Whether you are looking to make a career change or you are unemployed and searching for a job, the competition is stiff and the process can be stressful. Career One Stop recommends making a job search plan to direct your efforts and maintain focus. A few job search strategies can give you an edge over the competition and help de-stress a process during which you need to be at your best.
Revise Your Resume
Your resume and cover letter have to survive the screening process and generate enough interest for a company to call you for an interview. Use a professional resume format that is appropriate for your career choice. Revise your resume often as you apply for jobs. Highlight job duties that match those in job announcements and use occupational keywords. Career One Stop notes that keywords are more important if you post your resume online.
Network
Join a professional association or job search support group to jumpstart your networking strategy. Attend meetings and other events to meet people and get the word out that you are looking for a job. Find someone willing to act as a mentor and give you advice. Contact friends, formers supervisors and others who can keep you in mind for potential job opportunities.
Attend Job Fairs
Job fairs are a good way to reach many employers at one time. They can also be a good networking opportunity. Attend in-person and virtual job fairs for your field, connect with each employer contact and get to know a few jobseekers for information-sharing and support. Go alone to job fairs and dress professionally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor suggests thinking of each meeting with an employer's representative as a mini-interview.
Ace the Interview
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the job interview is the most stressful part of searching for a job for many people. It helps to be prepared, whether the interview is in person or on the telephone. Research the company and prepare to answer questions about yourself. Dress professionally and arrive early for the interview. Speak clearly, maintain good posture and take your cues from the interviewer when answering questions.
Application Forms
Like resumes and cover letters, the online or paper application is your introduction to the potential employer. Ensure that your application makes it through the screening process by filling it out completely and neatly. Prepare for filling out applications by making notes, taking your resume along or creating a computer document with information to cut-and-paste into online applications. Use the cover letter option when submitting online applications and follow up by sending required documents.
Other Tips
Follow up each time you meet an employer representative, have an interview or meet a potential networking contact. Send a thank you letter or, if informal is appropriate, an e-mail.
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