Whether you're a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional, searching for a job can be an exhausting and frustrating experience. It can take weeks, months or even years to find a position that's a good fit for both you and your potential employer. If you're just beginning your job search or you've been on the hunt for some time, there are several things you can do to maximize your potential for success.
Identify Interests and Goals
When beginning your job search, it's important to identify your career interests and goals. The U.S. Department of Labor recommends creating a list of every career or job title you may be interested in, along with the required education, skills or training necessary for each position. You can then compare the list with your own education, training and skills to determine which jobs or careers you're most qualified for and what your strengths and weaknesses are.
Research Potential Employers
Once you've identified your career interests, take some time to research potential employers or the particular industry you're interested in working in. For individual companies, the U.S. Department of Labor recommends gathering information related to their recent employment activity, net worth, company history and future plans, salary ranges and job titles, competitors, and annual operating expenses. For a particular industry, you should be up-to-date on the latest trends and/or research in your chosen field.
Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter
In a competitive job market, your resume and cover letter are key to making a lasting first impression with potential employers. According to the University of Waterloo, you should avoid making generic statements in your resume or cover letter. Instead, include specific examples of your job skills, training and experience demonstrating what it is you can do for a future employer that another job seeker cannot. If you are lacking previous work experience, emphasize volunteer work or internships that allowed you to gain equivalent experience.
Expand Search Methods
The traditional platform for job searching used to be the classifieds, which have been replaced by online job boards. While these are good places to look for jobs, the University of Waterloo estimates that up to 80% of all jobs are never advertised. Social networking is quickly becoming one of the best ways to find unadvertised job opportunities. Social media sites can help you advertise your job skills and expand your search to a much wider audience.
Get Organized
If you're planning an intensive job search, staying organized will help you keep track of the positions you've applied for and make it easier to follow-up on potential leads. The U.S. Department of Labor suggests creating a chart detailing a daily schedule for your job search. Your schedule should include blocks of time dedicated to searching for jobs, networking, sending out resumes or cover letters, making phone calls, and following up on leads. You should also keep track of all interviews, including the name and contact information of the person you speak with.
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