Best Job Searching Tips That Work For Anyone

Searching for a job is an important task and one that you want to carry out in the right way. When you use the right strategy, you increase your chances of getting interviews and successfully finding a good job faster. There are some tips that you can use to create your job search plan and carry it out. Make sure to implement all of these tips because they are all necessary for an effective and efficient job search.

Get Prepared

Preparation is the most important part of an effective job search. Start with your resume since this is the most important piece. Take the time to update your resume and make sure that it is not longer than two pages. Your resume should sell you as a potential candidate without being exaggerated. You want to focus on your most prominent skills and keep the most recent experience at the top so that you know that potential employers will see it. You should also tailor your objective to the job that you are going for.

Next, create an email account that you will only use for your job search. This will eliminate the need to wade through spam and other unimportant emails. This account will solely be for job search communications.

Set up a profile on LinkedIn. This is a social network for professionals where you can find job opportunities and network with people in your field. This is another avenue for selling yourself and finding a job that you qualify for.

Start Networking

The best way to find a great job is through other people and this requires networking. Check out local events related to your field, join online groups related to your field and talk to friends and family. Let people know who you are and that you are looking for new opportunities. It is true that landing a great job is largely dependent on who you know. Networking also exposes you to the jobs that are not advertised on job search websites and other employment advertisement venues.

Job Search Engines

In addition to networking, you do want to see which jobs are being advertised. Job search engines allow you to target your search to a specific field, and some even allow you to narrow down your search to a specific job title. This helps you to only look at the jobs that you are qualified for in your chosen field. It is important to focus your search this way because it will save you a lot of time.

You can also explore job posting websites and sign up for newsletters that list job openings in your field. The key is to expose yourself to as many available jobs as possible. This gives you options and helps you to find a job quickly and with few hassles.

Always Practice Professionalism

This surely goes without saying, but you need to conduct yourself in a professional manner throughout all steps of your job search. Always dress professionally and make sure that you are put together. For men, this mean slacks, dress shoes, dress shirt and tie. If you are going for a highly professional job, a jacket that matches your slacks is also necessary. Make sure that your hair is well-kept, facial hair is groomed and minimal and that you minimize any jewelry.

Ladies should stick with non-bright colors for their clothing. If you wear a skirt, it should be knee-length and slacks should fit well. Wear a conservative blouse and add a jacket for highly professional job. Heels should be two to three inches in height at most. Make sure to keep jewelry to a minimum. Hair should be up and neat, and your makeup should be natural and minimal. This is not the time for red lipstick or a smoky eye.

You never know when an opportunity will present itself, so always be ready for a job search. Even if you are currently employed and happy with your job, make sure that you have everything ready, including an updated resume, just in case a better job opportunity emerges. This will help you to advance in your chosen career field and spend less time unemployed if something happens with your current job. When you are ready for the job hunt, you save a significant amount of time when you need to start one.

- Rosemary Kitchen

Resources

Gay Townsend, M. (2013). 7 Tips to Revamp Your Job Search for 2014. Retrieved on February 4, 2015 from http://mashable.com/2013/12/21/job-search-tips-2/