Looking for a job can feel like a long and a tedious process. Your patience can feel tested if you have to exert a lot of effort, patience, or money to land your dream job. And understandably, if you’ve been job hunting for quite a while and haven’t gotten any results, you might feel defeated. If you’re beginning to feel that way, check out these easy and quick tips to make your job hunt more efficient.
Preparing for Job Hunting
Before we proceed to the actual job hunting tips we’ll go over the key points to focus on during your search. The first is: you have to prepare. You have to be ready mentally and physically. Condition your mind about your future job hunting; read up, study about the company you’re going to apply for and practice some interview questions (If you’re looking for help during a career transition, we might have the tools to help you succeed). As your job hunt progresses, your stress levels may increase so it’s always a good rule of thumb to be mindful of your health and physicality during the search.
10 Quick Job Hunting Tips You Should Try
Now that you have an idea on what to do before you take the dive, here are some quick job hunting tips that could increase your chance of getting hired quickly:
Don’t Just Rely on Job Websites
Job sites are an incredible source of opportunities, and you can try your luck there. However, these sites receive a high volume of applications meaning more applicants for each position. So, instead of just relying on these websites for job hunting, try online networks. You’re probably familiar with LinkedIn, and recruiters actively use this site to look for candidates, so make sure your profile is in tip-top shape. You can also use it to apply for a job, a lot of companies (like us!) post their vacancies on LinkedIn.
Polish Your Resume
We’ve talked about how important your resume is (you can check the detailed post here) and how to create a resume that will get you hired. Your resume is your “impression” so make sure that you go over it and polish any imperfections.
Dress To Impress
When you land that first face to face interview, be sure to dress accordingly. Some people might think that it doesn’t matter and employers are more forgiving about dress codes, but remember that you have to make an impression that puts you ahead of your competition. Dressing in a manner that is appropriate to the position/company you’re applying for shows a level of consideration and professionalism.
Utilize Your Network
Are you experiencing a roadblock in job hunting? Then use your connections, ask around within your network if there’s vacant position in their company or ask if they know someone. Keep in mind that you might be able to develop potential clients or employers in your own network, so go through your contacts and make a list of prospects (or contacts who might be able to make introductions for you). Prepare a short introduction of yourself, the benefits of working with you, and a bit of your experiences.
Try Freelancing
If after awhile you haven’t found a job then maybe you should try freelancing. Yes, it may not be regular, but it’s good to work on something while you’re waiting or you haven’t gotten any luck in the job hunting department. Freelancing can also help build a better portfolio of experience and may give you an advantage when your potential employer is looking for a highly experienced candidate.
Take A Temp Job
While you’re waiting for something more permanent, consider taking a temporary job. A lot of these companies pay well and can lessen the burden of paying the bills until a permanent position comes along.
Be Mindful Of Your Internet Footprint
A lot of employers check social media/internet as a part of their background of check so the phrase, “think before you click” is truer than ever. Don’t post anything, especially in public that might embarrass you or is inappropriate as more and more companies are concerned about what candidates post that might affect their brand/company.
Persistence
If you’re not getting the result you wanted, keep going. Use your creativity, be responsive to inquiries and surely success will come your way. Go on every interview with a good mindset.
Stay Positive
Things may not have been going your way but, it doesn’t hurt to stay positive. If you got rejected, don’t take it personally instead, see how and where you can improve. Take the good out of the bad experiences. Then head on to your next prospect.
Follow Up
If you’ve submitted your application and haven’t heard back after a few days, it’s okay to drop a friendly call to your recruiter and follow up on your resume. Not only it will draw attention to your resume (which may be untouched because of the numbers of application) but, it will also help build a relationship with them and keep you top of mind. Remember though that most recruiters are busy people and won’t need multiple follow up calls. Show that you’re interested in the position but don’t overwhelm them with calls or emails.
And that’s it; surely if you follow these ten quick job hunting tips, you’ll get a positive response and get that job soon. Good luck!