Looking for a new job can be a long, overwhelming and stressful process. We all want to find the perfect job that gives us personal satisfaction and financial stability. While there are no magic ways to guarantee job openings abound, here are some concrete ways to improve your odds.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Search for relevant job openings
Step 1. Search for relevant job postings on the Internet
Today, most jobs are posted on the Internet. Visit a variety of web pages in search of job postings. Many companies and public institutions advertise their job offers directly on their own web pages. There are also many websites that list a wide variety of job opportunities. These sites may show many jobs, but not all of them will be right for you.
- Check out sites like Craigslist, LinkedIn, Monster, and Indeed.
- Be sure to pay attention to the application deadlines and detailed instructions that describe what you need to do to apply. Don't waste your time applying for jobs whose application deadline has already expired.
Step 2. Use a recruiter to find specialized jobs
This will be another option that will help you find a job. This person will be able to search for job offers and even secure interviews for you. You will be able to get one much more easily if someone is struggling to find one for you.
You should not pay him to help you find a job. He will get a commission from the company that hires you
Step 3. Only apply for jobs that are compatible with your skills and experiences
That does not mean that you need to fully comply with every aspect of the job offer, but that you should not waste your valuable time applying for a job that you have no chance of getting. Apply for a job as long as you meet most of the specifications.
- If you really need a job fast, apply more generally. This is not to say that you should apply for jobs for which you are not qualified at all, but rather that you should think from different perspectives when considering what jobs you are qualified for. The skills we have from one position can always translate into a variety of other slightly different jobs.
- You might also consider applying for jobs outside of your geographic location or outside of your desired hours. No job is perfect, but having one is better than none.
Step 4. Prioritize applying for jobs with employers that have a large number of positions to fill
If you need to get a job quickly, your chances are better if the potential employer you are applying to has many jobs to fill. This could indicate that the job is not the best, but it also means that you could get it fast.
Step 5. Talk to your potential employers
If you need to get a job fast, it's best to be proactive and show your potential new boss that you are serious about the position and that you are the right person for them.
- A good time to talk to your potential supervisor is when you turn in your application file, but it might be a good idea to try to talk to him before doing so. Ask him about the job and what duties it specifically entails. Show him that you really are interested in being a motivated and energetic employee. Make sure to prepare some questions beforehand in order to avoid awkward silences.
- Dress professionally when meeting potential employers. Do not walk into a company with your exercise clothes, you must show the company that you take things seriously.
Step 6. Take advantage of your personal relationships
Today, many people get their jobs through personal relationships and social media. You are more likely to get a job if you have someone within the company who recommends you for hire. Don't be afraid to let people around you know that you are looking for work. You never know who will have a good connection in the ideal job for you.
There are a variety of websites that specialize in helping you organize your professional networks. These sites can help you tap into a variety of personal relationships when looking for a job
Step 7. Get help
If you really need to get a job fast, public services (like your government employment offices) might be the best place to turn. Contact them to find out what kind of services they might offer you. Many have job counseling programs that may be tailored to your needs.
Part 2 of 3: Create your application file
Step 1. Prepare your CV (curriculum vitae)
Make sure to use a professional font and style when formatting your document.
- The easiest thing to do is use the predefined CV templates that come with all word processing software today. This will allow you to enter the information and not worry about frustrating and insignificant formatting problems. However, remember that it may be necessary to customize these templates to fit the job you are applying for.
- A CV should include all of your relevant experience. It's important to think creatively about what experiences you might consider relevant, but you should also be careful when mentioning experiences that might be deemed irrelevant. It must be balanced.
- For more information on writing a good CV, read: "How to write a resume."
Step 2. Write a professional cover letter
Cover letters must accomplish several things to distinguish you from other applicants and illustrate your personal worth as a future employee. Use formal and professional language (and format) when writing your cover letter.
- Begin your letter with a formal greeting. The job offer can tell you who to apply to. If not, address your letter "to whom it may concern" or to the company or the hiring committee.
- Begin the body of your letter with an interesting line that tells the reader who you are, what you are applying for, and why you should get the job. The beginning of the letter should help you stand out from the crowd, but don't rely on humor or cheap tricks.
- Conclude your letter by reaffirming your interest in the job and why you consider yourself the ideal person for the position.
- You may be tempted to reuse letters, especially when applying for tons of jobs, but be sure to customize each cover letter based on the position you are applying for.
- For more information on writing a good cover letter, read: "How to write a cover letter."
Step 3. Edit all the documents of your application.
Check your cover letter and CV for mistakes or useless parts. A good idea is to ask someone to edit them as well. This person might notice mistakes that were right in front of you.
Part 3 of 3: Preparing for the Interview
Step 1. Review all your application documents and any job offer information
When you go to an interview, be sure to remember what you wrote in your application file and the details of the job offer.
- It's also a good idea to do some research on the company you're applying to. What is your basic business model and what makes it unique? Do you have guiding missions? You can usually answer these types of questions by doing a quick internet search, but this information can really illustrate your interest and dedication if you bring it up during the interview.
- Think and write down the aspects of your personality or experience that could be relevant to bring up during the job interview. These are things that you probably didn't describe on your CV, but are important to pass on to your prospective employer. For example, this could include your personal qualities and work ethic.
Step 2. Practice the possible questions
An interview generally has two types of questions: technical questions and HR (human resources) questions. The technical questions assess whether you know how to do the job you are applying for, and the HR questions are designed to determine whether you have the ability to work as a team. You will need to be able to answer both types of questions with confidence in yourself.
- Some examples of HR questions are: where do you see yourself in 10 years? How do you handle criticism? How well do you work as a team?
- When asked "How much money do you want to make?", Don't give a specific amount or you will give the impression that you only care about money. Just say "I'm open to different offers" or ask "What is the salary range for this job?" When asked "What do you dislike about your current job?", If you answer something negative (even if it is true), you will end up as a negative employee. When they ask you "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?", If you do not respond with a slightly higher position than the one you are applying for, it will seem that you are not really interested in the job.
- You could even practice for the interview by organizing a mock interview. If you go to job interviews, but do not receive an offer, then you are not well prepared for this process yet. You need 3 to 5 interviews to be properly prepared and receive offers.
Step 3. You must have a professional appearance when going to an interview
Although the appropriate attire will vary depending on the job and the company you are applying to, your appearance should always be neat and clean when passing a job interview.
In addition to dressing well (in professional clothing that is neat and clean), be sure to groom yourself before the interview. Minor issues like body odor or disheveled hair, while not necessarily a deal breaker, can be a huge distraction for the people interviewing you. The goal is to make your personality and experience shine, so don't divert the attention of those who are interviewing you with other things
Advice
- Bring copies of your CV, blank paper, and a pen to your interview. Give a copy of your CV to interviewers who seem not to know its content. After the interview, write down the questions they asked you and the names of the people who interviewed you. You can then send a thank you email and use the questions to prepare for your next interview (if you have one).
- It's normal to get depressed if you've attended multiple interviews and haven't received any offers. Take a day to recover, but then get up and move on. You can only be successful in your job search if you persevere and improve your skills.