Starting your career search as soon as possible is your best course of action. In this article, we’ll be giving you 13 actionable tips for how to do it effectively.
Learning to develop a career search action plan is one of the most useful life skills. You should deploy one as soon as possible, preferably before your senior year of college. It should combine both online and offline tactics to get the best results.
In the following article, we’re going to talk about some specific online and offline strategies that you can use to get a great job. Remember that timing is as important as knowledge as you read ahead, and think about how you can use both to your advantage. Let’s begin!
1. Search Multiple Job Sites
When you’re job hunting, it’s important to cast a wide net and search on multiple job sites. This will ensure that you see the most available positions and increase your chances of landing the perfect job.
One site might have more listings in your specific field, while another site might have more listings in your area. And with new job postings being added all the time, it’s important to check back often. By searching multiple job sites, you can be confident that you’re seeing the most available positions and giving yourself the best chance of finding the perfect job.
2. Get a Foot in the Door Locally
Local businesses are the backbone of any community. They provide jobs, support local causes, and help to keep the economy strong.
For many people, starting their career at a local business is the best way to get their foot in the door. Not only will they gain valuable work experience, but they will also have the opportunity to build relationships with other members of the community.
Moreover, working at a local business often comes with a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from knowing that you are helping to support your community. In today’s economy, it is more important than ever to shop local and start your career at a local business. By doing so, you can help to keep your community strong and thriving.
3. Set Job Fair Alerts
Job fair alerts through Google and other search engines can be very important. They can help you to find a job that is a good fit for you and also to keep up with the latest job openings.
There are several easy ways to set up these alerts so that you don’t miss anything. One way is to use the Google Alerts service. You can sign up for this service for free and then simply enter the keywords that you want to be alerted about.
For example, you could enter “job fair” as a keyword. Then, every time a new job opening is posted that includes that keyword, you will receive an email notification. Another way to stay on top of job openings is to use a job search engine such as Indeed or Monster.
Last but not least, consider your local chamber of commerce. If it has a robust online job presence, then you can probably find new job fair events right there on the online calendar.
4. Expand Your Search to Where the Jobs in Your Field Are
If you’re hoping to break into a particular industry but find that there aren’t many opportunities where you live, it may be necessary to expand your job search to other areas. While it can be daunting to move to a new city or state, especially if you don’t have any connections there, it may be the best way to jumpstart your career.
Do some research to find out where the majority of jobs in your desired field are located. Then, start applying to positions in those areas. If you’re not sure where to begin, talk to family and friends or look online for networking events and meetups. With some effort and perseverance, you should be able to land the job you want.
5. Use Social Networking
It’s no secret that social media has revolutionized the way we interact with each other. For many of us, it’s become an essential part of our daily lives.
But while billions of people are active on social networks, not everyone uses those sites for actual networking. If you’re looking to attract positive attention from potential employers, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re being seen as a professional worth speaking to on social media.
First, take a close look at your profile and make sure it’s up-to-date and free of any personal information that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see. Second, limit your posts to topics that are related to your industry or profession. And finally, be sure to engage with others in a respectful and positive manner. By following these simple tips, you can use social media to your advantage in your job search.
6. Consider a Temp Job
A temp job can be a great way to explore a new career field and gain valuable experience. Not only will you have the opportunity to try out a new job, but you’ll also get a taste of the industry and learn about the day-to-day realities of work.
Additionally, temp jobs can be a great way to network and make connections in your chosen field. And if you’re not sure what career you want to pursue, a temp job can help you narrow down your options.
There are a number of great websites that specialize in matching workers with temp jobs, so be sure to check them out. Most of the major job sites are great places to start. These would include Monster, Indeed, GlassDoor, and Zip Recruiter. With a little effort, you’re sure to find the perfect position.
7. Ask Friends and Family
Friends and family can be valuable resources in your career search for a number of reasons. First, they know you best and can provide insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and interests. This self-knowledge can be helpful in identifying potential career paths.
Second, friends and family members may have similar interests and connections, which could make them good sources of information and referrals. Finally, even if they don’t have direct experience in your field of interest, they care about you and want to see you succeed.
As such, they may be more likely to go out of their way to help you in your career search. In sum, friends and family can be a valuable source of information, referrals, and support during your career search.
