The job search is a never-ending part of adulthood. But, where do we start and how do we go about finding the perfect job? This article will help you get equipped with the right resources, create an effective, professional job resume, and market yourself online to attract potential employers. With these 5 smart steps for your job search plan, you’ll be well on the way to securing that ideal job.

 

1. Create a resume using a resume builder

 

With such a saturated and competitive job market in the modern day, it’s smart to do everything you can to stand out. This starts with the first impression of yourself that your potential employer will see – the all-important resume. Forget your face, mannerisms, and overall demeanor, it’s what you have on paper that needs to catch the eye of higher-ups.

 

A professional resume builder can help with resume creation and is a simple and free way to ease your worries about putting together a resume. ResumeBuilderPro is considered to be one of the best websites to make your first resume on, with a variety of HR-approved templates and incredible pre-written material that can easily be customized. This visual and interactive resume builder has material tailored to specific job industries and professions, tools to proofread your resume, and provides professional advice.

 

Dos

When сreating first resume, remember resume best practices like simple and non-distracting formatting, key skills, a short summary, relevant work history, education, and most importantly, contact information. Ultimately, using a resume builder like Resumist will give you a solid advantage over your competition.

 

Don’ts

Don’t have full sections for references, mention a GPA if you’re not a fresh graduate, or mention your interests and hobbies. Save that for the interview only if they request that information.

 

1. Search for the right jobs

 

The search starts…with the search itself! Once you’ve used a resume builder for effective resume writing and put all the tips for writing a resume into play, you should be ready to start searching for jobs. However, it’s not just a case of going online and looking at what’s out there in your field. To be a successful job seeker, it takes creating a varied approach with many strategies to gain traction. Just like doing a resume for the first time, job searching requires going back to the basics.

 

Important!

Look at all the job search engines you can and narrow down your search there by using keywords relating to your field and job title, as well as your location. The narrower your search criteria, the more specific results you’ll get and the more relevant your results will be. However, you also might want to broaden your search if you’re looking for work outside of your area (maybe you don’t mind the commute!), and perhaps considering a bit of a job change (not going from teaching to forensics, that is). The faster you weed through the listings and start applying to relevant jobs, the better.

 

1. Network on sites like Linkedin

 

You might have been told over and over again about the importance of networking. It has become the biggest buzzword in the job search realm for as long as we can remember, and for good reason. Ask yourself, “Apart from making my first resume with a resume builder and applying to jobs, what else can I do to improve my job search plan?” The answer is simple – attend events, network online, and make yourself known.

 

The best site to start is LinkedIn – the world’s largest professional network online. Not only does it provide you a place to create a virtual resume-like profile, but it also allows you to search for jobs and internships, network and connect with others, and even learn new skills through LinkedIn Learning. Create a profile and fill in the relevant information, then begin networking with others in your field and join virtual or in-person events.

 

Did you know? According to the MGH Institute, only 25% of jobs are ever advertised, and the remaining 75% of jobs represent the “hidden job market.”

 

1. Master the job interview

 

After applying to numerous jobs, you may very well hear back from a handful of potential employers. If so, congratulations! The nature of job interviews varies widely, whether it’s a casual conversation so the employer can get to know you, or a multi-step, formal process that will vet you and your qualifications. Understand what the employer expects of you and the interview, and judge appropriately. Even for a casual meet-up, your attire should be neat and tidy and you should conduct yourself with manners and respect.

 

More traditional interviews require smart-casual or formal work attire and involve both your knowledge about the company and the job position, as well as yourself and your work history. Not only do you need to learn how to put a resume together, but you also need to know how to talk about it. Make sure you bring a physical copy of your resume to the interview. Other things that you’ll need to prepare for include speaking about yourself and your work history, your strengths and weaknesses, answering unique questions that may catch you off guard, showing off your personality and work ethic, and answering queries about salary expectations. At the end, interviewers often ask if there are any questions you’d like to ask them – be prepared with a few potential ones beforehand.

 

Your Job Interview

➔     Bring a physical copy of your resume to the interview

➔     Know the company inside and out

➔     Know what your potential job title entails and is responsible for

➔     Know your resume

➔     Be prepared to introduce yourself and talk about your work history

➔     Practice answering traditional and potential interview questions before your interview

➔     Know how to answer a question about salary expectations

➔     Be prepared with a question for the interviewer

 

1. The follow-up email

 

With so many interviews conducted for one position, there’s a risk of a potential employer forgetting about you or putting your resume on the backburner. To prevent this from happening and to show your interest in the job, send a thank-you follow-up email to the interviewer. This email should thank the interviewer for their time, and you should mention a positive thing about the company that stands out to you.

 

Following-up shows gratitude and strong communication, and also demonstrates your enthusiasm. The email can be structured in the following way:

 

•     Proper subject line
•     Opening with a thank you
•     A brief recap of your interests, goals, and experience
•     Set yourself apart from other candidates
•     Contact information and signature

 

Remember, this email should be brief and to the point, employers are likely swarmed with daily emails and won’t have the time to read through multiple long paragraphs. 

With these 5 tips in mind when conducting your job search, you’re bound for success! These tips help you craft your professional online and in-person image, as well as take care of the all-encompassing resume – your first connection to any company or employer.