A perfect recipe for your job search!
Are you starting to think about the New Year and a potential change in job?
A job search can be a daunting task as there are so many websites, services and tools to use in this digital age we live in.
Below you will find a step by step guide on how to make your job search a quality one by making it simpler and more effective!
- Know your goals before you begin
What are you hoping to achieve with your job search, do you want to work in a different company? Perhaps a new field of work? Having a clear goal will help assist your efforts, to make sure you are not wasting any time. .
- Polish your resume
Keep your resume short and succinct, but make it longer than 1 page (between 2-4 pages is good). Eliminate filler words and phrases. Don’t use colours and different fonts, keep it succinct and to the point. Ensure you have a solid objective statement at the beginning of your resume- remember that an employer scans a resume and makes a judgement within 5-10 seconds so make sure you impress!
- Update your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a great job-hunting tool, be sure to use strong keywords and update all of your qualifications. Treat it as an online resume so an organization can find you. Fill out your profile completely and use a professional headshot. Give your other social media profiles a quick once-over and make sure you look professional to an outside search.
- Personalize everything
When applying for any job, personalize your resume, cover letter and email to you provide to the job and company you’re applying to. Keep an organized folder of documents that you can easily personalize each time you send them out. If you personalize your resume to a specific job it will stand out! Use keywords mentioned in the advertisement, this is what the potential employer will be looking for.
- Schedule time for job hunting
Whether you’re currently employed or not, you’ll need to schedule time for job hunting like any other task in your day. Make a list of daily tasks, like checking job boards, networking, and following up, and do them at a set time. Treat your job hunt like a job itself.
- Reward yourself and take breaks
Job hunting can feel never-ending and hard work. Instead of focusing on what you haven’t achieved, look at what you have. Keep a record of how many jobs you apply for and emails you send out, and celebrate the progress. If things don’t seem to be working, take a break and reassess your end goal, re-tweak your resume, update your profiles again and take another go at it!
All the best in your job search, and don’t forget- if you are looking for work contact us here at SteppingStones Recruitment Ltd!
Original blog can be found on Pulse by Bernard Marr https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/very-simple-recipe-perfect-job-search-bernard-marr