8 Simple Job-Hunting Tips to Successfully Land A Career

The job search feels like a position in itself, but it doesn’t have to. When you get started on this journey, you want to come up with a streamlined process to track down and apply to jobs in your desired career. With the internet, looking for a job is not as difficult as it used to be. Let’s take a look at different ways of looking for a job and how to make that a more enjoyable and efficient process.

Research Prospective Positions

Research the companies of the careers you are interested in pursuing. Go ahead and start to make a list of every company you know that is available in that industry. You can look locally or even nationally for companies in your area. Once you have made this list, start to research them and find out more about them. Find out if working at that company is really something you want to pursue.

Another approach is to craft a career checklist. The key to finding a job is a two-step process: identify your interests, and research the various careers that interest you. The more research you conduct, the more likely you’ll find a career that meets your needs.

Customize Your Approach

Tailor your resume to each position. There used to be a time when one resume was enough, but times have changed. You need to have a resume that shows you are qualified for each position you are interested in. There are different skills required and your resume needs to showcase those skills. Look at the job descriptions and be sure that your resume contains all of the necessary skills.

Focus on Organization

You might not have a job currently and be able to dedicate a great deal of time to your job search or you may be working and so your time is limited. The best way to know what you need to do each day in your search is to be organized. Get a daily planner and/or notebook, or create a spreadsheet and keep track of everything you do to stay on track.

Avoid Limitations

Yes, looking online is easy and convenient, but you might have to get out into your community and look for jobs there also. That is why making a list of companies you are interested in is beneficial. You can research what there is locally, as well as look online for other companies.

One thing to remember, not all jobs will be listed online or are not going to be listed yet, so go ahead and get your name in there for the job. If there is a company you are interested in, go ahead and find out the contact information and get that resume submitted to them. You never know when a position you are looking for will open up.

Prepare for Interviews

This means everything from having the right attire ready to knowing what to say. Let’s face it, interviews are uncomfortable, but you need to look at it as a company would be honored to have you work for them. You have a great deal to offer, so don’t forget that.

Practice for your interviews by googling typical interview questions to get you started. Make sure your clothing is ready—waiting until the last minute can cause other issues to arise. Look for a business-casual outfit and act comfortably. Speak clearly and calmly—you are in the position to succeed, be confident!

Show Appreciation

Regardless of if you receive a position or not, be sure to show appreciation. You may not be the ideal candidate for a certain position, but sending a handwritten thank-you note could bring your resume to the top of the application pool in the future. Businesses do invite former applicants to reapply, so show gratitude for the interview and application process.

 Be sure you have some thank-you notes on hand when starting this process and have them ready to send after your interviews. A template can help expedite this process; remember to custom-change your writing as you see fit.

Follow-up Often

You sent the thank-you note, now what? You need to follow-up with the hiring manager. Most places will have a timeline in place of when they want to fill this job. Some will tell you, some will not. There is nothing wrong with checking back after a week or so to find out the status of the job. This lets them know you are interested and if you have not found a job yet, it could be just what gets your foot in the door. The only certainty in the job-search process is when you hear back, so stay positive and professional in the time that follows an interview.

Keep a Level Head

You might hear “no” more than you wish, but don’t lose hope. Keep trying, researching, and working on your daily job search goals and soon, the one you are looking for will find you!

It is hard when looking for a job. You cannot let yourself get down. Always stay positive when looking, and keep looking. Be open to all of the places you can look at and exhaust every option out there. It might take a little time, but finding a position in a career you like is well worth the wait!