5 Tips for Mastering the Job Hunt
Originally published on Opploans
If you need a job, then you don’t have time to waste on common job-hunting mistakes. Here are 5 tips that can make for a better hunting experience and a more positive outcome!
Getting a job used to be easy—if our grandparents are to be believed. You would walk into the first tall building you saw, get the attention of the first person in there, and tell them you’ll take the first job they have available. Whether it was mopping the floors or the always popular “starting in the mail room”, getting an entry level position was just a matter of showing up. Once you got that job, you just had to work hard enough and you’d be running the whole company in five years, tops.
Whether that was ever true or just a movie someone misremembered as real life, it certainly isn’t the case these days. Every job posting seems to have a zillion applicants and submitting your resume feels like tossing a message in a bottle into the mouth of a black hole.
That’s why we spoke to the experts to get you the tips you need to conquer the job hunt and capture your prey (the job is your prey).
1. Evaluate what went wrong last time.
If you’re looking for a job because you either lost your previous job or don’t want to remain at your current one, then it’s important to evaluate precisely the reasons you’re in this situation.
As Jeff Altman (@TheBigGameHuntr), life coach and “big game hunter,” told us: “The first place to start a job search is by figuring out what went wrong in your current position. By that, I don’t mean the final straw that has prompted you to decide to look. I’m referring to deconstructing your job and all the little things that you tolerated that caused the final straw to break the camel’s back and made you decide to look. Doing this will allow you to look for potential rough edges in the next organization and reduce the possibility of making the same mistake again.”
Even if you’re moving or just looking for a change of pace, there are likely lessons from your last job you can keep in mind as you begin a new job hunt.
2. Determine exactly what you’re looking for.
Applying for jobs is so time-consuming, it’s essentially a job in and of itself. That’s why it’s important to narrow your search so you don’t waste any time applying for jobs that won’t fit your needs.
“Every scenario is different, but I always recommend a bit of self evaluation first—what’s important to you, what are you skilled at and how might those skills transfer, what kind of working environment do you want, and of course, how much money do you need to sustain your lifestyle,” explained leadership coach Elizabeth McCourt (@ecmccourt). “Oftentimes there’s a timeline, but I’ve found that really articulating these things can add both vision and clarity on a search.”
Fellow leadership coach Jennifer Davis (@jenmaydavis) agrees: “When first looking for a job, the most important question to ask yourself is ‘what do I want?’ We are so used to focusing on what we’re good at, what’s currently available, who we might know. All of these factors are important in the networking and application phase, yet it is critical to take a step back and start with a sense of purpose. Those who operate inside-out, i.e. figuring out what they want versus what is already out there or what they ‘should’ be doing, will be both more fulfilled and successful.”
3. Get your digital house in order.
These days everything happens online, including the entirety of the hiring process. That’s why you’ll want to make sure your resume is updated and uploaded at as many places as possible. Dana Case, director of operations at MyCorporation.com(@MyCorporation) offers this tech savvy tip: “One of the first things you should do when looking for a job is set up your Craigslist account to email you an alert any time a job is posted with the particular buzzwords you’re looking for. There are often hidden career gems among all of the Craigslist job postings. Setting up an alert helps you sift through all of the stuff you don’t need.”
4. Attend networking events if you can.
Unfortunately, many networking events are closed off by alma matter or other elite considerations. Still, there are events you can find that are open to everyone. Dr. Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, owner of Feather Communications(@Feathercomm), offered this advice: “Once you have an updated resume, start attending various networking events to let others know of your job search. Consider attending Chambers of Commerce events, industry workshops, and ongoing connection opportunities. It is vital that you connect with as many people as possible to broaden your circle and network of influencers.”
5. Remember to follow up!
With so many people applying for each position, even simple small steps can help you stand out. That’s why Serena Holmes (@serena_holmes), CEO of Tigris Events(@TigrisEventsInc), urges job seekers to always follow-up: “I recommend candidates follow-up with businesses they apply to. Most applicants send an email with a resume and possibly a cover letter and hope for the best. One way to distinguish yourself from the competition is by simply following-up after you have applied for a position. Companies want to know you are interested, and going the extra mile by reaching out with a personalized email or phone call does just that. It demonstrates initiative, and also can be a great way to get feedback from human resources on the status of your application.”
A lot of these rules may seem basic, but it’s important to give yourself every advantage you can, as many applicants won’t even be diligent enough to take these basic steps. We’ll leave you with one last tip from Dr. Rothbauer-Wanish: “Finally, remember that it is imperative you display professionalism at all times. Even if you are leaving a less-than-stellar job situation, never bad-mouth the company or its workers. This only makes you look like a disgruntled worker while also demonstrating the perception that you are a non-team player.”
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those things can involve job search,
hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2700 episodes.
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You will find great info to help with your job search at my new site, JobSearch.Community Besides the video courses, books and guides, I answer questions from members daily about their job search. Leave job search questions and I will respond daily. Become an Insider+ member and you get everything you’d get as an Insider PLUS you can get me on Zoom calls to get questions answered. Become an Insider Premium member and we do individual and group coaching.
Also, subscribe to JobSearchTV.com on YouTube and No BS Job Search Advice Radio, the #1 podcast for job search with more than 2700 episodes over 12+ years.in Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon Music and almost anywhere you listen or watch podcasts.
You can also have your #jobsearchquestions answered Tuesdays at noon Eastern. Search for Career Coach Office Hours on LinkedIn and mark that you’re attending. You’ll have access to the recording if you miss it live.
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