Top Strategies for a Successful Job Search

Job Search Where Companies Are Hiring

If you're aware of where companies are seeking applicants, you can position yourself to increase your chances of getting found by hiring managers. One of the important job search strategies you can use is to focus your efforts on the same job sites that companies are using to recruit.

Search for the Right Jobs

Use the job search engines to find jobs by using keywords that match your interests and the location where you want to work. Narrowing your search criteria will save time, help you focus your job search, and give you highly relevant job listings to review (and fewer non-relevant listings to weed through).

Make Sure Companies Can Find You

When you're conducting a job search, you need to make it easy for employers to find you online.  Employers, who can be inundated with resumes when they post jobs, often seek passive candidates (qualified candidates who aren't necessarily looking for 

Make Sure Companies Can Find You

work, but who may be interested if the right job comes along). Here's how to ensure companies can find you.

Rank Well on Google

Create profiles on LinkedIn and other professional networking sites. Use your name for the URL, if possible.  When prospective employers search for you online, those profiles typically rank high, so you will provide recruiters, employers, and contacts

Rank Well on Google

with a strong, positive, and professional impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in.

Get Noticed by Your Dream Company

The job market is crowded, and one of the most valuable strategies you can use is to make sure that you stand out from the crowd and show the hiring manager that you are a candidate who should be selected for an interview. One way to do this is to have a target list of companies you'd like to

Get Noticed by Your Dream Company

work for, and focus your efforts on making a terrific impression on the organization.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

It's important to take the time to write targeted resumes and cover letters that specifically link your qualifications to the hiring criteria for the jobs you are applying for. The hiring manager will be able to immediately see why and how you are qualified for the job.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

You'll have a much better chance of getting an interview with a targeted resume, than if you send a generic letter and resume.

Use Your Network

Networking is still the way most people find jobs, and the job search strategies you use need to include networking—either online or in person.  Connect with everyone you know, because you never know which contact may be able to help you with your job search or put you in 

Use Your Network

touch with someone who can. Join LinkedIn Groups so you'll have access to job listings posted for Group members and more people to network with. Set up information interviews with professionals at your target companies to get more information about an industry, job, or company.

Ace the Job Interview

A job interview, of course, is what is going to get you a job offer—or not. Take the time to prepare.  Research the company before you go for the interview, dress appropriately, practice answering and asking interview questions, and make a concerted effort to

Ace the Job Interview

impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, confidence, and expertise.

Follow Up After the Interview

It's really important to follow up after an interview by thanking everyone you interviewed with. Candidates who send thank you notes get hired more often than those who don't. Use your thank-you note as an opportunity to reiterate why you're the best candidate for the

Follow Up After the Interview

position. If you flubbed an answer during the interview, you could also use your thank you note to clarify.

Use Job Search Strategies for Older Workers When Applicable

There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful and meaningful employment.   From age-proofing your resume and cover letter, to highlighting your years of experience in a positive way, review these tips targeted at helping 

Use Job Search Strategies for Older Workers When Applicable

mature job seekers land interviews and get hired.

More

Read

10 New Job Fields for Women in 2022

10 Steps to a Resume That Will Get You Hired

10 Important Career Tips for Women