How to Craft a Winning
Job Search Strategy
What is the Best Way to Search for Jobs?
Out of all the steps to land a new job, searching for jobs to apply to can be one of the most challenging.
We have more information available at our fingertips than ever before. When you start searching for a new job, you may have an excess amount of information about employers and jobs to sort through. Finding the right job to apply to can feel like a daunting task.
Without a strategic approach, your job search efforts may quickly become overwhelming.
If you have not searched for a job recently, you may encounter some surprises. Technology continues to pervade multiple areas of our lives—and the job hunt is no exception.
With the emergence of company review sites, chatbots that interact with job seekers and the ever-increasing application of artificial intelligence, traditional tactics like reviewing classifieds, cold calling and visiting brick and mortar locations have nearly gone extinct.
To find a job, you need a plan. You are busy, with a finite amount of time available to search for jobs.
Scarcity of time may be a significant obstacle for those of us who currently have jobs, are caring for a loved one or both. Many people say the job hunt often feels like a full-time job. If this is you, we understand and are here to help.
We will show you how to create a job search plan that is targeted, efficient and aligns with modern trends and technology.
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Tip 1:
6 Tips to help you craft a winning job search strategy
You have a lot to think about when looking for a new job. Here are some questions to consider when defining what you want out of a job.
Define what you want out of a job
Visit peer review sites
Tip 2:
People typically don’t make important buying decisions without reading peer reviews.
Finding a job has become very similar to online shopping. Think about how much more important your career is than what restaurant you will choose for date night. When searching for a job, check as many review sites as you can to learn what employees are saying about the work environment, culture, leadership and more.
Popular employer review sites include:
glassdoor:
This platform is perhaps the most widely known website for employee reviews. Here, visitors can view the pros and cons of working at a company, company profiles, interview tips, CEO approval ratings and more.
This platform describes itself as the largest career community for women. The site shares anonymous company reviews from female employees as well as career advice. It also provides an online forum to discuss issues facing women in the workplace.
Fairygodboss:
Best known as a job aggregator site, Indeed also provides company reviews submitted by current and past employees broken down by a rating system based on several factors like work-life balance, compensation, management, culture and more.
INDEED:
Additionally, people read Google reviews from employees and customers to gather a holistic view of how a company operates internally and with their customers.
Social media and peer review sites give everyone a voice. Keep an open mind when reading reviews; people can say whatever they want about a company. Taking reviews into consideration is an important part of your research process, but don’t let them be the determining factor on whether you apply for the job.
Work with a recruiter to boost your job search
Tip 3:
Did you know working with a recruiter at a staffing and solutions firm like Kforce is 100% free?
The job search can be daunting and time-consuming, but you do not have to do all the work alone. Let professional recruiters do some of the work for you. They have multiple jobs at various companies at their fingertips and have a direct line to the hiring managers. Recruiters will listen to what you are looking for in your next job. Their goal is to find the perfect match for both the candidate and the employer.
Benefits of partnering with a recruiter:
• Expanded network for your job search
• Access to hidden job markets and jobs that may
not be posted publicly
• Guidance for every step of the process
• Salary negotiation
• Free of charge
Companies:
What is the company’s purpose? Does it align with yours? What do employees say about culture, benefits and work? Do you prefer a small, medium or large company? Is there a specific industry you want to be in?
Geography:
Where do you want to live and work?
Do you prefer to work remotely, in an office or both? How far are you willing to commute? Are you open to relocating?
Before partnering with a recruiter, ensure your online presence is optimized for your professional brand and your resume is updated online. Recruiters look for candidates online and review countless resumes. Ensure your differentiators across your digital presence stand out and grab their attention.
Recruiters also use various social platforms to share open jobs with their network. Hiring professionals tweet or post about their open jobs every day. Using platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, follow recruiters who post the types of jobs you are interested in, or who recruit for companies you are trying to get into. You will get relevant job postings right in your social media feed.
Following hiring managers, talent sourcers and recruiters on social media is also an effective way to start conversations. Send them a private, direct message to express your interest in the role.
Interested in learning more about how to best work with recruiters? Click here.
Use social media for a competitive advantage
Tip 4:
During your job search, use social media to your advantage. This digital space is the cornerstone of online networking. Thanks to social media, you can access thousands of people and jobs globally. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for uncovering potential connections you might already have at the company to which you are applying.
A quick search of a company name on LinkedIn will give you a list of employees. Then, you can search to see your connections. Turn those contacts into conversations and hopefully into an insider referral. This personal touch can give you an advantage over other applicants!
Twitter is also often considered an untapped resource for job seekers. It is free and easy to use, even from your phone. Create a Twitter list that includes recruiters, hiring managers, job search websites and your target companies. Then check their tweets daily for job posts.
Make a daily habit of job searching
Like so many things in life, you will get out of your job search what you put into it. Job searching requires focused effort and being proactive—and a routine can help achieve that. When creating your job search strategy, stick to a daily schedule to remain productive.
Here are activities you can start now:
Tip 5:
PRO TIP:
Use this same spreadsheet to make notes about information you find about the company and job while doing your research.
Keep an open mind
When looking for the right job opportunity, it is important to be open and not limit your hunt too narrowly. If you are not flexible, you may miss out on a rewarding career.
These tips will help you keep an open mind during your job search:
Tip 6:
Create a to-do list:
Working toward a goal calls for organization. Planning allows you to maximize your efforts by prioritizing your job search activities and completing tasks in a timely manner.
Job seekers need every precious minute to find their dream job. That is why it is important to devote daily, uninterrupted time blocks to your job search.
Block off time on your calenDar:
Working on one activity at a time might be in your best interest. Consider breaking different parts of your job search across days of the week to complete tasks efficiently.
Dedicate certain days for specific Tasks:
Document your job search on a spreadsheet by recording jobs you have applied to and those you are considering. Tracking your progress helps avoid applying to duplicate jobs. Bonus: you will track your wins throughout your job search journey, which will motivate you to carry on, even on the most stressful days.
Track your job search:
When finding a job online, think outside of the confines of your job title.
Job titles vary from company to company, so ensure you are searching for a variety of titles. For example, if you are a software engineer, do not limit your options by only viewing jobs with a “software engineer” title. Searching for jobs with alternate titles like application developer, software developer and web developer will expand your possibilities.
Complete a quick Google search of your job title to see what other jobs are returned in your search. Then skim the job descriptions to see if jobs with different titles are just as fitting.
Vary your keyword search
Have you ever bought something unexpected because it was under “Customers who viewed this item also viewed” on Amazon? This can happen during your job hunt, too. Look into suggested or recommended jobs that populate in your search results. You might be surprised to find something that piques your interest outside of a specific search.
Suggested jobs are good too
Imagine this: you are looking for jobs online, scrolling through the different postings, and you find THE ONE—the job you have been looking for. It seems like the perfect match...except for the salary. If the compensation is slightly lower than you would like, apply for the job anyway! In many cases, salary is negotiable for the right candidate. Check out sites like Salary and Paysa to see what these jobs pay and what to ask for.
Our team of experts are here to help with your career journey every step of the way. Search open jobs today!
Remember salary talks are on the table
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Roles and responsibilities:
What are your desired daily duties?
How will you contribute to an employer’s success? Will you be an individual contributor or manager?
Are you looking for a lateral or vertical career move? What are the education requirements for this role?
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Looking to connect with a recuiter?
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LAST UPDATED JANUARY 2024