How to Job Hunt Like a Pro
There’s no need to dread job hunting if you know how to do it strategically! If you’re a recent or soon-to-be grad, we’ve got you covered when it comes to finding the right job as efficiently and effectively as possible!
KNOW WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
Casting a wide net won’t yield better results when it comes to job hunting. Resist the temptation to apply to every entry-level position you’re qualified for to avoid frustration and burnout.
Instead, get really specific about your goals! Make a list of your strengths, skills, and experience, and the job position(s) that best align with them to narrow down your search. Doing this will also help you revamp your resume, which is the next step!
PREPARE YOUR MATERIALS BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Now that you know exactly the type of job you want, prepare all the materials you need before you start applying. You’ll need to update your:
- Resume/LinkedIn Profile
- Website or portfolio if you need one
- List of 2-3 references
- Cover letter template
You might also want to create a list of companies you’d like to work for, so you can check to see if they’re currently hiring.
If you need help with reviewing your resume and relevant documents, ask a friend or see if your school has a career center that can help you. There are also professional resume coaches who can review your resume – do your research and find someone experienced and trustworthy.
Have a plan in place
Even if you’re currently unemployed with lots of free time, you don’t need to spend several hours per day (every day) looking and applying for jobs! It’s possible to take a balanced approach to job hunting that will give you time to live your life!
Depending on your schedule or the time of day you’re most productive, block off a period of time for job hunting and do your best to stick to that time.
Consider your attention span – if you’re a morning person who works best in one-hour blocks, you could reserve the first 3 or 4 hours of the day for your job search, and take a 10-minute break after every hour.
Of course, it’s not always possible to stick to the same schedule, so allow yourself some flexibility. However, it’s more productive to schedule blocks of time for job hunting, than trying to do it sporadically.
Use every job search resource
While you should narrow down the type of job you want, it’s best to widen your search by using every job search platform and resource available! Don’t limit yourself to just manual online searches – try reaching out to companies or hiring managers via email, searching social media, or approaching staffing agencies.
Don’t forget to sign up for daily or weekly job alerts via email when using job search engines! Some job search engines will also allow you to upload your resume to make it easier to apply for jobs on their platform.
Do your company research
As a general rule, you should tailor your resume and cover letter for every company that you apply for. Research the company and find the name of their hiring manager, the company’s history, their recent projects or awards, and other small details to personalize your application with.
You don’t have to make drastic changes each time, but something as simple as using the same key words they used in the job listing, and addressing the correct person directly in your cover letter will go a long way.
Additionally, doing your research before applying allows you to determine whether you’d be a good fit for the company, in terms of values, culture, and scope of work. This will save you time by weeding out the companies that don’t align with what you’re looking for.
Keep track of your applications
Create a Google or Excel Sheet of the jobs you apply for. Include the company name and link to their website, position, job description, important details, and the date you applied. Create additional columns for application follow ups (7-10 days after applying), interview dates, and post-interview follow ups (within 24 hours).
Having an organized system will come in handy, especially when you start receiving responses from several companies at various stages of the job search process. This way, you’ll know exactly when to follow up, when each interview is scheduled, etc. without confusion.
We hope these tips arm you with a solid plan to tackle your job hunt like a pro! However, don’t forget that job hunting isn’t a full-time job – remember to take regular breaks and enjoy life. Put in the work and the right job will find you at the perfect time!