8. Do Your Best at Job Interviews
Job interviews can be extremely helpful to your career search, even if you don’t get the job. First, you might learn that the career you thought you wanted isn’t so appealing.
Second, even a no after a job interview can turn into a future yes or a strong connection if you present yourself well. Third, if you do get the job, it can open up new opportunities and help you advance in your career. Overall, job interviews are a great way to learn more about yourself and the type of career you want to pursue.
Here are some great tips for how to best present yourself during and after the job interview:
Do your research before the interview so you can ask thoughtful questions and show that you’re truly interested in the role.
Dress for success. First impressions matter, so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward from the outset.
Be positive and upbeat, even if you didn’t get the job. You never know when you might run into the hiring manager again, so it’s always best to leave a good impression.
Make sure to follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email. This will show that you’re grateful for the opportunity and appreciate their time.
By following these simple tips, you can make any job interview count!
9. Continually Update Your Resume
Your resume is one of the most important tools you have when searching for a new job. It is your first opportunity to make a good impression on a potential employer, and it can either open doors or close them.
That is why it is so important to keep your resume up-to-date. You never know when an opportunity will arise, and you want to be sure that your resume is ready to submit at a moment’s notice.
In general, you should update your resume every six months to ensure that it contains the most accurate information. If you have recently changed jobs or completed a significant project, you should update your resume as soon as possible. Taking the time to keep your resume current will pay off in the long run by helping you land something in your field.
10. Further Your Education
Furthering your education is important to your career search for a number of reasons. First, it shows potential employers that you are committed to lifelong learning.
Second, it gives you the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills that can make you more competitive in the job market. Finally, it can help you network with other professionals and build relationships that can lead to job opportunities.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how soon you should make plans to further your education, most experts agree that it is best to do so before earning your undergraduate degree. This will give you the chance to get a head start on your career search and make sure that you are on the right track.
However, going to graduate school right after college is not for everyone. If you decide to take some time off, be sure to use that time wisely by gaining experience in your field and networking with professionals.
11. Consider Working Abroad
Working abroad can be a great way to advance your career. It can give you the opportunity to learn new skills, gain new experiences, and meet new people.
Working abroad can also help you stand out from the crowd when you apply for jobs. Potential employers will be impressed by your willingness to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges.
If you are interested in working abroad, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, research the job market in your desired country.
Second, make sure you are familiar with the visa requirements and have all of the necessary paperwork in order. Finally, be prepared to adapt to a new culture and way of life.
12. Get Involved in Your Community
Getting involved in your community is a great way to boost your career search. There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering for a local nonprofit to joining a professional organization.
Getting involved in your community can help you make new contacts, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience. It can also show potential employers that you are committed to making a difference.
13. Consider Joining the Military or a Public Service Agency
When you are searching for a career, there are many avenues you can explore. Two great options that are often overlooked are joining the military or working for a public service agency.
Both of these choices come with a number of benefits that can help your career search. For starters, you can receive advanced training in a variety of areas. Whether you are learning about leadership or gaining valuable experience in your field, this training can be extremely helpful when transitioning to the private sector.
In addition, working for a public service agency can give you the opportunity to build a strong network of connections. These connections can come in handy when looking for a job or advancing in your career. Finally, both the military and public service agencies offer great benefits packages. These packages can include paid medical, dental, vision, retirement pensions, and more.
If you’re vested, you can even take partial or full retirement pension benefits with you once you find another job. It’s not unusual to see police officers or fire personnel retire at 48 or 49 years of age with full retirement and a second higher-paying career awaiting them after their careers are finished.
Your Career Search Action Plan Should Have Many Parts
Creating a career search action plan is about doing multiple things to give yourself the best opportunity at launching your career. It is not simply “getting a job.” Anyone can do that. Jobs are plentiful.
Careers allow you to make a difference and get paid for doing it. They enable you to exercise your passion. And it really is true that if you find a career that you love, then you’ll never work a day in your life.
Now it’s your turn, readers. What are some things that you’ve done to improve your chances of building a career after graduation? We’d be honored if you would share your tips in the comments section below.
Aric Mitchell's work appears regularly here at 4tests.com and across the web for sites, such as The Inquisitr and Life'd. A former high school teacher, his passion for education has only intensified since leaving the classroom. At 4tests, he hopes to continue passing along words of encouragement and study tips to ensure you leave school ready to face an ever-changing world.
