12 Job Searching Strategies That Work
By Indeed Team:
Effective strategies are critical for your job search, whether you are unemployed and looking for a job or considering making a career move. Mastering the process of searching and applying for jobs can help you find, and ultimately acquire, the best job opportunities. Evaluating different kinds of job searching strategies can help you evaluate which strategy will work best for your situation. In this article, we share 12 different job strategies that you can use to find your next job.
Here are 12 job searching strategies that you can use to find a great job:
- Be selective with your search.
- Maintain a strong digital presence.
- Customize your application.
- Learn a new skill.
- Network regularly.
- Participate in job fairs.
- Visit company websites.
- Leverage your current relationships.
- Use a headhunter.
- Join a professional organization.
- Bypass human resources.
- Look offline.
1. Be selective with your search
Focus your job search on positions you feel excited about and companies you really want to work for. This will help you feel confident about the position when speaking to the hiring manager. Your passion for the role will also come across in the interview, increasing the likelihood of being hired.
2. Maintain a strong digital presence
Check any job-related social media profiles and make sure that they are complete and position you as a strong candidate for your ideal job. That may mean going through your profile and tailoring it with specific keywords that a hiring manager would be looking for if they were searching for a candidate with your skillset. If you need guidance for what keywords to use, search for open positions in your field and identify the keywords that those companies are using.
Depending on your position, you may also want to consider starting your own personal website that's focused on your area of expertise. This can allow you to share your knowledge and, depending on your skillset, your work. For example, if you are a web developer, you could show examples of websites that you've designed.
3. Customize your application
Personalize your cover letter and resume for every role you apply for. Evaluate how your skills will fit a role and tailor the resume to highlight your accomplishments and relevant experiences. Include the keywords from the job description for the position you're applying for.
4. Learn a new skill
Learning an exciting new skill related to your profession can improve your confidence and energize you. It helps you to surround yourself with people who are excited about leveraging their talents. By surrounding yourself with other professionals in your industry, you may learn about new opportunities. You'll also be able to enhance your own resume and show hiring managers that personal and professional growth is important to you.
5. Network regularly
Networking is one of the most effective job searching strategies available. It allows you to learn about openings that may not be widely advertised if they are advertised at all. The more people you connect with, and with whom you communicate that you're looking for opportunities, the more likely you are to learn about open positions. You may also earn a referral in the process.
6. Participate in job fairs
Job fairs, often held throughout the year, allow you to meet employers who are hiring directly. Do your research in advance and find out which organizations will be attending the job fair. Next, identify the companies you are most interested in working for and research to learn more about them. Your preparation will come across when you speak with the employer directly at the job fair and they will be far more likely to remember you at the end of the day. You may even earn an interview on the spot.
7. Visit company websites
If you have identified a shortlist of companies you are most interested in working for, start visiting their website regularly to find out if they're hiring. Many companies don't advertise their openings on job sites, but instead may just post them on their own website and share them on social media. By monitoring the websites of the companies you're most interested in working for, you'll be more likely to notice if a position becomes suddenly available.
8. Leverage your current relationships
You are likely familiar with the phrase, "it's not what you know, it's who you know." The more relationships you have, the greater the likelihood of a referral for a job. Start using social media and leveraging your personal and professional networks to learn about openings and get a referral.
9. Use a headhunter
Some people specialize in helping others find jobs, sometimes even for specific industries. Consider contacting a placement agency or headhunter who can help you find the right position.
10. Join a professional organization
Join a professional organization in your field. This will present opportunities for you to learn, expand upon your current skillset and network with those working within the industry. Make sure when you're meeting new people that you're mentally present and engaged, as you may connect with someone at an event who can offer assistance in your job search.
11. Bypass human resources
If possible, find a way to bypass HR and connect with someone in the department for which you're applying. Look on job-related social networks and find people who work within the company. Then evaluate whether you have any connections who could get you an introduction. Consider reaching out to people in the department to see if you can get coffee and learn more about the company and the position. You may walk away from the meeting with a personal referral for the job.
12. Utilize word-of-mouth
Look for small companies in your area, particularly family-owned businesses or organizations that rely on word-of-mouth. Identify the ones you're most interested in working for and reach out with a cold email. Use social networks to see if you are connected with anyone who works there and periodically check their website to determine whether they are hiring.