What To Do If You Are Looking For a New Job

People are always looking for a new job. They could have lost a previous job or been looking to earn more money. A few years ago, I was in between jobs. I tried doing my own thing but realized it was best to return to working a full-time job again. It took me 8 months, but I finally found another full-time job. A lot happened during that time. I reviewed tons of employment websites and applied for hundreds of jobs. I also worked two part-time gigs. I had to have some money coming in, so I didn’t care where it came from.

Today’s post is just for you if you dream of a new job. I want to share with you different job-hunting tips you can do if you are looking for a new job.

What To Do if You Are Looking For a New Job

Continue to Apply

One thing that you have to do is to continue to apply for jobs. Even if you apply and don’t hear anything back, continue to do it. It’s a numbers game. There are many jobs available. Your next job could be around the corner. I made it a habit to apply to about 40 jobs each week. You have to keep applying. You won’t get a job offer without doing so.

Update Your Resume

The next thing you should do is ensure that your resume is up to date. I update my resume whenever I get a new job. I also added relevant skills and accomplishments to it. It’s a good habit to have different resumes for the different types of jobs that you are applying for.

Customize Your Cover Letter For Each Position

This next step is key if you are looking for a new job. This may take a little more time, but you want to make sure you customize your cover letter for each job you are applying for. Different jobs call for different skills. Your cover letter should state that you have skills for a particular position. A generic cover letter will not work. Tailor your cover letter for each position. That will give you a better chance of getting a new job.

Don’t Let Emotions Get the Best of You

A career change can be stressful. We’re all human. We get frustrated from time to time. Don’t let looking for a new job get you riled up emotionally. Things happen for a reason. Even though it may be hard, stay positive. If you get a lot of rejections, keep going. Your new job will be on the way sooner than later.

Apply for Legit Companies

During a  job search a few years ago, I saw that certain sites allow scammers to put fake jobs on their websites. Many job scams ask people to send money or deposit checks in their accounts when they haven’t done any work. Don’t fall for any of those scams. I advise looking for work on legitimate job search engines such as Indeed, Flexjobs, and CareerBuilder. LinkedIn also has a good job board.  In many cases, you can see who the job recruiter is and ask them questions before you apply.

Don’t Just Apply for Any Job

Typically I wouldn’t just apply for any job. I’d only apply for jobs that you’re interested in. If you’re not working and you’re down to your last dollar, by all means, apply for any and everything so that you can get some money coming in. If you are working part-time, find the best job that you qualify for or think that you could do.

Continue to Utilize Your Network

This is something that everyone should do, but they don’t. You should utilize your network. Utilizing your network can yield big returns. If you think you don’t have a network think again. You have a network if you have a Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn account. Use your resources.  Networking with those people can lead you to your next full-time job.

Create Your Online Career Brand

Developing your brand implies showcasing your skills, expertise, and passion online, where multiple employers searching the internet may find it. Most recruiters I know usually use LinkedIn as their primary employee search tool. If you are a professional seeking employment, you must be taking full advantage of LinkedIn and several other platforms available for your use. These platforms are also great tools for finding people who work with the company you intend to apply to while positioning you so that recruiters and hiring managers can help you with relevant openings. You can see job postings as well as the number of job applicants that jobs have.

Organize Yourself

Before you start applying for jobs or interviewing with employers, take some time to create a system that will help you organize your job search. You could achieve that by creating a simple spreadsheet that will help you monitor and keep track of the jobs you applied for, the ones that have already called you for an interview, etc. If that doesn’t work, you can list the companies you want to apply for this week.

Go Beyond Online Applications

If you only depend on online openings, landing a new job might take a very long time. And by the time you apply, the company might be in the final stages of the interview, or another person might have filled in the vacancy. I’ve had friends contact companies that interest them directly. They reached out to an internal recruiter or scheduled an informal interview with someone who already works in the company. Ideally, getting acquainted with people who will influence your chances of getting your foot in the door would be best. This job search strategy could help get you in the door quicker.

Strive to Set and Complete a Few Job-Related Goals Daily

It takes a considerable amount of effort and time to find a new job. In some cases of a long job search, discouragement and distractions are inevitable. However, by focusing on completing those job-related daily goals, you can keep motivating yourself while creating a solid foundation for a successful career.

Take it Easy and Be Kind to Yourself

Yes, we all know that searching for a job can be stressful. Therefore, aside some time to exercise, meditate, or do anything that helps you relax, unwind, and feel comfortable. Setting up a stable support system and having people with whom you can brainstorm or pour out your frustrations will significantly ease your job search process.

Create Stories and Examples That Showcase Your Skills

Here is one of the crucial tips for landing a new job. People recall stories faster; therefore, your aim must be to create a set of interview stories that you can utilize in your network meetings and job interviews. These stories will explicitly demonstrate your passion, skills, and achievement concerning your work. That is the first step toward creating a memorable interview experience. Stories can also help you feel more relaxed and comfortable discussing yourself in an interview.

Expect the Search to Take Longer Than You Imagine

Everyone hopes to land a new job quickly, but that is not always the case. In some situations, it takes months to get offered a position. Therefore, mentally prepare yourself for a long journey.

If you are looking for a new job, I want you to realize that it can take a while. Some people are lucky and can get hired quickly, while it takes a while for others. It took me 8 months to get a full-time position again during a job search a few years back. If you keep applying and stay focused, you will get hired again.

If you are a job seeker, I hope that the tips in this article help you find your next position. Your dream job is out there. You have to find it.

If you are having a hard time finding a new job, you could think about starting your own business. It’s not the easiest, but it’s something that you can do while you’re waiting on that job. Check out this post that features 30+ profitable small business ideas.

What is the longest that you went without a full-time job? What are some things you did when looking for a new job?