Regardless of the reasons, you probably can't afford to be out of work for too long, so what can you do to secure employment relatively quickly?
The following are some job search tips for the modern era.
Do Advanced Searches on Job Boards
Job boards available can save you a lot of time when it comes to finding a job; however, be strategic in how you look for these jobs. Use advanced search features, so you are spending less time looking through assignments that need to be more relevant to you. For example, if you searched Glassdoor for jobs with LegalZoom and narrowed your results down to include only that, it would make your search faster.You can also use keywords, locations, type of job, salary and date posted as search filters. This way, you aren't wasting your time viewing or applying for jobs that aren't relevant to your needs and wants.
Don't Apply For Every Job
Sometimes it can seem like casting a wide net is the best way to go when you're applying for jobs, but that's not necessarily true. It's important to spend only a little time applying for jobs for which you don't meet the qualifications. You're just slowing down your job search ultimately if you're applying for positions that you more than likely aren't going to get.- Also, only spend a little time sending out resumes to every company you can think of.
- If you want to get hired quickly, know what you're looking for and be strategic in how you spend your time applying and sending resumes.
- You must use a specific cover letter for each job you apply for, which is one more reason to only apply for some things.
Make Your Resume Specific
Just like you should make your cover letter job and position-specific, do the same for your resume. It takes a little extra time, but this will be manageable if you're strategic in where you're applying.When applying, ensure you tailor your resume to the position and the requirements outlined in the job post. Highlight your relevant skills within the context of the work you're applying for. This is good not only if someone is reading your resume but it will be also helpful in an applicant tracking system that picks up keywords.
You can leave out your job experience irrelevant to the position, and you don't have to list every single job you've ever had on your resume. Keep it streamlined and to the point.
Make Sure Everything Is Updated
Along with your cover letter and resume, ensure that everything that could be relevant is updated. Update your LinkedIn profile, and if you have a personal website, update that too. If you don't have a unique website, consider creating one. Do Your Research
You want to be a compelling candidate to get hired quickly, so research companies if you get an interview. Glassdoor was touched on a bit above, and they're an excellent resource for getting the inside scoop on companies.You'll want to learn about the company culture, their typical interview process, and the salary they usually pay. You can then use this information to ensure you provide what they're looking for in terms of skills and experience, and personality.
Many companies are now more concerned about hiring people who are a good fit with their corporate culture than those who necessarily have every skill.
Put the Time In
Finally, looking for a job should be treated as a job in and of itself. It requires you to put in the time every day until you're hired. You need to have an active plan for how you'll search and apply. You can't haphazardly send in some applications or resumes and expect that you can then passively sit back and wait for a job to come to you.That passive attitude is one of the biggest mistakes many job seekers make, and it costs them valuable time in the long run.
