Searching for a new job can be a stressful, confusing, and sometimes disappointing experience. On the other hand, it can also be one of the most enjoyable times in your career. You are no longer tied down to your current job and you can explore new opportunities. But you want to find the right fit for you, so it is very important that you do your homework before beginning the great search.
The process of finding and applying for a new position is not only time-consuming and draining, but there is also the uncertainty of not knowing whether you will get a job offer in the end.
For those who are just starting their job search, some of the most common professional questions include:
- When should I start looking for a new job?
- Is it OK to contact my current employer about a potential job?
- How do I prepare an effective cover letter?
- Is social media a good way to find a job?
- What should I include in my resume?
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Now – to help with your search, here are some of the do’s and don’ts of searching for a new job!
Do’s
Do: Research the company
Do your research on the company and the industry before you apply for a position, even if it’s just an online application. At the bare minimum, read about the company on its website.
Do: Expand the search
Try not to fixate too much on one company. Of course, some jobs might seem more enticing than others. But statistically, you want to have as many options as possible to choose from. So sending out as many applications as you can won’t hurt.
Do: Pay attention to details
Be sure to proofread your cover letter and resume before submitting them to a potential employer or check it at a good resume editing service that you can find at topresume reviews. Pay attention to formatting and grammar, as well as typos. Double-check dates. If you’re attaching a resume, make sure it’s the most recent one you have on file.
Do: Prepare for an interview
Do practice questions in advance. Use a family member or friend by having a mock applicant interview based on an actual question that you were asked previously (like “What was your last performance review like?”). This will help you prepare for potential questions that may come up during an interview and give you a chance to perfect your answers beforehand.
Do: Dress appropriately
When you’re interviewing for a job, dress the part. The way you dress will tell the employer whether you are serious about the position or not. Use your judgment when choosing what to wear. Don’t wear anything that is too flashy or trendy, as this is not appropriate for an interview. It may give the impression that you are more interested in how you look than how you can benefit their company.
Don’ts
Don’t: Apply for hidden jobs
Don’t apply for jobs that aren’t advertised publicly – companies and employers often use LinkedIn to screen potential employees and recruit directly from the platform without posting jobs publicly. Think about which companies are doing well in your industry and then search for them on LinkedIn to see if they’re hiring.
Don’t: Give up
Whether you’re looking for your first or your fifth job, it’s easy to get discouraged along the way. You may send out dozens of resumes and only hear back from a few employers. You may apply for jobs that are posted online, only to find that the application doesn’t work or the website is down (it happens more often than you’d think). It’s important to find extra motivation in these hard times and keep moving forward at the pace you feel is right.
Don’t: Fill out an application without carefully reading the entire ad
If you’re not sure a job is the right fit for you, don’t waste your time applying. If there are specific requirements for the job and you don’t meet them, don’t apply. Don’t overstate your experiences, key skills, or capabilities – even if you’re convinced that you can do the job, show some respect to the hiring manager by not misrepresenting yourself. You’ll only be wasting your time and the time of your employer. The applicant tracking system (ATS system and its ATS bots) will value you more if you have a bot-beating resume with just the right career resources.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like most people, a job search is an exciting opportunity to accomplish new goals. However, it’s also essential to keep a level head throughout the process. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of interviewing and getting a new job offer, but don’t forget about the general picture and your aspirations.
As we’ve discussed, investing in your career is a long and arduous process. But the key to getting hired is taking an active position about it. Make the most of it by following these tips and you will land a dream job in no time!
