There are hundreds of job search tips to consider as you navigate the maze to better employment. Many of which are indeed sound advice. The truth is, however, that everyone has different circumstances that should also be factored into the job search.
For example, someone with children will want to work closer to home and would likely prefer a career that doesn’t require constant traveling. Another person might not be an effective public speaker so they avoid roles that would involve presentations. That being said, it’s best to implement job search techniques that will work for you and your situation.
At SaasMetrics.io we want to share three simple tips to help you get a job as quickly as possible!
Fine-target Your Job Search
You’ve probably heard this one a million times. That’s because it’s a legitimate tip. When desperation rears its ugly head and you start to panic, it’s easy to just apply to any and every job that will pay the bills but it still matters a lot if you utilize job search sites for ease and to ensure you’ll find a job that you deserve.
We get it! Sometimes you just gotta do, what you gotta do.
Here’s what you should keep in mind with this practice.
You are wasting your precious energy and you’re setting yourself up emotionally if you don’t act smart. If you have tested tens of resume templates to apply to 100 jobs for which you aren’t qualified and get zero replies, it will take its toll on your self-esteem and your job search outlook. Make sense?
Unless you have poor grammar, when you target your job search to positions and companies for which you are a good fit, you increase your chances of securing an interview and subsequently a job offer. This allows you to focus your energy on realistic options.
If your education, training, and experience are in IT, don’t convince yourself that you could pull off working as a Rehab Counselor. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but to land a new job quickly, it’s best to stick with what you know.
Perhaps apply for an IT position with a Human Services organization and work your way into the counselor role.
Related:
- Not Sure What to Do with Your Psych Degree? Here Are Five Career Options
- Career Steps Building Tips for Future Researchers
Check Remote Jobs First
The economy changes rapidly, making the regular office a relic.
The concept of a workplace evolves on both ends of employment. Ever more companies adopt distant work policies and shift their focus to out of office employees. If you want to hop along that wagon, you better close the gap and learn about remote work culture & practices. If this is new to you, then you’ll catch up on the fly as finding a gig you can handle at the comfort of your home becomes the new normal.
The number of platforms to aid constantly grows!
Negotiate a Trial or Volunteer
This one always throws people for a loop. If you are unemployed and you have time on your hands, don’t dismiss an opportunity simply because it doesn’t meet your criteria.
If your dream job comes along at $10K less than what you need or want, consider negotiating a 90-day trial at the lower salary with an increase after you’ve proven yourself.
Another option for those with time to spare is to temp. If you’ve always wanted to work for a bank, you can temp as a way to get your foot into the door.
A not so popular option is volunteering. A good friend of mine did this and landed not just a good job but a lifelong career in the medical industry.
For example, if you just graduated and you have very little experience and don’t have a full burden of financial responsibilities, you can volunteer at your dream company.
You will gain experience and the opportunity to impress your manager and colleagues. When a position opens up in your department, you will have preference over an external candidate.
Follow Up
A lot of people will argue that this tactic is archaic and has no impact on your job search. They are wrong. You don’t have to follow up on every single job application but the ones you really want should get a follow-up email or phone call.
It’s not always that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, it’s that you don’t get what you don’t ask for. If 50 people apply for the same position but only five follow up, who do you think will be one step ahead even if they aren’t as qualified as the other 45?
Following up can be as simple as calling the company to get the email address of the hiring manager or recruiter. If you have a good conversation with the receptionist, you can ask to speak to the person overseeing the vacancy.
Once you have contact information advise that you want to confirm they received your resume/application and you’d like to schedule an interview. Follow up again after an interview to send a polite thank you email to impress upon your potential employer that you appreciate their time and are very interested in working with them.
And there you have it. Three tips we believe will bring positive results in your job search.