whether they be online job boards, career fairs, or networking groups. You can even reach out to someone currently employed at a company you’re interested in to schedule an informational interview. Broadening your scope will help you find open roles you may have missed had you only been looking at one site, and could even help you find inroads at companies beyond simply submitting an online application.
Utilize your network
And speaking of networks, they can be one of your most powerful tools during a job hunt. Not only might people in your network let you know about companies who are hiring, help get your foot in the door, and answer questions you may have about the hiring process or the job itself. You might also find that you’re asked to provide references to your prospective employer. Put some thought into a few people you think would be positive references going into your new career, and ask if they’d be willing to speak on your behalf.
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Practice answering questions — and asking them
You’ve made it to the interview stage! Now, it’s important to practice. Find common interview questions for your role, and practice saying your answers out loud in front of a mirror or with a friend. You won’t want to stop there, though. Also be sure to have a few questions on hand to ask your interviewer, whether they be about the company as a whole or the role in particular.
Additional resources:
- Job Interview Tips to Help You Make a Good Impression
- Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
- Questions to Ask in a Job Interview
- How to Nail Your Phone Screen Interview
- Remote Job Interview Tips to Help You Make a Good (Virtual) Impression
- Common Job Interview Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Tips for a Successful Informational Interview
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