Career Advice for Every Step of Your Job Search

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6 min read. Updated on March 04, 2016

Ken Chase (TR)

Looking for job search advice that helps make sense of the job search process?

Few things in life are more stressful than searching for a new job. That’s especially true when you start that process without any real plan of action. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to simplify your job hunt and minimize that stress.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best job search advice and tips for job seekers.

1. Set clear goals

Before you start your job search, make sure you know what you want, and which types of jobs are best suited for your abilities. Take stock of your skills and strengths so you can work to improve any weaknesses in your skill set.

It’s also a good idea to assess and update yourtype: entry-hyperlink id: 66EbcCDBTRn6Zw9d8GA5ft any time you find yourself ready to search for a new job.

Are you still on course to achieve your larger career objectives?
Are there additional skills or experiences you need to acquire to meet those goals?

By assessing your goals, you can more effectively ensure your next job helps advance your career journey.

2. Create an organized plan

Don’t just send out applications without a plan of action. Instead, create an organized plan you can use to guide your job search efforts and keep track of your results. A plan can help you schedule time to research new jobs, customize your resume and cover letters, submit applications, and follow up with prospective employers.

The more organized you are, the easier it will be for you to manage your job search and minimize stress. Many job seekers use tools like Excel to track their progress, but you can enjoy similar organizational benefits using pen and paper.

3. Update your resume

Your resume is your most important job seeking tool, so make sure it’s updated and suitable for your current job search needs. It’s a good idea to regularly update it with new skills, experiences, and achievements so that it’s as current as possible. In addition, you shouldtype: entry-hyperlink id: 5j1Iq1yxY9nxHyFyALbkNA to fit each job that you’re seeking.

One of the best pieces of advice for job seekers who need help customizing their resume is to learn how to analyze job descriptions. Job postings include the relevant keywords you need to help your resume get past applicant tracking systems and capture the interest of human hiring managers.

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4. Improve your online brand

Don’t forget to spend some time focusing on your online brand. If you use social media, including sites like LinkedIn, make sure you’ve taken time to optimize your profiles and content. Your online presence needs to be an extension of yourtype: entry-hyperlink id: 6740YLOdQ35lrU15DrSEH2, highlighting your skills and potential value to employers.

It’s also wise to clean up social media and make sure your online reputation is in good standing. You can run a Google search of your own name to see what employers might encounter if they search for you during the hiring process. If your social media includes anything negative, clean up those profiles or change your privacy settings to remove them from public view.

5. Research and identify job opportunities

Of course, you’ll need to identify some lucrative job opportunities before your search can begin in earnest. The good news is that the internet has made locating potential jobs easier than ever before. There are a host of online job boards you can use to find open positions, and you can use LinkedIn to expand your professional network.

Job fairs, newspaper advertisements, and traditional job referrals are also great options for finding available jobs. As you identify possible opportunities, you should research each position and company to determine whether you’re interested in the job.

6. Contact prospective employers

As you narrow your search and identify the best opportunities for your career needs, you’ll need to focus your attention on the application process. Each employer will likely provide instructions to guide you as you submit your resume, cover letter, and other relevant application materials. Make sure you follow those instructions to the letter.

Don’t forget to tailor your resume and cover letter to align with each individual job that you’re applying for. That will help ensure that hiring managers quickly notice that your abilities and experiences meet the requirements listed in the job posting.

7. Prepare for interviews

At some point in the job search process, you’re going to start receiving invitations to job interviews. As far as interviews go, the best job search advice is to always make sure you’ve properly prepared for that meeting! That preparation should include:

Making sure you’ve thoroughly researched the company
Spending time practicing your answers to common interview questions you’re likely to encounter
Choosing attire that’s sure to impress the interviewer
Focusing on conveying your potential value to the employer

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8. Go to interviews

It’s not enough to prepare for the interview, of course. To secure a job offer, you’ll need to actually perform. With practice, you should be able to reduce your anxiety and focus on the things that matter to most interviewers:

Always make solid and consistent eye contact with the interviewer.
Speak in a clear voice, enunciating each word.
Don’t speak too slowly or too quickly.
Don’t interrupt. Wait until the interviewer has completed each question before you respond.
Be positive throughout your presentation.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Focus on demonstrating how your skills, experiences, and measurable achievements make you a great fit for the position.
Always start with a greeting and end with an expression of gratitude. If possible, shake hands with the interviewer.

9. Follow-up with prospective employers

You should also get into the habit of sending follow-up emails to interviewers. While there is no requirement to do so, sending these follow-ups can be a great way to reinforce your professionalism and leave an even stronger impression on employers.

Your email doesn’t need to be anything complicated. Simply thank them for taking the time to meet with you and confirm that you’re interested in the position. That will help to ensure that you remain in their thoughts as they continue their other candidate interviews.

10. Evaluate and consider job offers

The final piece of job search advice you need involves the end of the job hunt. If you’ve done everything else right, you’re going to receive one or more job offers. That’s always an exciting moment, since it represents a potentially successful conclusion to a sometimes grueling process. You may even be inclined to jump at the first offer you receive – but that’s not always the best option.

It’s always important to consider every aspect of a job offer before you make a firm decision.

Is the compensation adequate?
What about the work schedule and expected responsibilities?
Do you have multiple offers you need to compare before you commit?

Just make sure that you fully consider any offer so that you’re picking the right job for your career needs.

Make every step of your job search effort work to your advantage!

Today’s job search market is more competitive than ever before, and finding the right job isn’t always easy. However, the right plan can help you navigate your search with confidence. By following the job search advice in this guide, you should have no problem locating and securing your next great position.

Need even more job search advice or simply want to see if your resume has what it takes to capture an employer’s interest? Get the help you need with a free resume review from our team of experts.

This article was originally written by Tina Volpe. It’s been updated by Ken Chase.