Top 4 Strategies When Starting the Job Hunting Process

Looking for a new job can become a part-time job itself. And once an individual decides to search for a job, it is tempting to start applying immediately. But there are many steps individuals should take before sending out their resumes or applications. 

It is important to have job hunting strategies to increase outlets for finding a job. And the first critical strategy in job hunting is networking. 

Networking 

Expanding professional networks allows for new career opportunities. The more professional connections, the more people can recommend someone to a new position. 

As of August 2020, over 80% of job seekers stated that their network has helped them find work. Networking contacts can help with job leads and insider information about companies that an individual might be interested in working for. 

Additionally, networking with professionals makes an individual a recommended member of a much smaller pool, as some jobs may not be advertised at all. After all, the best job leads often come through personal contact.

Some notable professional networking sites include LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Slack, Quora, and Wistia. 

Additionally, attending both virtual and in-person events allows individuals to interact with a variety of working professionals in various fields, stay updated on trends, build strong relationships, and get inspired. 

Setting Career Goals 

Although seemingly obvious, setting career goals prior to actively job hunting is a vital step. Setting goals provides individuals with a framework to achieve milestones and can make more ambitious long-term goals feel more attainable. 

First, individuals should define both short-term and long-term objectives. This step starts with having specific, measurable goals that are realistic and reachable within a certain timeframe. 

When setting goals, an individual must be specific. For one individual, success may be becoming the chief executive officer of a company. But for another, success can mean attaining financial freedom.

Notably, people must also consider what they can realistically achieve. 

Some goals might be too ambitious to attempt right away. Setting goals that are too lofty could mean that an individual might not be able to accomplish them, reducing the ability to commit to their set goals. 

Overall, defining career goals can help people focus on their professional development, show employers they care about their work, and make it easier to plan for their future. 

Update Resume 

A resume is an important tool for job searching because it offers a page or two where candidates can display top skills and qualities. Resumes help employers make hiring decisions and help individuals land their first interview, which is why resume structure and the information included are important. 

Therefore, it is crucial that a resume is clear, concise, and tailored to the job for which the individual is applying. Applicants should also write targeted resumes and cover letters that link qualifications to the hiring criteria for a specific position. 

A resume should be updated every time an individual secures a new role or gains new skills or experiences. 

The first step in updating a resume is to add resume keywords. Most hiring managers use an ATS that they upload resumes into in exchange for an analysis based on the resume keywords used in a job application. 

Next, one must update their resume header and contact information, fix formatting errors using resume format guidelines, and choose the correct font. 

Advancing Interview Skills

An individual should prepare for most potential interview questions by reviewing common ones and how to respond to them. Doing so allows one to speak about experiences, skills, and interests in a way that is not generic or repetitive. 

Preparing interview answers and advancing overall skills will build confidence and alleviate anxiety during the real job interview. 

A Business News Daily press release highlighted the six interview skills that may get someone hired, including clarifying interview questions, thinking out loud, communicating nonverbally, knowing their resume, telling a compelling story, and leveraging the knowledge of the company and interviewer. 

And if the interview is in person, dressing appropriately is important. An individual should also make a concerted effort to impress the interviewer with their confidence, expertise, and professionalism. 

Be Patient

The job searching process can seem very slow and discouraging at first, especially between interviews or while waiting to find out if a company is making an offer or not. But it’s important to keep in mind that companies allow for a certain amount of time after posing a job opening before they begin reviewing applications and resumes. 

For example, larger businesses wait nearly two weeks after the position goes public before they start scheduling interviews.

Instead of dwelling on the status of an application or interview, an individual can move forward with other applications, distract themselves with self-care, focus on building skills, and remember the job searching process takes time.