How to go find a job (in 5 steps)

It can feel nearly impossible to find the perfect job. But whether you’re in a hurry to make the switch or simply keeping an eye out for can’t-miss opportunities, it’s important to know where and how to look. And while it doesn’t have to be overly complex, building a strategy for your job search pays dividends in the end. Read on for 5 best practices you should incorporate to go find a job:

1- Prepare for the job you want.

Before you even start looking for a job, it’s critical that you understand what type of job you want. Take time to reflect on what your needs, wants, and goals are for your next position. 

‍

Consider asking yourself these questions: 

• What type of work culture are you looking for in a new job? 
• Do you want to work remotely or in an office? 
• Is there a product or industry that you’re passionate about? 
• Do you have an ideal compensation in mind? 
• Do you work better in a startup environment or at an established business?
• Do you prefer working for a private or public company? 
• Do you like wearing a lot of different hats within your role or are you interested in a more focused and direct job description? 

‍

Next, identify the skills you currently have and the skills required for the job you want. If there are any gaps, take action to learn those skills. If you know anyone in the field that has more experience than you, take them out to lunch and pick their brain about the best avenues for learning what you’ll need to know. Ask them what they wish they would have known where you are now. If you can acquire the skills you want or need in your current role, ask to take on a special project or to shadow someone on another team or in another department to learn more about what you don’t know.

2- Update and refine your resume.

Your resume is often the gateway between you and the job you want. It needs to be ready for a potential employer. The first step is to make sure your resume is polished and up-to-date. If you're looking for a job outside of your current industry, do your research on what type of resume resonates for that field. Highlight your transferable skills and always include a good mix of hard and soft skills. Need help? Read about how to make your job application stand out.

‍

Keep in mind, your resume also extends far beyond 1-2 pages of work experience. Employers will be looking at your LinkedIn profile and possibly even other social media, so make sure your accounts are professional. For LinkedIn specifically, incorporate the key skills listed in job descriptions so recruiters can easily find your profile. 

3 - Get (or keep) networking.

Whether you’re looking for a job now or in a year from now, you should always be cultivating and expanding your network. If you are looking right away, reach out to your strong contacts. Don’t shy away from directly asking your network if they know of any available positions or can refer you (keep in mind that a large percentage of jobs are filled from referrals). 

‍

If you have more time, consider identifying the top companies you are interested in working for and look on LinkedIn to see if anyone from your network already works there. Reach out to those you know and ask for a referral. 

‍

And finally, if you need other ways to reach out to your network, don’t forget about the more traditional approaches—alumni events or professional associations.  

4 - Utilize job boards and job fairs.

Now it’s time to start scanning the job boards. To make this step more efficient, use the job engines that make the most sense for your industry. Review the top 13 best job search engines if you’re just getting started. And if you’re in tech, consider reading this article with the top 5 best job search engines for people in tech. 

‍

If you have access to any local job fairs, these can also be beneficial (especially if they are focused on your specific industry). Before you attend, prepare your personal pitch just as you would during an interview. Consider your top 3 - 5 skills, why you’re a unique candidate, and put it all together in an elevator pitch so you can be quick when you have a chance to talk to a recruiter. 

5 - Talk to a recruiter.

If you’re interested in professional help with your search, consider reaching out to a recruiter. Research jobs you’re interested in, find the recruiter hiring for the role, and reach out to them directly. Be concise in your initial interaction. It may also benefit you to consider your skills and resume and craft answers that are easy to remember and repeat. 

‍

Another pro tip: turn on your “open to hire” option on LinkedIn. You can manage your settings so your current employer doesn’t see you’re looking for a new job, but other recruiters will have an easier time finding you and considering your profile in their search.

‍

Need more resources? Check out these links:

How to make your job application stand out

The top 13 best job search engines

Top 19 behavioral interview questions

The top 5 best job search engines for people in tech

‍