How to launch a quick and successful job search while you are employed

Finding a job in the current economy might not be the easiest thing. Every day, you hear about layoffs at tech firms, and financial services struggling to stay afloat. On top of it all, AI is beginning to take over jobs. If your company is also considering restructuring within the coming months, career cushioning is a smart move for you. If not, you can launch a quick job search while still employed.

Do some soul-searching before diving into job searching

Finding a job might be easier than finding what your heart really wants out of a career. You need to know exactly what you are looking for, and what kind of job will make you happy at heart. Don’t just focus on leaving a toxic work environment and jump straight into another one. Decide on the type of work you want to do, the kind of employer you want to work for, and the nature of company culture you want to be a part of.

Do your research on companies

Just because the company is famous, doesn’t mean that it is a good place to work at. Thankfully, there are many resources for you to use to get to know insider details about companies you are interested in. You can spot many employment red flags when you read former employee reviews about certain companies on online job boards. Also, you can arrange informational interviews with professionals who work at companies you are interested in. Since you’re working full-time, a virtual interview can save you a lot of time and effort.

Update and optimize your job-searching materials

Your resume needs to be top-notch if you want to score a job within two or three months. A subpar resume will have you job-hunting for weeks, without hearing back from a single employer. Get the services of a reputed resume writing service such as Resume Mansion and get yourself an expertly written resume and cover letter. A keyword-optimized resume and cover letter will help you pass the ATS test effortlessly. If you have a website and digital portfolio, brush them up a little bit so that they reflect your latest professional achievements.

Use your LinkedIn profile for the job search

LinkedIn is a powerful job-searching tool. It is where employers search for potential candidates. Also, hiring managers never forget to check out your LinkedIn profile when they shortlist your resume. A polished LinkedIn profile will get you ahead of your competition in a job search. Incorporate the right keywords into your LinkedIn profile and other related social media. If you don’t know how, here’s an article about using keywords to improve your visibility to recruiters.

Networking is the way to go

Use the 80/20 rule for your job search. This means, spending 20% of your time applying to jobs and the other 80% making connections that will get you through the door. You have a strong professional network of friends, family, coworkers, and previous employers. If you need to expand your network, you can attend a networking event or two in your spare time. These are the people who will help you discover new and amazing opportunities. Did you know that candidates who mention a referral in their job search materials get hired faster?