How Can I Improve My Job Search? Effective Strategies for Finding a Job

It's no secret that job hunting can be difficult and stressful. You want to find a position and a company that will be the right fit, but you don't want to spend months (or even years) searching, especially if you're currently unemployed. Job searching can easily become a full-time job by itself, and usually just submitting online applications isn't enough to get you the responses or job interviews you want. The key to an effective job search is knowing how to make the best use of your time and resources. If you want to make your search more effective and increase your chances of finding great job openings, you'll need to put in some extra effort. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Get Organized and Find Your Focus

The first step to an effective job search process is determining your focus. If you're new to the workforce or looking to change careers, what kind of position are you looking for? What industry do you want to work in? What geographical area do you want to be located in, and what salary range are you looking for? If you don't already know this, you're going to waste a lot of time on applications and interviews for jobs that aren't the right fit.

If you know what job title and industry you want, then what kind of company do you want to work for? Are you more comfortable in a large corporation or in a small business environment? What is most important to you in your next position? Is it flexibility and remote work options? Growth and training opportunities? A great company culture or work-life balance? Or is your biggest priority just simply salary? In order to target your job search to specific companies, you'll need to know what you're looking for.

Research Growing Industries

If you're having trouble finding opportunities, it might be time to consider a change in industry. Do some research to find out which industries are growing and which ones are shrinking. If you're in a declining industry, it may be time to make a switch. There are many online resources that can help you with your research, such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, which provides employment projections. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to make a complete career change, but if your skillset is versatile or can be utilized in multiple industries, focusing on a growing sector may improve your job prospects.

Polish and Customize Your Resume

Your resume is one of the most important resources in finding a new job, so put in the effort to make it shine. Use strong verbs to sell yourself and highlight relevant skills and experience. You don't need to describe every task you're responsible for, from replenishing the printer paper tray to replacing the light bulbs, so condense your job descriptions to focus on your primary tasks and achievements. Include applicable keywords to prevent your resume from being overlooked by applicant tracking systems, and avoid jargon that hiring managers aren't likely to understand. Don't just list your soft skills. Anyone can (and usually does) claim to be a "team player" or to have "strong communication skills." Instead, show how you've applied these skills in the performance of your job duties or in the achievements you made.

Proofread your resume to catch typos or mistakes. Nothing makes you look unprofessional or lazy faster than spelling or grammar errors. Use bullet points and other formatting that is professional and easy to read. Recruiters will usually be only skimming your application, and you don't want information to be missed because it's hidden in a long paragraph. Ask a friend or colleague to check over your resume to help you catch any errors you might have missed and offer suggestions.

Customize your resume and cover letter so you have a version tailored to each type of position you applying for. This doesn't mean lying or stretching the truth, it just means focusing on the skills and experience that make you the best candidate for each position. For example, if you're applying for a job in sales, but your most recent experience is in food service, focus on your transferrable skills, such as your ability to build rapport with customers, handle difficult situations, or upsell products. You can use the same resume template, but change the formatting to emphasize certain experience or skills. For instance, if your most recent job is less relevant to the position you're applying for than some of your previous experience, have separate sections for relevant experience and less relevant experience instead of simply listing your work history in reverse chronological order. You can also change which responsibilities you highlight from a particular job based on what is most relevant to the position you are applying for. Put the most important information above the fold (in the first half of the first page of your resume) and use good formatting to draw attention to key points.

Use Job Boards Efficiently

Using job boards can be frustrating. Searching through hundreds of job listings to locate ones that are relevant to your abilities and interests takes a lot of time. Even when you do find a good match, you may be competing with dozens of other candidates. And that's assuming the job is even still open, since scraping is a common problem on job boards. If you're just looking for something to pay the bills, applying to every job description on multiple job sites might work for you. But if you're looking something more specific, you're going to have to put in some extra effort and be purposeful in your use of job boards to avoid wasting time.

First, make sure you're on the right job board. There are hundreds of job boards out there, and each one has a particular focus. Some are general, while others are industry- or job-specific. Do some research to find the best job board for your needs. Then, take the time to create a strong profile that will help you stand out to potential employers. Be sure to include keywords that relate to your skills and experience so your resume stands out in applicant tracking systems.

