Beginning a job hunt is a big step and, usually, a time consuming journey. That’s why it’s important to prepare for your job search strategically. These 6 tips will teach you exactly how to start a job search, so you can continue your career in a direction you’re passionate about!
How to Start a Job Search Step 1: Make a master resume
One of the most important parts of your job search is your resume. It’s how employers will learn about your experiences and education, and it will be a piece of their decision to interview you.
Your resume has to stand out, because you never know how many people are applying to the job you want (chances are, it’s a lot). Part of having an outstanding resume is customizing it for each position you apply for.
In order to streamline the process of writing and sending a custom resume for every job, create a master resume. Using a master resume will make applying to jobs a total breeze, so don’t skip this step.
Learn everything you need to know about master resumes at How to Write and Use a Master Resume
How to Start a Job Search Step 2: Learn to write a stellar cover letter
A cover letter is the other piece of job applications employers will look at to decide who they’ll invite to an interview.
Learning the basics of writing a solid cover letter will definitely help you throughout your job search, because they’re another document you need to customize for each position.
Check out The 9 Secrets to an Effective Cover Letter and 5 Things that Make a Bad Cover Letter to master cover letters!
How to Start a Job Search Step 3: Craft your elevator pitch
In the modern job market, there are two main ways to search for jobs: using job boards online (the open market) and networking for a job (the hidden market).
About 20% of jobs are found through the open market, which means a full 80% of the available jobs are on the hidden market. So, adding the hidden market to your job hunt will increase the likelihood of you finding a job that fits what you’re passionate about.
You can start your job search on the hidden market by writing a short elevator pitch that introduces you and your career goals. This way, you’ll avoid a frozen moment when someone says, “Tell me about yourself.”
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
Learn more about writing a stellar elevator pitch and finding a job with networking at How to Start Networking | Tips for Introverts, Newbies, & Recent Grads
How to Start a Job Search Step 4: Change social media privacy settings
This is an essential, but underrated tip. When you’re searching for jobs, it’s important to change your social media settings (or just double check they’re all private).
I definitely think it’s unfair to judge a candidate by how “professional” their social media profiles are, but- unfortunately- it happens a lot. So, avoid giving them the chance to evaluate your social media by setting everything to private.
Get more modern tips for a successful job hunt by learning my expert resume secrets.
How to Start a Job Search Step 5: Update your LinkedIn
Once you’ve decided to job search (especially if you’re using the hidden market), it’s time to update your LinkedIn profile.
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
Even if you haven’t had any major career changes since the last time you updated it, it’s good to dive in there and make sure everything is as great as you are!
Once you’ve updated your LinkedIn, it’s time to start using it to navigate the hidden market. To learn more, check out How to Find & Use the Hidden Market
How to Start a Job Search Step 6: Get organized
Save yourself a ton of stress during your job search by setting up a system to track your applications.
Believe me, I’m not a naturally organized person at all, but having a simple spreadsheet to keep track of everything has made my job searches much easier. It’ll save you a ton of stress during your journey.
It’s easy as making a spreadsheet with columns for links to job descriptions, job titles, application requirements, date applied, and if you’ve sent a thank you note.
This way, when friends or family send you links to jobs you should apply for or you find one scrolling on your phone, you have a stable place to copy the links and look back later.
Wondering what else you need for your career journey? Check out 15 Career Tips Everyone Should Know
Beginning the hunt for a new job is a big undertaking, but there are a few key ways to prepare for it. The most important parts of how to start a job search are making a master resume, learning how to write a cover letter, crafting your elevator pitch, updating your LinkedIn, checking your social media privacy settings, and creating an organized system to track your applications. Once you’ve done these, you’re ready to apply for jobs!
Ready to level up your job hunt? Learn my secrets to network with confidence!