Did you know that “getting a new job” is one of the most popular new year’s resolutions? Every year job seekers send out resumes and cover letters, hoping to find a position that will improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, early optimism can be dashed when applicants find the job search process long, stressful, and unpredictable.
Improve Your Job Search With These Tips
To avoid overwhelm while you apply, we recommend these tips to streamline your approach and help you strategize the aspects of your job search that you can control.
- Narrow Your Job Search To Specific Positions
- Optimize Your Resume for Recruiters and AI Resume Checkers
- Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
- Don’t Be Afraid To Leverage Your Network
1. Narrow Your Job Search To Specific Positions
While applying for every position you may be interested in is tempting, casting your net too wide may be the wrong strategy. It takes a lot of energy to apply for many job types and prepare cover letters and versions of your resume tailored to the skills and experiences relevant to the position.
Narrowing your search to a focused list of positions will ensure your energy is spent applying for a job that will become a career investment.
It’s also worth noting that recruiters could take note of a sporadic or over-diversified application history and may think that you are uncertain about what you want or where your skills can be best applied. Applying for too many positions at the same company could also be a flag for HR.
2. Optimize Your Resume for Recruiters and AI Resume Checkers
Read through your resume and edit it to include more interesting and descriptive verbs like those on this list! Using more creative verbs and being as specific as possible in as few words as possible will help your resume stand out to recruiters.
Also, don’t forget to optimize your resume for AI resume checkers. Recruiters often screen resumes with AI tools to narrow the field, and you don’t want to get cut before a real person can check out your application. Check out the tips in this optimization guide by Indeed.
3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
If you want recruiters to find you on LinkedIn, you should:
- Keyword optimize your profile
- Actively use the platform while you are in job search mode
- Take relevant skill assessments to earn badges
- Monitor your inbox for messages from recruiters
- Consider paying for premium features.
Recruiters using LinkedIn will search for candidates based on keywords relevant to specific jobs. Thoughtfully use keywords in your headline and description. Also, when you are in active job search mode, you should regularly interact with posts by other users and, if possible, share your own posts. The algorithm rewards users who are active on the platform.
LinkedIn also offers skill assessment tests that allow you to earn badges to help your profile stand out. Once you’ve optimized your profile, keep an eye on your inbox and respond to recruiter messages for positions that align with what you’re looking for!
Lastly, while it isn’t absolutely necessary, paying for a premium account has some perks that can help you stand out. Check out the pros and cons of a premium LinkedIn account to see if it’s worth it for you.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Leverage Your Network
When job hunting, who you know can be as important as what you know. There is nothing wrong with reaching out to your network of family, friends, and former colleagues for introductions, recommendations, and referrals for open positions.
Getting a personal recommendation or referral for a new job opening can help “warm up” your application so you get your foot in the door and secure a job interview faster. So don’t be afraid to ask around.
Also, getting an interview with a company where you already know people who work there is a great way to learn about their culture and ensure it is compatible with your goals and values.
Record Job Growth Hasn’t Made Job Searching Easier
Despite job growth in 2022 (the U.S. economy added 4.5 million jobs this year), job seekers and employers still struggled to match with the right candidate. Sometimes it seems like everyone is hiring, but no one is getting hired! Job openings linger for months while frustrated candidates grow weary and frustrated.
According to recent data:
- The average job search can take five to six months from application to hire. – Bureau of Labor Statistics data
- You can expect the interview process for each company to require between three and five weeks. – Glassdoor
Need to make extra income while you job search?
Consider one of these side hustles to bring in extra income while you look for a permanent full-time position.