When searching for job postings, use keywords and filters to help you narrow down the results to only those that are relevant to you and that have been posted recently. Utilize the tools that job boards offer, such as setting up alerts when new postings are added that match your keywords. This will help you avoid missing good opportunities or spending too much time scrolling through an endless list of job postings.

Finally, don't count on job boards as your only or even primary search tool. Many job opportunities are never posted online, so you'll need to do some extra legwork to find them. Use LinkedIn and other resources to research companies and reach out directly to the hiring manager. This may take more time upfront, but it will increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Make the Most of Social Media

In today's digital world, social media isn't just for sharing photos and connecting with friends—it's also a powerful tool for job seekers. Companies are increasingly using social media recruiting methods, so don't limit your job searches to job boards and job fairs. You can use social media to find job postings, research employers, read company reviews, and make professional connections. By following companies that interest you, you can be among the first to know about new job posts while also gaining insight into the company culture. Many companies have an official page on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms where they post updates and news, as well as pictures of company events and activities. You can also check out employees' LinkedIn profiles to get an idea of the type of work they do at the company and what a typical day might look like for workers there. Finally, you can connect directly with hiring managers or other company representatives. This is a great opportunity to start a conversation and help your resume get noticed—just make sure you keep it professional and concise. Pay attention to the person who posted the ad as well and see if you have any mutual connections with them or other employees at the company. If appropriate, ask them to help you connect with the hiring manager or see if they have any advice on how to make your application stand out.

Most companies are also researching candidates on social media, so it's vital to have a polished online presence if you're job hunting. Many employers will research potential candidates online before even considering them for an interview, so you want to make sure your social media profiles are up to date and professional. Clean up any posts or pictures that could be considered unprofessional or inappropriate, or consider making your profiles private if you don't want potential employers snooping around. Your social media accounts should be assets that work for you, not liabilities that undermine your personal brand.

Social media can be a powerful tool in your job search sucess when used correctly, so make the most of your public profiles. Update your LinkedIn profile and make sure the information matches what's on your resume. Again, don't forget to use keywords— these will increase the chances of your profile showing up when potential employers are searching for candidates. Finally, follow and share content from professional groups or thought leaders in your industry. This will keep you up-to-date on the latest trends and news, while showing you are a well-informed and engaged professional who is active and growing in their field.

NETWORK!

One of the best tips for any job search is to network. By developing professional relationships with others in your field, you will build connections with people who can give you insights into the job market, offer career advice, inform you of openings that aren't posted on job boards, provide a reference, or even refer you directly to hiring managers. Use LinkedIn and social media to build your online network and attend job fairs, networking events or lunches, professional conferences, and other in-person or virtual events to meet new people. Get involved with professional organizations in your field or volunteer with relevant charities or causes. Discuss your job search with friends and family— you never know who might have a connection that could lead to a job opportunity.

Keep in mind that networking is about building relationships with people, and building relationships takes time. Don't only contact people when you need something from them; make an effort to keep in touch and offer help or advice when you can. Effective networking goes beyond a one-time conversation at a job fair, and even when you're not actively job hunting, you should be maintaining relationships and growing your professional network. If you focus on building meaningful connections with the people you meet, you'll set yourself up for success long-term, and you'll be more likely to hear about job opportunities the next time you're looking for a job.

Get Involved in Your Industry

As discussed, one of the best ways to make connections and build your professional network is to get involved with your industry. Join relevant professional organizations, attend or present at conferences or events, write articles or blog posts, volunteer with relevant charities or causes, or become a thought leader in your field by sharing your insights and expertise on social media or other platforms. If you're new to your field or don't have much experience, offer to intern to gain some exposure and build your portfolio. You can also reach out to an experienced professional at a company you're interested in and ask if they have time for an informational interview. Many professionals are happy to discuss their career path and experiences and offer career advice, and the interaction could potentially get your name and resume in front of a hiring manager. There are many ways to get involved, so find what works best for you and get started.

