The mere thought of finding a new job alone already feels daunting itself. But things get even more hectic when it is time to actually start looking for one.
To make this challenging quest more bearable, here are 5 simple steps you can take to search for your next job:
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Prepare Your Resume
Your job hunt will never start if you don’t have a resume in the first place. If you can no longer remember the last time that you checked and updated your resume, now might be the best time to do it.
While it is a must to tailor your resume for the different jobs you apply to, updating your resume and keeping it handy can make it easier and simpler for you to tweak the particulars for every job application.
- Refine Your Profiles
In this digital world, hiring managers will definitely look you up online after they give your resume a good glance over. Of course, it will work to your advantage to ensure that everything they see on your profiles will leave them impressed, and not disappointed or turned off.
So, make sure that you have professional and clean social media accounts. While you are at it, grab this opportunity to boost your online presence by adding some samples of your work, previous projects you worked on, and more.
- Tap into Your Existing Network
In the competitive business world, who you know sometimes matters more than what you know. Yes, your current network is one of your best assets when searching for a new job.
For all you know, one of your closest friends is in touch with someone who is looking for a new talent who got your skills and experience. More often than not, it is better to have more people in your corner that you can reach out to when seeking greener pastures.
- Make a Targeted Search
Something as cutthroat as the job search market can leave you drained if you don’t target your efforts properly. To leverage your time and avoid wasting it, you have to be clear right from the get-go about exactly what you are looking for.
Are you after a remote or flexible position? Do you prefer just a part-time or temporary job as a side hustle? By knowing what you need and want, cutting through the clutter will be faster to help you find what you are searching for.
- Set Your Goals
As expected, your main goal here is to find a new job. However, since this is a rather broad goal, it is best to map out a plan for your job search. How many jobs do you want to apply for every week? Would you like to have a few informational interviews monthly?
Setting smaller milestones will make it easier for you to stay on track and celebrate your smaller wins every time you achieve them.
Job hunting is never an easy climb but as long as you muster the courage to take that first step, you will soon be on your way to landing that position you have always wanted.