5 Tips For An Effective Job Search

If you haven’t searched for a job in 5, 10, or 15 years, and now find yourself in the middle of seeking your next opportunity, you’ve most likely noticed that job searching has completing changed. Many years ago, you could walk into a company, fill out a job application, get an interview within an hour, and potentially be hired on-the-spot. Today, that scenario is either non-existent or highly unlikely. So, what does it take to be effective in the current job market? Read our tips below for advice and tips to boost your success.

1. Networking is your friend. The old adage, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,’ is true. When you are in the full swing of a job search, you need to let people know. Attend networking events, send your resume to contacts, prepare your elevator pitch, and connect with old acquaintances. If you are in a ‘covert’ job search (i.e. you are still employed and don’t want too many people to know you are job searching), then be sure to only let trusted colleagues know you are seeking new opportunities.

2. Clean up your social media profiles. Whether you are on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Snapchat, be sure that your profiles reflect a professional reputation. Family photos are fine. Uploading photos of your recent attendance at a bachelor or bachelorette party aren’t appropriate. While your profile is a reflection your personal life, you also have to remember that you represent your workplace even when you are not working. Be sure your settings are private as much as possible. And, if you have no social media presence, you may want to create a LinkedIn profile – the most professional social media site and the best one for job searching.

3. Update your resume. If you are actively job searching or are just checking out potential opportunities, you need an updated resume. If you lose your position today and it takes a few weeks to put together your resume, you are losing those previous days of job searching. Or, if you are still currently employed and a perfect opportunity comes your way, do you really want to let the employer know that your resume isn’t ready? Conduct research online, contact your local job center, or hire a professional. But, don’t wait-get your resume job-ready today.

4. Make finding a job YOUR JOB. When looking for a job, that is your job. What does this mean? It means you have to set goals for yourself, be consistent, and follow-up. Make a commitment to send three resumes per day, reach out to five people on LinkedIn, or attend a job fair. And then-keep yourself organized. Track your progress and follow-up with those that have shown an interest. Casual job seekers rarely find success. Those that make a plan, stick to it, and measure their results are almost always successful.

5. Be professional at all times. While this may sound like common sense, you would be surprised how many people forget this. Be nice, say thank you, listen intently, and dress appropriately. Even if something or someone may not be a good fit right now, it doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to connect you to an opportunity in the future. Don’t badmouth your current (or past) employer, concentrate on the positive, and use your manners. Sending a thank you note after an interview could be the difference between being hired or forgotten. With the fast-pace of almost every company and person today, being polite, professional, and in-tune with their needs will be sure to set you apart from others.

As you start or continue your job search, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to others that can give you tips, attend job fairs, brush-up on your skills, and use this time to reflect on your past accomplishments and where you see yourself in the future. The job search can be frustrating at times-you do have what it takes-be sure to treat your job search as a job, be professional, connect with others, and always be prepared-this will help to ensure that you land a great new job opportunity.