7 Ways to Improve Your Job Search

Contributed by Tessa Barlow

In the dynamic landscape of today's job market, embarking on a job search can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional looking for a change, or someone re-entering the workforce, evaluating your job search strategy is crucial for success. In this week's newsletter, we'll explore key aspects to help you assess and refine your job search journey.

1.  Define Your Goals:

Before diving into the job search process, take a moment to define your career goals. What are you looking to achieve in your next role? Whether it's career advancement, skill development, or a better work-life balance, clarifying your objectives will guide your search and help you make informed decisions.

2.  Craft an Impressive Resume:

Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers. Ensure it effectively showcases your skills, accomplishments, and experiences. Regularly update your resume to reflect your most recent achievements. Additionally, it's no secret that HR is using keywords to screen your resume. Therefore, you want to tailor it to the specific requirements of each job application.

3.  Build and Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile:

In the digital age, a strong online presence is vital. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete, keyword-optimized, and consistent with your resume. Most people don't take advantage of how much more content you can include in the different sections of LinkedIn, such as the About section or Education descriptions. Often, a recruiter or hiring manager looks at your LinkedIn profile to get the rest of your story, such as your Recommendations, your Activity, or your Groups.

4.  Networking - Quality Over Quantity:

Networking is a powerful tool in the job search process. Instead of focusing on collecting as many contacts as possible, prioritize building meaningful connections. Attend industry events, join relevant online communities, and engage in conversations to expand your network strategically.

5.  Know Your Job Application Metrics:

Keep track of your job applications, responses, and interviews. Ideally, you want to land three initial interviews per every 10 applications. If you aren't hitting those numbers, it is probably time to revisit your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Take note of how fast the rejections hit. If you get a lot of automated rejections within 24-72 hours after you apply, chances are that your resume was killed by the applicant tracking system (ATS) due to a lack of relevant keywords.

6.  Enhance Your Skills:

Evaluate your skill set regularly and identify areas for improvement. Attend workshops, online courses, or industry events to stay current and enhance your qualifications. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning will make you stand out to potential employers.

7.  Maintain a Positive Mindset:

Job searching can be challenging, and setbacks are a natural part of the process. Maintain a positive mindset, stay resilient, and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember, each rejection is an opportunity for growth and improvement – especially if you track the numbers to identify the trends.

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