Summary:
In today’s competitive market, sending job applications randomly and waiting for an interview is insufficient. You need a turnkey strategy.
Even if you get to the interview stage, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the job – not without proper preparation and practice.
What you need to succeed are effective job search strategies.
These will speed up your job search, connect you with the right people, and get your resume noticed.
Successful job search strategies range from applying to the right jobs and targeting relevant companies to building a solid social network.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the top strategies that will give you a step up the career ladder.
How do you approach a job hunt?
The process is overwhelming for most people, with either too many options or too few.
No strategy.
As a result, many job seekers send applications sporadically, hoping that someone will notice their CV.
Is this an effective way to search for a job?
Sometimes, but your chances of success are slim.
Using proven job search strategies is more likely to boost your chances of getting an interview and finding a job.
The first step in being strategic in your job search is to have clear and definite career goals.
People have probably been told several times about setting specific goals and targets.
We expect you’ve heard it from teachers, mentors, parents, and peers.
But the fact is, many job seekers miss this crucial step.
It’s tempting to dive in and start sending out job applications.
Although before you do, it’s worth taking a step back to look at the bigger picture.
Where do you want your career to go?
Perhaps you have decided that you want a job in finance.
That’s still a career with a vast spectrum of opportunities.
So, as a strategy, try to be more precise in your job hunt.
Narrow it down to the geographic regions you want to work in.
Consider the types of industries, companies, and specific job roles that match your personality and skills.
Then, get organized.
You could create a spreadsheet to track your applications, add notes on your phone, or stick to an old-school pen and paper.
Whatever you prefer, we recommend that you keep track of your job search at each stage of the process.
Evaluate Your Goals Before Job Searching
Think about where you want to be in your career one, two, or even five years from now.
For each job you’re interested in, ask yourself these questions:
- Will the job equip me with various skills, allowing me to grow in the field or switch to another area?
- Is the job a stepping-stone to something bigger and better?
- Will this job offer any career advancement opportunities?
- Does the role offer frequent learning opportunities?
- Will this role allow me to use my strengths for a significant portion of each working day?
- Is training provided?
- Does this job support my long-term career goals?
- Is the work environment one that would allow me to work at my best level?
- Would this role hold my interest or drain my energy?
Make an Action Plan
Once you’ve evaluated your career goals and decided on the best path for you, make a list of the following:
- Companies to research. Include any companies that meet your criteria for location, industry type, etc. Also, research companies that offer internal training or internships if relevant to your job search.
- Resume updates that you need to make. Check that your resume is up to date and fit for purpose. If the jobs you’re applying for demand specific skills or qualifications highlight those on your CV.
- Cover letter templates to prepare. Remember that you should customize your cover letter for each application. Sending the same cover letter to every position is rarely successful. You can, however, save time by creating yours with our cover letter builder. And your resume with our free resume builder.
Top 5 Effective Job Search Strategies
Use the best job search websites to filter the many opportunities available.
Job search engines allow you to narrow your search by selecting your necessary criteria.
Those include location, experience level, pay grade, and working hours.
Using a job search website to find relevant positions will save you time by focusing your search.
2. Create a Job Search Strategy Plan
Searching for a job often feels like full-time work.
Add up all your hours searching for available positions, reading role descriptions, and customizing each application.
You’re sure to hit double figures.
Planning your job search will help you manage your time and improve your chances of finding a job.
Try scheduling ‘job search sessions’ in your daily routine.
Plan a time slot for:
- Filtering through job search engines and saving the post you want to apply for.
- Sending applications
- Following up on sent applications
- Reviewing and editing your CV and cover letters
Tips
Try to avoid sending applications outside of working hours.
You’re more likely to get a reply when you send an application during working hours, particularly in the morning.
3. Be Visible
Potential employers may want to look you up online and learn more about you.
For this reason, you should make yourself easy to find on professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
Meanwhile, you can create your LinkedIn summary using our LinkedIn summary templates and the CVJury free LinkedIn profile builder. Don’t forget our online resume builder, and it’s free.
You’ll feel proud of yourself when you get your dream job.
Make sure that your profile is clean and up to date.
Also, include an appropriate headshot.
Alternatively, ensure that your professional website ranks highly on Google or provide a link on your CV or in your email signature.
4. Don’t Forget to Network
Never underestimate the power of networking.
Most people find a job through professional, personal, or university alumni connections.
Therefore, networking is an essential step in any job search strategy plan.
5. Use Job Search Strategies for College Students After Graduating
Job-hunting can be extra challenging for recent graduates, who will lack first-hand professional experience.
There are, however, job search strategies that students and graduates can use to accelerate their search.
For example, students can search for internship opportunities, connect to their university alumni network, and book a session with a university career coach.
At NECareersConnect, our strategy can help you stay on top of your job search.
We encourage you to craft your CV and network with your school alums.
We also identify who is already working in your field of interest and give you tips.
Finally, we offer great insights into salary negotiations and walk you through every step.
Finding a Job Search Strategy That Works for You
Get specific with your needs, and you’ll better understand which positions and companies are worth pursuing.
Also, remember the power of networking throughout your job search.
Keeping track of your applications is also an excellent way to measure your progress and organize your job hunt.
Remember to include the contacts’ names, job roles, dates, and critical information.
Once ready, put these details into a spreadsheet and make a follow-up plan.
How do you know your strategies are effective? You’ll start seeing results!
The more energy you put into your job search strategies, the more you’ll benefit in the long run.
Create your CV for free with our online CV builder to seal everything perfectly online CV builder. Learn how to write a resume like a specialist.
Get the job you’ve always wanted.
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