How To Approach A New Job Search

 A successful job search has many facets, so the process by which you conduct your job search is crucial. Some factors to consider involve possessing the right online tools and approaches to maximize your efficiency.  In this article, I'll share with you some foundational strategies in detail.

 

Give Yourself Space

Finding a job is a job in and of itself.  You should be prepared to devote 10 – 15 hours per week on this task if you’re currently employed and searching for other opportunities.  Expect to spend 20-30 hours per week if you’re out of work. 

 That level of commitment is best served by having a suitable workspace from which to conduct your search.  Do you have a home office?  Maybe the dining room table offers the right blend of comfort and inspiration?  A private study room at your local library?  The choice is yours, as long as the space limits outside distraction and allows you to get your work done.

Resume Quality Assurance Platforms

The vast majority of large businesses use an ATS (Applicant - Tracking - System) to review your resume for Hard and Soft Skills.

Use a Resume scanning software like Skillsyncer to help your keywords match a job description so you’ll more effectively clear that hurdle.

And I recommend you to use ResumeWorded to check the quality of your writing against Resume-specific best practices.

Technology Setup Foundations

File Formats

File formats are important.  Use (or convert your file to) Microsoft Word for creating resumes and cover letters that will likely be reviewed by applicant tracking systems in use by many employers.  

Email

Use a dedicated email address for your job search – one that includes some version of your first and last name.  Aside from appearing more professional, it is also an opportunity for hiring managers to identify you among the messages they will receive from other candidates. 

What email platform are you using?  The gold standard in today’s job market is Gmail.  If you don’t already have one, consider creating a free Gmail account for use in your search.

LinkedIn Profile Settings

Your LinkedIn profile works 24/7 to promote your professional talents and attributes.  Customize your LinkedIn URL – simply click “Edit public profile & URL” next to the banner at the top of your profile – to demonstrate your grasp of digital technology and boost your credibility.

You may also want to adjust your LinkedIn privacy settings – especially if you’re currently employed and looking for greener pastures.  Do you really want your supervisor to see updates that may give away your job search?  Go to your account’s “Settings & Privacy” page, select “Visibility of your LinkedIn activity,” and choose NO under “Share profile updates with your network.”

Voice Mail Message

What will hiring managers think when they call to schedule an interview and you miss the call?  Don’t let your voice mail recording give them pause.  Be courteous and professional.  Your message should thank callers, apologize for not being available, and affirm that you will return their call at your earliest convenience.

Online Reputation Check

Do some research on the impression you would make to employers who search for you online.  Google yourself and see what comes up.  Employers are increasingly using online searches to conduct preliminary background checks on potential candidates.  Make sure you take the steps necessary to protect your online reputation:

Google Yourself To Decide The Name To Go With:

  • Before Googling yourself, be sure to log out from the browser and clear your cache and search history.  Now, enter your name and see what comes up.  Try different variations of your name and notice how these differences change your search results. Once you’ve decided on your “professional name,” make sure to apply it consistently across the spectrum.  This includes your resume, LinkedIn, and in other professional associations or online platforms you use in a professional capacity.

Buy Your Domain…Name

  • Buy your professional name as a domain. This will help you control what people (and recruiters) see when they Google your name.  Don’t worry, there’s no need to build a functioning website, unless you want to.  Instead, use it to guide visitors to your LinkedIn profile or some other platform that highlights your impressive background and accomplishments. 

Maximize Social Media Privacy Settings

  • Keep your privacy settings locked down tightly on any social media platform that does not play a role in your professional branding. If there are digital skeletons you’re potentially concerned about, remove them if you are able, or ask friends on whose pages the undesired content is posted. Meanwhile, un-tag yourself from photos you prefer people not see and delete any comments that might not be understood without proper context. 

  

Get and Stay Organized

Get the most out of your job search by tracking your progress.  What contacts have you made this week?  Did you send resumes to specific employers?  What target companies did you research?  Where did you interview?  What was the result?

Document this activity in a format you’re comfortable with.  Many people use a simple spreadsheet to track this data.  It will help you respond more effectively to interview requests or callbacks, and also see what you’ve accomplished so, at the end of the day, you can feel good about yourself and the progress you are making toward your goals.

 

Time Management Strategies

Unfocused job searches never lead anywhere.  A big part of staying focused is making sure you use your allotted time effectively.

Develop A Plan & Stick To It:

  • Establish a regular “job hunt” schedule and block out certain times each week to complete specific tasks – whether it’s sending out resumes, following up on leads, researching companies, or strengthening your LinkedIn profile. 

Employ A Little Trial and Error When Something's Not Working. 

  • You may decide to adjust or rearrange your schedule to take advantage of specific times when you feel more energized and ready to tackle the world.  It’s fine to try new approaches.  The important thing is to find a comfort zone where you feel motivated, accomplished, and can move closer to your goal. 

Good organization and productive effort will go a long way towards helping you feel accomplished at the end of each day.  You will feel better about yourself and lighten your burden if you are achieving the smaller daily goals that are leading you to your top priority: finding yourself a new job.

 

Nobody aspires to be a job seeker. I'm here to make the process manageable, and successful.

Learn more about my Career Coaching Practice.

Tagged: technology trends, job search, Job Search tips, interview tips, new job, new career, career transition, career coaching