The first step in any journey is always the hardest, and searching for a new job opportunity is no exception.
Whether you are deciding to change careers or are just starting out, if you are unsure where to begin, jumping into the talent pool can seem overwhelming.
If you’re looking to brush off the rust, refresh your job hunt strategy, or map out a plan for your first job search, here are 5 tips to help get you started:
What Do You Want?
Before you begin your job search, it is important to identify the direction you want your career to take. If you are unsure of where you would like your career to go, start thinking about your interests and what you enjoy and dislike about your current role.
[blockquotes color=”highlight” quote=”yes”] Before you begin your job search, it is important to identify the direction you want your career to take [/blockquotes]
Do Your Research
Begin doing your research by looking up the companies that are within your area as well as the open positions that you are seeing on popular job boards.
Be sure to check a company’s reviews on Google, Glassdoor and/or Indeed to learn what past and current employees have to say about their experiences. These sites also sometimes list pay ranges for open positions, which can give you an idea about what you can expect to make.
Start Clean
Once you have identified the new career roles that you are interested in, begin creating your professional image. It is recommended to start fresh; if you are using your old resume from 5 years ago, it may be time to hit reset and try something new.
Tweak Your Resume
When you apply to jobs make sure that the job titles and the terminology used on your resume are similar or relevant to the jobs you are applying for.
Begin Networking
Now that you’ve mastered your presence on paper, it is time to shift your focus to your presence online.
When was the last time you updated your LinkedIn profile picture? Does this image look professional? Whichever resume board you choose to use, be sure to list not only your current positions and job duties, but also awards or accomplishments that you have acquired.
In the age of technology, hiring managers look at online profiles to learn a little more about them; it is best to ensure that all your social media profiles are professional and consistent in representing you.
[blockquotes color=”highlight” logo=”yes”]Looking for Open Positions?
OPEN POSITIONSQUICK APPLY[/blockquotes]
Happy Hunting!
Now that you have your resume and professional image all set, it is now time to click the “Apply” button.
Do not overload yourself by clicking apply to every position that pops up. In some cases, this strategy can actually hurt your chances of hearing back from employers.
Set goals for yourself on how many positions you plan to apply to per week and stick to that plan. Remember, in some cases, less is more.
Once you lock in that interview, begin preparing for the big day. Our blog series on interviewing can help you build out your interview responses, help you dress to impress, give you tips on the questions to ask your interviewer and more.
Best of luck in your job search and remember that Bridge recruiters are here to help every step of the way.