American unemployment has dropped below 5%. Each month, 181,000 jobs open up and subsequently fill up. That means companies are looking for you, but if you can’t stand out from the next person, you’ll go from job site to job site, and get burnt out. Out of the nearly 250 resumes that hit the desk of every corporate recruiter per job opening, you’ve got to do more than click and send.
If you’re ready to revamp your job search, follow these 13 steps to a better job search experience.
1. Tap into your network
Landing your dream job isn’t a solo effort. Having a
network to tap into is priceless as you set your eyes on the job of your dreams. Go to networking and business events. Utilize LinkedIn. A recommendation from a key player could be just the push you need to secure an interview, and land the job.
2. Enlist a team
Recruiters have wide networks of people who are looking for employees just like you. Connecting with a recruiting firm and laying out your goals, experiences and even your zaniest skills with help them set you up with interviews for your perfect job.
3. Be real
If you’ve been applying to jobs and constantly
striking out, leaving you feeling like giving up on your dreams, stop. You don’t have to give up—you might just need to reset your expectations. Take an honest look at your abilities, skills, experiences and goals. Apply for jobs that allow you to utilize these skills as you grow.
4. Revamp your resume
If your resume hasn’t been updated since your summer job in 1980, it’s certainly not going to help you in your search. Draft a
concise synopsis of how awesome you are and how your experiences can improve the company of your dreams.
5. Accept the mission
Looking for a job can sometimes be a full-time job in itself. If you are submitting one or two applications a day, you’ve got to ramp it up.
Set a weekly goal and apply, apply, apply.
6. Relax
Sitting at the computer for long hours searching for a job can be stressful. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Give yourself permission to take a break from the job, just as you would on a paid job. You’ll come back with a clearer head, ready to
tackle the hunt.
7. Keep resumes handy
You never know when you’ll run into someone who can change your jobless direction in a moment. Have a printed resume with you at all times, or in your outbox ready to email the moment you make contact.
8. Practice your interview
Practice makes perfect, and cuts out the stress of performing in the moment. Practice answering common interview questions in front of a mirror, a friend or family member, or a recruiter. You’ll tame your nerves, and feel a lot
more prepared as you head out.
9. Go online
Get an insiders view on companies at Glassdoor and LinkedIn—voted 2017’s
leading job sites. Glassdoor provides insider reviews of companies, and LinkedIn allows you to see who is employed at companies of interest, and even to connect with them.
10. Stand out
It’s a competitive job market, and to win big, you have to
stand out. Let your personality show through (professionally). Following up on the interview with a Thank You email can remind them what they liked about you, and why you are right for the job.
11. Research employers
Don’t go into an interview blindly. Go prepared with knowledge about the company. The few moments spent researching them before the interview will show that you’re savvy, and excited about the opportunities before you.
12. Learn something new
Learn a new skill in your industry, or stay on top of the latest trends. This will keep you relevant in a rapidly changing job market, and make you stand out from the crowd of completely qualified individuals.
13. Clean up your online presence
It’s true. Most employers will do a quick web search on you before they ever get in touch. That means before they’ve even meet you, they know a whole lot about your life and personality based your
social profiles. Make sure your profiles don’t incriminate you and hurt you in your search.
You don’t have to be stuck in what feels like the hamster wheel of Job Search Land forever. There’s a way out. By following these 13 steps, you can boost your job search efforts, and improve the experience toward landing the job of your dreams.
Are you ready for the job of your dreams? Apply now!
