27 Jul 7 Steps to Kickstarting Your Job Search
Searching for a new job is daunting. Honestly. Scouring through pages and pages of job openings that probably are not what you’re looking for on multiple different job searching platforms is more than just a little intimidating. However, the hardest part is not looking for a job, but preparing for the job search itself.
If you have just started looking, here are seven steps to follow if you want to kickstart your job search.
7 Steps to Follow for Your Job Search
Step 1: Confirm You Want a New Job
We all know that there is not always a choice when it comes to finding a new job—sometimes our company lets us go and we are not one of the lucky ones to be financially stable without work. However, there is a certain mindset you should adopt when starting your job search.
If you are going into these job searching platforms—such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and more—dreading each and every job you come across, finding only flaws and things you dislike in each description, and hardly saving any to be viewed for later… you probably don’t want to find a new job. Whether that’s because your last job burned you too badly to gain momentum for a new one or because you simply dislike looking for jobs, it’s something that will hinder you in your job searching endeavor.
Though it does not always come from reading through inspirational quotes, listening to motivational speeches, or manifesting some positivity in your job search, it is important to find the want to search for a new job. So, take a deep breath and try to lay out every reason you have for finding a new job; hopefully, this can help bring some eagerness and a new sense of enthusiasm to your job search.
Step 2: Understand Major Factors You Look for in a Job and Factors You Dislike in a Job
This one is so important. Many times, people go into their job search without a defined goal past getting a job; they don’t seem to understand what they enjoy in a job or what makes their job more dreadful.
Speaking strictly on the work environment level, you should understand what you are most comfortable working in. Are you someone who thrives in environments of collaboration, team goals, and constant communication? Or do you work better by yourself, where you can bounce ideas around within your own mind? What kind of companies do you prefer to work for? Do you prefer a company that has similar views as you or one that has similar goals for their employees?
Understanding which collection of things would make up your dream job makes the job search a little easier. Further, understanding which things rub you the wrong way can help eliminate jobs that are not worth your time.
Although, you should make sure to have a little leeway. While it is not a bad thing to be firm about what you want, there will always be exceptions. It is incredibly rare to find a job that checks off all of your boxes, so make sure to allow some give and take (just not too much).
Step 3: Get Realistic About Your Job Search Options
There are always way too many factors to account for when searching for a new job. Because of this, the easiest thing to do is to list them all out honestly. Knowing where you can and cannot give will be beneficial not only in the job searching aspect but also in the interview. If you know that you can work from home rather than traveling to an office every day, you might be willing to have an earlier start time—or something similar.
Being able to adjust your options in this way can help you negotiate during your interview and help narrow down the places you apply. Be realistic, understand what you prefer and what you cannot stand, and allow some space to adapt.
Consider these questions:
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- Which jobs are available at this current moment?
- Are they available in your area? Remotely? Are you willing to travel?
- Any jobs available in your industry? Are there any similar industries you wouldn’t mind applying for?
- How long do you have to find a new job? Do you need it now or do you have some time?
- Which benefits can you live with and which ones can you live without?
- What kind of salary do you realistically need to have?
- Is there a specific work environment you prefer?
- Which jobs are available at this current moment?
Step 4: Networking for a Job Search Specifically
One of the most important, but slightly hidden, factors you might need for your job search is networking. In recent years, LinkedIn has grown to be the powerhouse job searching platform. It’s not only a way to connect you with those who work in the same company as you, but it’s a way to connect you with people in the same industry or in an industry you are interested in.
By simply commenting or reacting to a post, you can connect with people around the world in any industry. The more people you have a “connection” with, the more likely you can find a job. You never know when one of your connections has a job opening at their company or if they can give you a few pointers for your interview.
Many times, the network behind you can help get your foot in the door with a new company and cut your job search short. So, make sure to put some time and effort into building your network. Connect with those in your industry and those in companies you are actively applying to.
Step 5: Do You Need a Career Coach to Help with Your Job Search?
Even with all of the previous steps, searching for a job can be daunting on your own. Perhaps you feel a little lost on where you want to go with your career, you aren’t confident in your interviewing skills, or you’re having a hard time getting your resume to reflect just how awesome you and your skills are (because they are, trust yourself).
A career coach might be the answer you’re looking for.
On a basic level, a career coach is someone who can help you find your footing in your career. They can help improve your visibility in the job market and provide helpful tips that can get you a job quicker (including resume revamps, interview help, career guidance, etc.).
If you think you might want a bit more help on your journey to a new job or career path, check out our Career Services at the Jonus Group. Our Career Coaches can help guide you in the right direction and provide top-quality resume assistance to ensure your skills and experience are presented adequately for the jobs you are applying for.
Step 6: Revamp Your Resume
Even if you don’t want an entire career coaching package, you should consider updating your resume. The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) has changed quite a bit over the years. From needing specific keywords to readable formats, the ATS is quite picky about who it lets through.
No matter how much experience you have or the skills you hold, if the ATS can’t find the preprogrammed buzz words in your resume or it can’t sufficiently understand what your resume says, then your resume will be thrown out long before it reaches the hands of a hiring manager.
Make sure to keep your resume up to date, easily readable, and continuously tailored with the right keywords. This will make a world of difference.
If you want a professional resume writer to help, check out the resume help we offer at the Jonus Group!
Step 7: Start Your Job Search Now
Obviously, if you read this post then you are looking for the magical answer that can make your job search much easier. However, the answer has been under your nose this whole time. All you need to do to kickstart your job search is to start.
Even if you follow the six other steps, that won’t mean much if you haven’t actively hit the gas pedal. Take a deep breath and just start. It will be tiring at times, and it will be easier at other times… but you will already be far better off than others if you just start.
Set up a free, 15-minute consultation with a Career Coach at the Jonus Group through our Calendly link now to ensure you are market-ready and following the right path for you. We will be more than happy to help you reach your personal success in your career.