Finding work is not all that it’s cracked up to be these days. You may have been scouring the web for a job for a while now. As you’ve searched for work, you had no idea that it’d be so time-consuming! Ideally, it’d be great if you could find work that aligns with your career goals. But so far, everything is taking a lot more time than you anticipated.
Don’t let the job hunting process get you down. If there’s a will, there’s a way! In a hurting economy, it takes thinking outside the box to score the type of job you’re after. Here are 7 quick tips for finding a new job that checks all the boxes!
1. Go After What You Want (and Don’t Settle)
Don’t waste your time pursuing a job that won’t satisfy you. Preferably seek out a position that aligns with your goals and that will fulfill you.
Your degree already provides you with guidance in regards to your field. Apart from this, ask yourself where you’d like to work and what type of company you’d like to work for.
Also, consider what your ideal salary is (more on this next). By knowing these things ahead of time, applying for work will go more smoothly.
2. Know What People in Your Field Are Getting Paid (So You’re Prepared)
Do you know what people in your field are getting paid? Even if you’re familiar with the salary, carve out some time to do more extensive research. Write down your ideal salary and decide what’s the lowest amount you’d be willing to accept.
Researching what the compensation is for other people in your line of work will come in handy. When you’re getting interviewed, you’ll already have a salary in mind and will know how to answer if they ask what it is.
3. Get on LinkedIn (If You’re Not Already on There)
LinkedIn is the Facebook of jobs, which is exactly why you should have a profile if you don’t already. Even if you don’t have glowing reviews on your LinkedIn, that’s okay. Setting up a profile and plugging in your experience will give companies a face to go with your name.
Plus, having a LinkedIn profile will give you some credibility on the web. If time allows, take advantage of LinkedIn’s many tools to highlight your skills. And don’t forget to use it to look for work as well!
4. Don’t Include Every Detail on Your Resume (Otherwise it’ll Detract From It!)
It’s impossible to include every little detail about your career on your resume. Besides, if there’s too much on there, it’ll get glossed over anyway.
It’s best to only highlight the most important jobs and tasks you were in charge of. If you’re a new graduate, focus on having more of your volunteer and intern work on the resume.
5. Memorize the Job Description (And Sell Yourself!)
Okay, you don’t have to actually memorize the job description. But if it’s a job you’re really interested in, you should know the company’s “language.” By language, I mean have a firm grasp on what they’re looking for in an employee. Use their job description and specifications to sell yourself.
So, while applying, point out which skills you have that make you an ideal candidate. If you get asked to come in for an interview, keep their job description in the forefront of your mind.
6. Treat Applying Like It’s Your Job (Until You Get a Job)
Applying for work is time-consuming, and it can also be draining. But until you get offered a job and accept it, don’t stop applying! Treat looking for work as an actual job. Set hours to seek employment and have a set goal of how many jobs you want to apply for per day or week. It’ll take a lot of work, but it’ll pay off when you get offered a job that’s a good fit for you!
7. Keep Applying Even Though You’re on Someone’s Short List (Because Things May Not Pan Out)
It’s exciting when you’re on a company’s short list, and you’re pretty sure you’ll get hired. Even so, don’t put on the breaks with other companies just yet. Unfortunately, there’s always a chance you may not get hired. If that should happen, you don’t want to close the door to other opportunities. It’s best if you continue to apply and accept interviews even if you’re confident you’ll get offered the job you want.
Conclusion
After working hard on a degree, you deserve to find a job that’ll make you happy. Even if it takes a while to find work, don’t give up. You have what it takes to be successful in your field. Don’t stop believing in yourself because you’re going to find a new job that’ll be an excellent fit!