Looking for a new job can be an exhausting process. It involves endless interviews, cover letters, and references. However, before tackling any part of the application process, you need to be able to find the right jobs. Follow these tips to improve your search for potential jobs.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
The first thing you need to do is face reality. You will not be able to find the right job if you have unrealistic expectations about your qualifications. Even if you do not have the experience or skill for a management job now, you can start at a lower position and work your way up in the company.
2. Review Your Resume
Briefly scan your resume. Potential employers will most likely make a decision about you after less than a minute of looking at your resume. Many companies even have computer programs that automatically reject applications that do not include certain details. Review your resume and think about what kind of message it sends. If it is convoluted or vague and it takes a few minutes to understand what you have to offer, revise it.
3. Focus on Networking
While online job boards and career databases are a great way to find potential jobs, they yield poor results when it comes to actually getting the job. Find companies you may want to work with on a job board and then see if you know anyone with connections to that company. Personal recommendations are exponentially more meaningful to potential employers than online applications.
4. Apply to a Large Number of Jobs
People rarely get the first job on their list. Chances are high that forty other people applied for the same position and at least a few of them are more qualified. Because of this, you must apply for a large number of jobs. Send your resume to ten employers because eight of them may not grant you an interview. The more jobs you apply for, the more likely it is that you will find the perfect one for you.
5. Consider Volunteering
If you do not have the necessary experience to get the job you want, consider volunteering. It will give you more experience and show potential employers that you are serious and passionate about your career. Volunteering is also a great way to network, as it gives you an opportunity to create relationships with people in your field.
6. Create Achievable Goals
Staying positive during your job search is the only way to remain motivated enough to persevere through the rejection. Create goals that you know you can achieve. If you find yourself constantly failing to meet your daily or weekly goals, you will quickly feel burnt out and frustrated.
7. Take Care of Yourself
You first priority should always be to take care of yourself. While it is necessary to push through inevitable frustration during your job search, do not let yourself get burnt out by working too much and constantly dealing with stress. If you need to take a brief break to decompress and re-center yourself, take a break. You will not be able to effectively search and secure a job if you are not in a good mental or emotional place.
Additional Resources:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/9-ways-to-supercharge-your-job-search-in-the-next-hour
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/04/22/7-keys-to-a-successful-job-search/#3c6251333021
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/improve-job-search-avoid-burnout/
