Getting a job in today’s economy is no easy challenge. You may not be able to land a job even after weeks or months of job search. This is because most job seekers use specific strategies to stay ahead of the competition. If you don’t want to be left behind in the race, you also need to have an action plan ready. The more time it takes to look for a job, the more frustrated you can become. So, you need to act now!
Given below are seven essential tips that you can use to boost your job search and land a job before it’s too late.
#1. Don’t Look for a Perfect Job
If you ask career experts, they’ll tell you there’s nothing like a perfect job. You may not always be able to get all you want from a job in a single package, mainly when the going is tough. Therefore, the first thing that you need to keep in mind while trying to get a new job is to ‘let go of perfectionism.’ You’ll always have time to find better opportunities when you’ve got a job already.
#2. Gear Up Really Well
Preparation is always the key, whether submitting a resume, applying for a job, attending an interview, or meeting with the employer. Make sure all your gears are in good order. Spend adequate time to create an impressive resume. Do remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements of the employer you want to work with.
Take a look at How To Write a Resume – Feel the Employer Pain.
#3. Network Extensively (But not Blindly)
Social or professional networking can bring you excellent results. If you want to boost your chances of landing a job really quickly, you should try to connect with more and more influential people, both offline and online. Attend social and community events where you can get to know new people. Be active on popular social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In any case, don’t waste your time networking blinding. Always connect with those people who you think can bring you career benefits in some way or the other.
More at Top 10 Networking Books for Your Career Success.
#4. Don’t Let Rejections Discourage You
Getting rejected is just a part of the game. And it’s so easy to get frustrated when you see no results from your job search. Not every employer will want to hire you. Hiring managers will offer you a job only when they are fully convinced of your potential and how you can help their company with your skills. Even if you are rejected in your first few attempts, you need to continue with your job search. If it’s really taking longer than what you expected, you need to review your strategy and modify the action plan.
#5. Focus on Getting Your Foot in the Door First
If you really want to boost your chances of getting a job, you should first try to get your foot in the door. The first break is important. Unless you get your first break in the industry, you can’t build the work experience that you’ll need to negotiate better job or career opportunities.
#6. Also, Target Regional Job Websites
Don’t make potential job search mistakes like many others do. While submitting your resume to the major job boards is always advisable, it’s also a helpful recommendation not to ignore regional job sites. Try to find jobs in your own location by visiting job sites that focus on a specific region.
Have a look at 15 sites where employers can post free jobs.
#7. Don’t Ignore Temporary Jobs
Getting a temporary job is always better than sitting unemployed. Since these are lean times, you shouldn’t completely ignore temporary jobs. Many companies hire candidates temporarily. If it’s one with a potential employer, you should grab it quickly. Who knows when this temporary job can turn into a full-time job position? Give your 100 percent to whatever job you take up and try to showcase your most essential and unique skills.
Finally, ensure you’re not making any mistakes by reading the Top 5 Job Search Blunders.
Author: James Tomerson writes regularly on career, education, and latest job trends. To read more from him, you can visit Jobdiagnosis.com, which also offers jobseekers a free career aptitude test to choose a career that is in tune with their career, aptitude, and skills.