Look for Opportunities to Grow

If your resume isn't getting any traction with hiring managers, it may be time to consider how you can improve your skills or fill in gaps in your experience. Can you boost your resume by volunteering or doing freelance work? Can you earn a certification, take a class, or learn a new software? Check the qualifications section of job ads that you're interested in or do some research on LinkedIn to see what skills and experience people with similar job titles have. Is there a type of experience or skill that your resume is missing? Or perhaps there is a new technology or software that you could learn to make yourself more marketable. Identifying opportunities for professional development will not only improve your resume, but will also give you a leg up on the competition. In addition, it's a good way to stay engaged and motivated during your job search and show employers that you're invested in your career.

Be Creative

If you're applying for a job in a creative industry, look for ways to show off your creativity and skills. Besides providing potential employers with links to your professional blog, website, or online portfolio, look for ways to stand out from other applicants and make a positive impression. For example, if you're applying for a position which requires an understanding of marketing and social media, submit a video resume as part of your job application. If you're a graphic designer or a content creator, create an ad or write a blog post tailored to the company. This will require some extra effort, but it's a great (and memorable) way to show exactly how you can contribute to their team.

Work with an Expert

Recruiters are an expert resource for job seekers at all stages of the job search and hiring process. They can help you identify opportunities that are a good match for your skills and interests, give you insights into the job market, provide advice on how to improve your resume and interviewing skills, and more. If you're serious about finding a new job, working with a recruiter can be a game-changer. While they can't guarantee they will have the right job offer for you right now, they can provide invaluable support and advice during your job search and beyond. A good recruiter will keep in touch with you throughout your career, and even if they don't have the perfect opportunity right now, they may be able to help you find your next job later on. An experienced recruiter is an invaluable connection at every stage of your career.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes. You might submit a resume with a major error, give a poor answer to an unexpected question, or sleep through your Zoom interview. Own mistakes and learn from them. Use them as an opportunity to improve your job search strategy. If you're not sure what went wrong, ask for feedback. If you know what the problem is, take steps to improve and ensure that it doesn't happen again. If you had a poor job interview, spend more time doing mock interviews to practice. If you're not receiving callbacks on your applications, check your job search strategy to see if you can enhance your résumé, be more proactive, or tailor your job search to better match your talents and interests. Learning from your mistakes will not only increase your chances of finding a job, but will help you grow as a professional.

Follow Up

Don't just submit your resume and cover letter and forget about it—follow up! Keep track of job interviews and applications and make sure to follow up after each one. A simple email or phone call can put your name back in front of the hiring manager and remind them of your interest in the position. This is especially important if you interviewed but didn't hear back from the company. It's also a good opportunity to start a dialogue and address any concerns the hiring manager may have about your qualifications. If a job opening has a large number of applicants, it can be easy for your application to get lost in the shuffle. Checking in shows that you're organized, interested, and willing to go the extra mile.

Be Realistic

Don't get caught up in the idea of your dream job. There is always going to be something that isn't perfect about any position or company you work for. Know what aspects of a job are non-negotiable and what factors you can be flexible on, such as location, salary, company culture, or remote work options. Rather than holding out for the perfect job opening, focus on finding a job that is a good fit for your skills and interests and that will help you meet your employment needs and career goals. Don't waste time applying for jobs that you're unqualified for or that are clearly not a good match. Do ask yourself whether the opportunity you're considering is one that will help you meet your long-term goals. It might not be the top of your career ladder, but is it a step that will get you closer to that goal? If a job opening isn't what you originally considered an obvious fit, will it give you an opportunity to learn and grow in ways that will help you advance your career? Don't reject opportunities solely because they don't meet every one of your criteria. Consider both the short- and long-term benefits of each job to determine if it's the right choice for you.

Be Patient, Persistent, and Positive

The hard truth is that a job search takes time. For this reason, it's usually best to wait to quit your current job until you have another job offer in hand. If you're currently unemployed, make the most of your time by looking for opportunities to improve your skills, gain experience, and network. It is not uncommon for a job search to take months, so be patient and stay positive. You'll need to be proactive and put in time and effort if you want to see results. The key is to keep moving forward and not get discouraged. A positive attitude will help you stay motivated, and it will show when you're in job interviews or reaching out to potential employers. Remember, the right job is out there for you, you just have to find it.

Article Author:

Ashley Meyer

Divisional Business Coordinator

Albany, NY