Job Searching Strategies: How To Find The Best Work For You

What makes a smooth job-hunting experience? A set of efficient and effective job-searching strategies. While it sounds easier said than done, these techniques will make sure that you find the employment that you actually want. With help coming in all forms these days, you can discover and use one that best works for you.

Why Having Job Searching Strategies Matters

The job hunting process can be a tough and overwhelming task. Without any sort of management, it can quickly go awry. Think about it: You have to gather as many openings as you can. Then, craft resumes and cover letters while making sure that each one is tailored to the position you’re applying for. Finally, you need to maintain an active online presence at various job search networking sites. Offline, you’re also attending career fairs and scheduling visits to your university’s placement office.

So how do you make the most out of the time you have when searching for jobs? By organizing your job search, you’ll be able to weed out openings and go for the ones that really pique your interest. You’ll also be able to feel less overwhelmed if your approach to the job search is well-managed and systematic.

Also read: Find Your First Job With These 5 Job Hunting Tips for Fresh Graduates

What Are The Steps To Finding a Job?

Every step in the job search process counts. In fact, even small things such as naming a file wrong or sending in an application an hour late can cost you a slot for an interview. Here are some tips for searching for a job to make you a more efficient jobseeker.

1. Only go for the openings you’re interested in

A common myth during job hunting is that jobseekers must apply to as many jobs as possible. This way, they’ll get more chances of landing interviews. When applying to multiple companies, their tendency is to send out a bunch of generic applications. Because who has time to customize 10 resumes, right?

However, it’s not a good idea to do so because recruiters sometimes weed out applications that are too generic, or do not fit the position that’s open. By applying to a company or in a position that really interests you, you’re bound to pour the right amount of time and energy into the application. Thus, increasing your chances of being one of the best candidates in the pool.

2. Cloud storage is the answer to everything

When applying for a job, store everything necessary in the cloud. There are a ton of options for this, whether it be Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Just take your pick and stash everything related to your job hunt there. This includes your resume, cover letters, templates, and portfolio.

More importantly, make sure everything is properly labeled so that you’re not scrambling to find the correct resume to send when you need to. Using a cloud storage platform also makes it easier for you to access your documents even when you’re away from your personal computer, as these can be opened on your phone too!

3. Make a schedule and have a calendar

Having a calendar, physically or on your phone, makes the job search a lot more efficient. By having one, you can see at a glance whether you’re free to have an interview or not. You’ll also be able to devote an allotted amount of time to the job search so that it’s not on your mind 24/7. Make a schedule and stick to it.

You can also track important deadlines (such as until when a job is open for applications, as many recruiters set specific dates for this). That way, you don’t miss anything. Alternatively, if you keep a physical planner, jot important dates down. But also make sure to have them on your phone and set reminders. That way, you’re able to attend to everything. You wouldn’t want to miss an interview with the company of your dreams, right?

4. Turn those job alerts on

Websites such as JobStreet have a feature where they can send you job alerts and job vacancies straight to your email or phone, depending on your permissions. Turn these on so that you never miss a job recommendation. Sites like these use the information you’ve provided them to match you with the perfect job opening. That includes skill level, expected salary, languages spoken, and location.

Job alerts are also extra useful as they serve as your personal reminder of what jobs you can apply for. This isn’t the easiest thing to do on your own when you’re already swamped with every other facet of your job-hunting experience. So go ahead and create an account if you haven’t yet. And if you have one already, remember to update your profile.

5. Update and optimize your resume

And when you do, use reliable resume templates! This saves you time so that you don’t have to start from scratch when you need to tailor-fit a resume to fit a job opening.

You can also use this same method for cover letters. By optimizing your resume to fit each job application, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed and chosen by recruiters. Remember to craft each resume and cover letter carefully, and according to the job description.

Need more help? Check out Career Tools for free templates.

6. Maintain spreadsheets and checklists

After getting the hang of using a cloud storage service, you can then open it and create an Excel file where you can track the status of your applications. List the company, the date you applied, and the status (whether it’s submitted, in progress, awaiting a response, completed, etc.).

And, for a fun added management and organization bonus: color-code them! It’s much easier to monitor which ones need following-up or which job applications still need to be sent in. And, to which company or establishment.

7. Don’t just maintain, but build yourself online

More important than maintaining an active online presence is how you use it to build a better profile of yourself. That is, one that will appeal to the employers you’re after. Don’t focus on simply cleaning up your social networking sites by removing anything that might put you in a bad light. Make sure to also market your strengths and relevant experiences in your biography and in relevant posts.

For example, when there are news pieces that concern the industry you’re in, you should consider sharing your thoughts about it in a professional but insightful manner. It’s a great way for recruiters to know more about you ahead of you meeting them for an interview.

8. Network anytime and anywhere you can

The best kind of jobs to go for may not be available online, at least not yet. Sometimes, you will only find out about openings in companies from offline encounters. We’re not just talking about job fairs. But, every other social event that you can think of that’s related to the industry you’re in.

It’s important to make yourself available for these kinds of opportunities. Not only will you learn about potential job opportunities first-hand. You’ll also have a headstart in the application and impress your future employer before the actual process of applying for the role. Even better, before other jobseekers beat you to it!

9. Learn your strength, weaknesses, and goals

As with any strategy, you can’t go into battlefields without knowing what you’re capable of and what you’re not. You also need to know what you’re aiming for or the end goal that you want. You can do this by doing self-assessments or even interviewing the people you’ve previously worked with.

Once you’ve learned or relearned what you can do, ensure that they also match your objectives. If you have teaching experience but find it challenging to teach a group of students publicly, why not look for private tutorial jobs? Or if you’re a marketing graduate who enjoys meeting new people, then you should stay away from remote work jobs.

Also read: How To Stay Open To Job Opportunities While Still Employed?

More Tips For Searching For a Job

By making sure your job search is organized and systematic, your chances of forgetting important deadlines or missing out on job opportunities will decrease. And eventually, you’ll have more success landing the job of your dreams.

For more tips for searching for a job and to #SEEKBetter opportunities, download the JobStreet app on Google Play or App Store. 

Be sure to create or update your JobStreet profile, and visit Career Resources to get all the help that you need for your upcoming job search.