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When it comes to securing a job, there are no shortcuts or hidden formulas. The competitive landscape demands hard work and creativity. Each individual’s journey is unique, leading to diverse strategies and approaches.
Often, people pursue career counseling, advanced degrees, or professional certifications, accumulating more debt, and overlooking the fundamentals. While these endeavors are commendable, we tend to neglect the simplicity. Similar to achieving good health through proper diet and exercise, career success lies in basic principles—sometimes challenging and time-consuming, yet undoubtedly effective.
Regardless of what methods or secrets anyone claims to have uncovered for finding a job, the truth of the matter is it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. There’s no secret behind finding that dream job of yours, it just takes hard work and a little creativityClick To TweetUpon graduating, I faced the familiar hurdles experienced by many
10. Start with family
The person who cares most about your well-being and success is undoubtedly yourself. Following closely are your loved ones, whether it’s your father, mother, siblings, relatives, spouse, or a dear friend. Engage in heartfelt conversations with those you consider family and seek their advice. Set aside your pride and openly communicate about your challenging job hunt. They will be eager to assist you in any way possible and offer fresh perspectives. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone.
9. Let everyone know what you do and what you’re looking for
Expand your network beyond family and close friends. While avoiding delving into personal details, ensure that everyone in your social circles understands your interests and passions. Tweet about your favorite architecture firms or art galleries, and consistently share your goals and aspirations. When someone inquires about your recent activities, mention that you’re actively seeking a job in your field. Approach these interactions with a friendly and casual tone. This is the foundation of basic networking.
8. Visit your local library
Consider seeking professional career counseling and assistance to find the answers that your friends and family may not have. However, avoid the mistake of paying for these services. Public libraries provide an abundance of resources on career counseling and job hunting. Their dedicated staff offers free advice and scheduled appointments to support you in every possible way. Their services often surpass university career counseling as they have fewer students to handle daily. Surprisingly, many people are unaware of these valuable resources. Additionally, you’ll find numerous books on resume writing, interview tips, and various other topics. Don’t let this invaluable free resource go to waste.
7. Learn the skills that complement your major
As an internet writer, acquiring skills like SEO, basic HTML, Photoshop, and social media expertise became crucial. Take note of additional skills highlighted in job postings within your field. These skills are often not covered in university coursework and are seldom mentioned by professors or guidance counselors.
The key takeaway is that there should be no unfamiliar skills on a job posting’s required skills list in your field. Visit the library and borrow books on these subjects. While you don’t need to become an expert, having a general understanding of each secondary skill is essential. Often, this can be the deciding factor between two job candidates. Avoid being the one caught unprepared!
6. Know your city
If you studied history, are you familiar with all the local museums? If you majored in political science, do you know your district’s representatives and congressmen? As an art major, are you acquainted with your city’s art district, or does it even have one? Identify the ideal places where you’d like to work and begin your search there. Instead of sending emails, make personal visits and introduce yourself.
In addition to larger businesses, explore smaller ones. Some emerging organizations may not have websites yet. Local acting theaters and independent research labs often have limited online presence. Step away from the computer and embrace the old-fashioned approach.
5. Create a website
There are numerous free platforms like WordPress and Blogger where you can create your own website. In today’s digital era, having your own online space is essential to showcase your skills and actively promote yourself. Make sure to include professional information about your background, skills, and goals, while adding a personal and engaging touch. If you have a limited
4. Use Social Media
Join Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and various other blogs and social media sites to create a digital picture of yourself and your interests. Employers conduct digital background checks on their potential candidates. This is an excellent opportunity to show them how you’re actively involved and interested in your field of study. Keep it professional and clean, but also be you. You’re a nice guy deep inside I promise!
3. Volunteer
Volunteer your skills to family, friends, and employers. Use what you have to offer and hone your job skills. It’s ok to mention any type of volunteering you do in
2. Make a portfolio
Have samples of your work. If you’re a photographer, have a ton of professional photos. If you’re a writer, have blog entries, essays, and articles written. The key is that your portfolio is never finished. You have to keep adding and adding your most recent work to it. And yes, there should always be recent work!
Employers want to see that you’re constantly active and involved in producing content relevant to your field. It shows dedication and responsibility. But most of all, it helps you sharpen your skills. If a runner stops stretching outside of competition seasons, they’ll lose flexibility. Likewise, it’s extremely important to keep practicing what you love so when the opportunity comes, you’ll be ready.
1. Repeat
Keep trying. Keep going. Don’t give up. It sounds like a Disney sports movie, right? But it works. You’re not going to succeed by trying once. Keep applying to new positions at the firm you really see yourself at. Continue networking your passions with everyone your meet. Stay up to date on developments in your field and stay on the lookout for new companies coming to town. Consider looking outside of your town. Keep updating your portfolio and resume constantly. Keep
Are you spending all your time applying to posted job openings—postings that draw hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of applications? No matter how perfect you are for the job, there is always someone else who’s a little more qualified, more experienced.
