10 Tips to Make Your Job Search More Effective

For many, job searching feels like an exercise in futility; constantly spinning your wheels and waiting for phone calls from employers that may never come. Furthermore, if you’re looking to change up your job search strategy, the lack of employer feedback makes it difficult to determine what to change. If you’re looking to stop job search burnout and build a successful search strategy,?try these 10 tips.

1. Resume Review

We all know a stellar resume is essential for a successful job search. Don’t be afraid to have multiple individuals review your resume. There is nothing wrong with getting multiple opinions. In fact, I encourage it. Especially if those people are in the industry you’re applying within.

Different individuals will notice different details. Take note of their feedback, but don’t lean so far into it that your resume loses your voice. After all, your resume is supposed to be a summary of your skills, work history,?and?personality.

2. Think Like a Recruiter

Technology is a pervasive part of contemporary recruiting. To search for a job successfully and get your resume noticed, it helps to think about how recruiters and hiring managers use the technology at their disposal. Take a look at the job description you are trying to target for your next role. Look at the patterns of keywords used and think about how those keywords apply to your current experience.

If you see a common word or phrase crop up in the positions you’re targeting, chances are recruiters are using it to search for professionals. By integrating these words into your resume, you increase your chances of your resume being found.

Pro Tip: The same concept applies when making an effective LinkedIn profile.

3. Create a List

Before you dive into your job search, write down a list of things that are important to you in your next role. This could be the role itself, the company, the benefits, the compensation, your manager, or anything else you feel is important to you.

Keeping these in mind as you apply for positions and interviews will help you keep?your deal breakers?top of mind and keep you from compromising yourself out of your professional goals.

It’s perfectly normal to adjust your goals throughout the process, but what you don’t want to do is settle.

4. Try Different Job Boards

Not all job boards are created equally. Each one is unique with different companies (and recruiters) using them. Additionally, no two job boards present your resume the same way to employers on the back end. If you want to get in front of as many recruiters as possible, use multiple job platforms.

5. Network!

So many job seekers will brush off third-party recruiters, but the fact of the matter is staffing agencies are a valuable tool to help you along your job search. If you’re struggling to hear back from your dream company, third-party recruiters are a great way to help you get your foot in the door.

Do some research to help you find the recruiters who work with the company (or companies) you are trying to target and make an introduction. Sometimes, a hand-delivered resume carries more weight than one found through a faceless ATS system.

6. Be Persistent

Now more than ever, the job market is competitive, so consistency is crucial. It’s not uncommon for competitive jobs to post and close in a matter of days. You don’t necessarily have to scour job boards for real-time updates, but weekly (or daily) notifications can help ensure you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.

7. Get Your Name Out There

Sending a follow-up asking about the next steps after you've submitted your application not only shows how excited you are about the opportunity, but it allows you to establish a one-on-one connection with the hiring manager.

8. It's the Little Things

Nothing gets a hiring manager’s attention better than an applicant who stands out from the crowd. What’s the best way to do this? Do something that most applicants won’t.

Take the time to create a cover letter that is specifically catered to the position you’re applying to. This way, hiring managers know?this?is the job you want, and you’re not simply applying to jobs arbitrarily.

Don’t be afraid to get creative on your submittal approach. The more specific you can get, the better. Showing you know little details about a position goes a long way to impress a hiring manager.

9. Pace Yourself

Looking for a job is a full-time job. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential while job hunting. The last thing you want to do is exhaust yourself to the point you lost momentum or feel like you can’t give 100% to each of the jobs you’re applying to/interviewing for.

If you feel exhausted, take a break! A little R&R will pay off in the long run.

10. Stay Positive

This is arguably the most important part of a successful job search, but admittedly, it’s a lot easier said than done. It can be hard to remember that it only takes one yes –especially if you’re in the midst of a series of “no’s”. Attitude affects your reality, and a positive mindset is what makes or breaks a job search.

Putting it All Together

If you are not getting replies from recruiters or companies, were passed on after an interview, or simply feel like your wheels are constantly spinning to no avail, remember the right role is out there for you; you just have not found it yet.

By incorporating these 10 tips into your job search, you can feel confident that you are one step closer to finding your next career opportunity.