Creating a Job Search Strategy to Jumpstart your Job Hunt

So you are on the hunt for a new job or position. That's awesome! This could be the start of an amazing new chapter in your life!

For some, that outlook fits their approach perfectly. For others, that response might feel a little too “glass half full”. Looking for a new job can be overwhelming and frankly stink. There are so many things to think about, from where to start to what to put on your resume, it can be tough to get going. 

A  job search strategy is a great first step in your job search. Simply put, a job search strategy is a plan that will help you stay organized and focused during your job search. 

Before you jump in though, doing a bit of self-reflection on what you want will help you formulate a winning strategy.

• What kind of job do you want? What skills and experience do you have? What are your salary requirements? Once you know what you want, you can start to develop a plan to get it.
• What are you good at? What do you need to improve on? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you target the right jobs for you and develop a strong resume to match.
• Who do you know? Your network is one of your most valuable assets in your job search. Don’t be shy about your search, and talk to your friends, family, and former coworkers about your job search. Creating a list of potential contacts is a great place to see how strong your network will be.
• What are your goals? How long do you want to be looking for a job? How much money do you want to make? Having clear goals will help you stay motivated and on track.

Now that you have a general idea of what you need to do, it's time to come up with a strategy on how to do it. Here are a few tips for finding a job:

• Network. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to your friends, family, and former colleagues. The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about open positions.
• Research companies. Once you find a company you're interested in, research their culture, values, and goals. This will help you tailor your resume and cover letter to their specific needs.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter. Don't just send out the same resume and cover letter to every company you apply to. Take the time to tailor your materials to each specific job. This will show hiring managers that you're interested in the position and that you've taken the time to learn about their company.
• Practice your interviewing skills. The more you practice, the more confident you'll be during your interviews. Practice answering common interview questions and dress professionally.
• Get help! Whether it is AI based tools online, career coaches, or platforms like PopCandi, don’t hesitate to leverage support where you can. 

While some of this might seem basic, it is key to get organized at the beginning with a clear job search strategy. It might change along the way, but a strategy will get you started in the right direction.