The Ultimate Job Search Guide

Whether you are a fresher looking for your first job or someone who is looking for a career change, finding a new job is never easy. The weeks or months you spend on finding the perfect job can take a toll on your financial, emotional, and even physical well-being.

But, worry no more for we’ve got you covered.

Job Search Tips

Research: The first step is research – find the best companies in the industry based on your desired location, salary offered, the best entry-level jobs in the industry. Once you know what exactly you are aiming for, it would be a smooth sail from there. Blindly applying for every open position that comes your way will only waste your time, energy, and resources.
Resume: Now that you have an idea of what you are looking for, drafting a resume should be much easier. Your resume should contain your educational and professional background and your skillset. Add any awards, certificates you may have received or extracurricular activities you’ve participated in. This will show the recruiter that you are a hard worker and an accomplished person. Ensure that you do not make any spelling or grammatical errors.
Job search and application:
- Online job marketplace such as contract-jobs.com offers job seekers a plethora of job openings to choose from. All you have to do is register, upload your resume, fill up the necessary fields, ensure that your account is fully verified, and start applying for the job of your choice by filtering your search. Log in at least once a day to let recruiters know that you are actively looking for jobs.
- Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn or Facebook are the perfect tools for finding jobs online. If you don’t have accounts on these platforms, create them. Make your profile complete by adding educational qualifications, professional experiences, skills, awards, certificates, etc. Make it look as professional as possible. Start joining groups and communities dedicated to new job postings. Follow HR managers and recruiters who are hiring for the industry you are interested in. Be active and engage in discussions.
- Other ways to find employment include attending job fairs, job referrals, directly visiting the company of your choice’s website or office, and walking in interviews.
Response: When you apply for a job, the wait for hearing back from recruiters can be stressful. While you wait for the response, continue to look for job openings and keep applying for the positions you are after. When recruiters do get back to you, thank them and ask them what documents to bring besides your resume.
Interview: You should be well-prepared for the interview as it is an important part of the selection process, so present your best self. Whether it’s a face-to-face, telephonic, or video interview, follow the steps below-
Research everything you can about the interviewing company and the important heads/managers beforehand.
Show up early for the interview to show punctuality.
- Dress professionally to create a positive impression.
- Mind your body language.
- Be confident and positive.
- Answer appropriately and stick to the point.
- Ask questions and don’t be afraid to tell them your expectations as well.
- End the interview on a positive note. Bear in mind that you are interviewing them too as much as they are interviewing you. Make sure that it is the right company for you by asking questions relevant to your career.
Follow up: Always follow up with the interviewer within 24 hours after the interview. Send them a thank you note, thank them for considering you for the position, and that you are eagerly waiting to hear from them. This will let them know that you are a serious candidate for the position.
The news: Many recruiters do not get back to their candidates when they are rejected. If you get a call or email telling you that you did not make the cut, thank them anyway. This will show them that you are an optimistic, professional person and they might even refer you to other recruiters. If you do get the job – CONGRATULATIONS!