The idea of launching a job search can be daunting. If it’s been a while since you last looked for a new job, you may feel overwhelmed at the effort involved in finding your next opportunity. To get you started in the right direction, we’ve prepared a four-step checklist that will help you start off on the right foot and put you on a path to success.
Each step includes links to resources to help you prepare for your next career move.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Identify Your Focus:
The first step in launching an effective job search is to build a viable and powerful strategy to help you reach your goal. Start by identifying your focus, as this will determine your next steps.
Many job seekers are reluctant to state a job target for fear of limiting their options. The fact is that having an overly broad focus will not allow you to appear as a highly qualified candidate in a specific area. Instead, you will look like a jack-of-all-trades with a lack of direction. Unless the position you are seeking requires a wide range of skills, you will be better off limiting your focus to a certain type of role.
Want help narrowing your focus? Read this
Craft Your Resume:
Most resumes that candidates submit are lacking: lacking in messaging, clarity, and overall value. As the competition in the job market becomes more intense, job seekers need to clearly demonstrate why their backgrounds relate to the position they are seeking. Once you identify your focus, you are then able to gear your resume toward the skills, goals, and challenges related to your target position. The more you focus your resume on these areas, the more likely you will appear to be a highly qualified candidate.
For help on creating a high-impact resume, read this and this.
Build Your LinkedIn Presence:
Over the years, LinkedIn has evolved from a helpful networking social media site to a vital hub for job seekers. With a strong LinkedIn presence, you are able to position yourself as a high-value target for recruiters and hiring managers, position yourself as an expert in your industry, connect to key decision-makers, and pursue relevant job opportunities.
Begin by crafting a profile that accurately reflects the value you bring to a company. Avoid writing straight job descriptions, and focus instead on demonstrating your capabilities through measurable outcomes. Be sure to complete all relevant sections on your profile, as this can help increase your visibility in search results.
Connect with industry leaders, colleagues, and associates, as well as those who can help move you closer to your career goals, including recruiters and hiring managers in target companies. Posting content will help to promote you as a subject matter expert and improve your presence.
For help in crafting a powerful LinkedIn presence, read this.
Find A Great Recruiter
Landing a job had become increasingly more challenging and complex. With rapidly changing protocols, greater expectations, and more intense competition, job seekers are often overwhelmed with the process. The good news is that you do not have to go it alone. Recruiters help to alleviate the stress of looking for a job by guiding you every step of the way. And it costs nothing to the job seeker.
Since 1959, FPC National has helped thousands of job seekers across the nation land their dream jobs.
You can connect with an experienced recruiter here
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