top of page

Tips for Searching for a Job

Casting a wide net is critical to landing your next job. Don't just limit your job search to job boards.  

Define Your Career Search

Job Search Qualification Resume Recruitm

Understand Your Priorities

Setting realistic expectations is a good strategy to maintain focus and remain optimistic through the process.

​

Identify why you're looking for a job: 

  • More pay

  • Work life balance

  • Professional challenges

  • Promotion, lack of growth opportunities

  • Fulfillment

​

Knowing why you're looking for a job and the qualities most important to you, can help you identify opportunities with the biggest potential. 

​

Create a list of what you need in your next position:

​

  • Relationship with manager, do you work best with a manager who reviews your work and projects or do you prefer autonomy and independence?

  • Do you thrive under minimal supervision or prefer a guiding hand? A job posting seeking a self starter could indicate that the position expects someone who is able to work proactively.

  • How do you like to communicate-well thought out email OR impromptu chat in the hallway, or dedicated one on one time?

  • Are specific benefits a must have for your next job? What perks are you seeking?  Flexible work schedule, casual dress code, work from home.

  • Salary range and benefits

  • Work environment: fast paced and always changing OR steady, predictable work?

​

​

Strategies for Job Boards

Job boards can be one strategy for your career search, but shouldn't be the only strategy.

​

Job boards are the number one place job seekers look for jobs.  But are they really effective?  Job boards hire approximately 5% of the applicants that apply.  Most positions are filled through networking and internal hiring.

 

For the job seeker there's an advantage of seeing so many jobs in one place, but it also means you are one of hundreds of applicants. 

Job boards can be very useful for certain kinds of jobs, primarily entry level, manufacturing and service industry jobs. But they may not be a an accurate representation of all available jobs for seasoned professional and corporate jobs.

​

How to boost your application's chances of getting noticed:

  • Include relevant keywords-many employers use Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to scan resumes. If certain keywords are not on your resume, that resume may not be viewed by the hiring manager.

  • Include career goals and personal summary-personalizing your resume can help hiring managers make a quick assessment of your skill match for their position. 

  • Resume and LinkedIn profile-make sure they are aligned. Employers will review your resume and LinkedIn profile.  if information is missing, then it may be a mark against you.

  • Write a targeted resume-this is in line with including relevant keywords.  Matching keywords and measurable achievements in your resume that relate to the job posting is critical. This may require that you'll have to revise your resume with each position you apply to.

  • Use LinkedIn- to identify who the hiring manager or HR Recruiter is. Send them a message on LinkedIn introducing yourself, include your resume and cover letter. This is a great opportunity to re-emphasize your interest in a position. 

Businessman clicks on the Internet job s
bottom of page