By Indeed Editorial Team
As a job hunter, even with the right qualifications and experience, it’s essential to understand the job search process. For example, there are 25 million jobs on indeed.com, with ten new jobs being posted every second. The perfect job for you is out there, now you just need the right tools and strategies to navigate the job search process. In this article, we provide helpful tips on how to find the right job for you.
Job search tips to help you find the perfect career
Finding a great job involves research, preparation, and using the resources at your disposal in today’s competitive market. You also have to be ready to tailor your resume and cover letter to match what hiring managers are looking for. To find the right job for you, consider the following:
Know and understand your career objectives
Understanding and clearly defining your career goals helps you know where to focus your energy. Knowing what career you want helps you avoid confusion and exhaustion from following all available options. To achieve these goals, you first have to define them. To determine your career goals, settle on your dream job and write it down. Ensure you break your goals down into short- and long-term objectives to keep you motivated. Use the SMART goal-setting method to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. Finally, develop a plan to work towards fulfilling these objectives.
Make a plan
Planning makes your job-hunting process more efficient and less stressful. It’s helpful to know how and when you’ll be applying for jobs, what you’ll need for these jobs, and how to get what you need to apply for these jobs. It’s also essential to prepare yourself for any interview questions you might be asked. Use our online career guides to help you understand how to answer the different questions you’re likely to be asked during interviews.
Resumes and cover letters are critical requirements for any job search, so you’ll want to ensure you perfect those. You can use online templates and samples to guide you in crafting the perfect resume and cover letter. Continuously update your profile on professional websites to grow your network. A spreadsheet for monitoring the jobs you’ve already applied for is a helpful tool. You can then note any feedback you get to improve your next application.
Get help on writing your resume and cover letter
When you’re done writing your resume and cover letter, have someone else review them for a fresh opinion. You could ask a friend, family member, coworker, or career counsellor to proofread and offer advice. Some job hunters opt to use professional resume writing services and resources to present themselves better. If you decide to use such a service, make sure you edit your resume again closely to guarantee it represents you and your skills accurately.
Use job search resources
Expand your reach and access as many resources as you can to help you get the job you want. You could reach out to professional job search firms, recruiters, or visit businesses in person to express your interest in working there. Another great job search approach is to attend career fairs or use social media to network.
Job search engines are also a great way to access information. Use them to find out which companies are hiring and the job vacancies that suit your skill set. Register or sign up to a job search engine to receive alerts when new jobs in your field are posted. Create a free account and set some time aside to browse for open positions regularly. Ca.indeed.com offers advanced filter options to help you get the specific job you want. You can search Canada-wide, or narrow it down to your province, territory, or city.
Personalize your resume
Continuously update and edit your resume to match the job you’re applying for. Ensure you understand the job description and the requirements even as you adapt your resume to the job. Recruiters must quickly and easily see and understand your skills, even as they go through several applications.
To navigate this efficiently, have ready-made templates to edit whenever you find a new vacancy you want to apply for. Keep your details and contact information consistent, but always edit the core content to match the job description and highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
Research companies that are hiring
Having information about a company you wish to work for gives you an advantage when applying for a job or preparing for an interview. It also helps you gain more insight into writing or structuring your resume to fit the company’s expectations.
Researching companies helps you know the company culture, salaries, benefits, packages, and even the work environment. This also provides insight into whether you’re a good fit for the company and the position.
Build confidence
Be bold and confident in your abilities while applying for jobs, even if you lack some of the listed requirements. It’s beneficial to focus on your strengths and what you can bring to the company and to stay optimistic. Some roles have strict requirements, like a law degree or the completion of medical school. However, if you’re missing minor requirements and feel like you have other skills that would help you excel in the role, don’t be afraid to apply.
Depending on the job, some employers may hire based on your ability to learn and adapt to their expectations. Emphasize how your goals align with those of the hiring company to get their attention.
Gather information through your professional network
Get in touch with professionals in the company or field you wish to work in for some advice. Research whether you’re a good fit for the open position by reaching out to someone you’ve worked with or someone who already works in the same industry.
Succeed in your current role
If you’re already working, ensure you present your best abilities while you work. Maintain ties and get along with your colleagues. Strive to excel in your current role, even if you’re looking for another job. Hiring managers often request references from past roles, so you want them to receive positive feedback when they reach out to your previous employers. Show commitment while you work and maintain a professional relationship with your previous colleagues and employers. You never know when an opportunity may come up in the future.
Build your network consistently
Networking is an important skill for everyone. It requires a good level of knowledge and commitment to network continuously and maintain professional relationships. Connect on social channels and network at professional events like seminars and conferences. Schedule regular check-ins, show gratitude, and continually update your contact list. Go out and try learning new things, skills, or hobbies, and you’ll meet new people and grow your network.
Your network is essential as it will help you get referrals and learn about different roles you might be interested in. Networking also provides you with an opportunity to get feedback and advice from other professionals in your field.
Present your skills with a story
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to present your skills and knowledge by offering a real-life example from your previous roles in an interview. You can also use this method to build your cover letter and answer most interview questions.
Prepare well for interviews
Preparing for common questions they might ask you during the interview will help you practice using the STAR method. You can prepare by researching what questions to expect during an interview for a specific job, like leadership roles or an accounting position. Structure some potential responses even before you arrive at the interview to ensure you hit all the key points you want to make. This also helps to boost your confidence. It’s also helpful to prepare what questions to ask your interviewers and conduct mock interviews with colleagues or friends.
Follow up
Following up on the status of your application shows interest in the job. Write a thank-you letter within 24 hours after your interview. It will remind your interviewer about you and build their confidence in you as a candidate.
Grow your skills
Use the feedback you’ve gained from jobs you’ve applied for, your network, and online resources to identify which skills you need to improve. Whenever employers turn you down because of a missing soft skill, take steps to improve or highlight that skill more in your resume. If you’re missing a hard skill, you can take a course to learn more about it. Your next application will be stronger for it.