The job search isn’t a loved process. We know we need to go through it to achieve our dreams, yet it’s dreaded by most job seekers. It’s long, boring, frustrating, and stressful. But, what if I told you it didn’t need to be? What if I told you that it can actually be a lot of fun?
There are now mobile apps that make looking for a job easier and more interesting. Plus, due to the rise in social networking, there are countless opportunities to meet new people who can become valuable additions to your professional network.
Here are five job search tips that can help you learn to love the whole process.
1. Have fun with the new technology.
As with everything it touches, technology has radically changed the job search. Long gone are the days of looking through the newspaper classified ads for a job. Even relying on newer resources, such as online job boards like Indeed, is becoming outdated.
Now, a new era of mobile apps has arrived. For instance, my company’s PathSource app can help you do everything from swiping to find a job opening to learning about a career path to drafting a resume — all from your smartphone.
Just like you’d download and try out the latest version of a game, check out what job search apps are out there and play around with them. And don’t be surprised when you find them as addicting as your other apps.
2. Reconnect with old friends.
One of the best job search tips is to never do it alone. The moment you start looking for your next employment opportunity, spread the word to those in your personal and professional networks. You can’t be looking everywhere all the time, so the more eyes you have peeled for the right job, the better.
Take the time to reconnect with the people you plan on listing as references. Meet for coffee (that you pay for) and fill them in on what you’ve been doing since you last spoke. That way, they’ll know the latest details about your career and be reminded, in person, of all your best qualities.
3. Meet new people.
There’s no such thing as a network that is too big. The job search is the perfect time to grow and expand your list of professional contacts. You just need to go about it the right way.
Instead of spamming hundreds of people with copies of your resume, spend more time building connections that might actually lead somewhere. Focus on the industries and companies you’re interested in and then start reaching out to people. Even second- or third-degree LinkedIn connections can help you get your foot in the door.
Remember, however, that there’s an actual human getting every email or InMail you send. Don’t repeatedly send a form message that fails to engage with the receiver. Think about what would convince you to help someone you don’t know find a job and incorporate that type of message into whatever you write.
4. Narrow your search.
Massive, traditional job boards like Indeed are where professional hopes and dreams go to die. They bury you in posts that either don’t interest you, are months old, or don’t match your qualifications. Instead of wasting your time combing these sites, focus your attention on smaller, more niche job sites.
There are job boards for every industry and interest. For instance, if you want to work for an up-and-coming startup, AngelList is the place for you. Or if you want to try freelancing, go to Upwork. These types of sites will provide job openings that are more specific to what you’re actually looking for.
5. Focus on quality, not quantity.
You’re looking for the right job, not just any job. That means you need to do more in-depth research on companies or positions you’re interested in. You might end up spending more time looking into each opportunity and applying to fewer jobs, but you’ll be more confident that the ones you do go after are right for you.
Being more knowledgeable about a company also improves your chances of nailing every step of the hiring process. You’ll be able to write a better cover letter and have more relevant answers during the interview. So, instead of sending out 100 generic resumes every week, put your energy into several that are higher quality and directed to the companies that really excite your interest.
If you want to be a successful job seeker, you need to become friends with the job search. And that means getting to know and understanding what makes the process exciting. If you can focus on those aspects of the job search, the frustrating parts won’t seem so bad.
What are some other job search tips that can make the hunt more enjoyable for job seekers? Share in the comments below!
Featured photo credit: StartupStockPhotos; Pixabay via pixabay.com
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