5 things to help you start your job search with a bang


Job searching is not something you do as a pastime and accept whatever results come out of it. It is a task that you must invest a considerable amount of time and effort into. A job search can be as short as a fortnight if done correctly, and may stretch into months if you go about it in the wrong way. Here are five things that you must do to ensure a successful job search:

First, you must get your marketing materials ready

Before you start calling recruiters and inquiring about vacancies, you must prepare your job-searching materials. These are the documents that will build your personal brand and image in the eyes of potential employers. Your resume, cover letter, digital portfolio, and elevator pitch are some marketing materials that must be constantly updated. It is a good idea to create a master resume template for yourself. This way, you have a document to tailor for each job application without taking much time.

Determine the job search strategy you will employ

Relying on only one job-searching method is a risky move, especially if you are on the job hunt while unemployed. There are multiple ways you can find job openings today. Companies are constantly advertising for vacancies on online job boards. This article will tell you where to find unadvertised job openings. Dedicate time each day for you to browse job boards, company websites, and networking sites such as LinkedIn to find new openings as soon as they pop up.

Make it easy for employers to find you

Just like you are on the lookout for the right place to work, employers are searching for the perfect candidate. Hence, it is vital for your LinkedIn profile to be up and running. If you haven’t taken a good look at your LinkedIn profile in a while, now is the best time to do it. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is updated with a recent professional photograph, a killer summary, an excellent work experience section, and a formidable skills section. This will make it easier for you to be discovered by employers.

Create a job search schedule

You have a better chance of making habits when you create a routine and stick to it. Your job search schedule will look different based on your employment status. If you are currently unemployed, you can devote a larger time portion to job search activities. However, if you are searching for a job while working, you will have less time every day to dedicate to your job search. Make sure that your job search schedule allocates time for various job search activities. Some candidates prefer to select job openings Monday through Friday and apply for them over the weekend. Others like to apply for each job as they find it.

Set your job search goals

Setting job search goals is important to assure that you are moving forward in your job hunt. There are three goals that you can set for yourself:

  • A job you hope to get
  • How many job openings that you will apply for on a daily/weekly basis
  • The date by which you plan to score the job

Without setting a deadline for yourself, your job search has the potential to drag on. Setting job-hunting goals will ensure that your job search is productive. Without these goals to guide you, you may find yourself applying for other jobs out of your scope in vain without hearing back from a single employer.

By Resume Mansion



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