5 Tips for Streamlining Your Job Search Process

In the current job market, where competition for an available positions is quite high due to ongoing layoffs. Here are 5 strategies for effective approaches to streamlining a job search:

1) Develop a clear job search plan: Before starting your job search, take time to create a detailed plan that outlines your goals, target industries, and specific job titles that pertain to your interests and jobs at hand. This will help you focus your search and make it more efficient as you will get a clear understand of what you are actually literally looking for.

2) Tailor your resume to each job you apply to: Avoid using a generic resume for every job application, Don’t be afraid customize your application to the specific job and company you are applying for…it will help you stand out.

3) Use job search engines and company websites: Job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn can be great resources for finding job opportunities, but don’t stop there as many jobs aren’t posted on sites as companies do have to pay for them so sometimes it’s best to reach out to a recruiter you know who specializes in your district or area of expertise. ?

4) Network, network, network: Let your professional and personal networks know that you're looking for a job. People don’t think of it but join online groups and forums, and connect with people on social media…especially on LinkedIN as people search the groups for like-minded professionals.

5) Be proactive: Don't wait for job postings to appear; instead, reach out to companies you're interested in and ask if they have any openings…you never know unless you ask

Although there are actions to avoid as well as you want to be careful not to apply to EVERY job as not all of them match your profile.

Applying to every is seriously a waste of time, will be demoralizing and a blow to your ego as no one will be reaching out to you for careers you are applying for and all you will think is "I am applying everywhere and no one is getting back to" And there is a clear reason.

So remember, if you're currently employed or actively job searching, focus on building a strong online presence that showcases your personality, your skills and experience in a positive way.

Feel free to create a professional website, comment on posts related to your knowledge and your industry. Consider a blog about your industry, or contributing to online communities, podcasts or articles to showcase your expertise so people get to know you for who you are and what you can do.

Companies are composed of people who want to hire other people the feel they can connect with so make that you!

Jessica Glazer is the founder of MindHR an executive search, resume writing and career coaching company.