- Review Your Finances and Make a
Budget - Reevaluate Your Skills and Experience
- Set Realistic and Achievable Goals
- Your
Job Search is Your Full-Time Job - Build and Leverage
Your Network - Professional Help
- Social Media
- Research the Job Market Thoroughly
- Tailor
Your Resume andCover Letter for Each Job - Utilize
Job Search Engines and Alerts - Prepare for Interviews with Research and Practice
- Stay Organized and Track Your Applications
- Additional Resources
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Many of us are familiar with the hardships of being an unemployed job seeker (look at I Lost My Job, Now What). Not only is it frustrating and depressing when you can’t find a job, but the feelings become magnified as the time unemployed increases and the financial stress takes its toll.
Rather than be depressed over the challenges and pressures of looking for a new job, job seekers should focus on accomplishments. Following are eight tips on how to fast-track your
Review Your Finances and Make a Budget
If you are unemployed, the first thing you need to do is review your finances and make a
- Immediately review your finances to see where you can curb costs and expenses.
- Make an “unemployed”
budget . - apply for unemployment. Although it is not much, it is more than zero.
- If you need to travel for job interviews, try to schedule several events on the same day.
Reevaluate Your Skills and Experience
- Understand your strengths and weaknesses.
- There are a few things you can do, such as Aptitude Tests, Career Tests, IQ Tests, Inventory, and Personality Tests.
- Take a look at What do You Want to be When You Grow Up? Job Search Made Easy
- Take a Free Career Test – The word “free” always gets my attention.
Set Realistic and Achievable Goals
- Make your time count when it comes to finding the right job. Make a specific checklist of the things you want to achieve each day to make sure your
job search is productive. - Set goals such as “I need to make at least five calls today” or “I’m going to reach out / network with four people today.”
- Make your list of companies where you would like to work. Once you have this list, do some research to find competitors and add those companies to your list as well.
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Your Job Search is Your Full-Time Job
When you are out of work, finding the right job requires the same commitment as one would commit to a full-time job.
- Set a “work schedule” of at least 9am to 5pm 5 days per week.
- Create your daily “to-do” list (see above) for the next day as the last task of the day.
- Spend part of each day focusing on one key item (networking, job applications, research, recruiters, etc.).
Build and Leverage Your Network
- Make a list of your existing network. This includes every friend, relative, former coworker, current coworker,
college or high school acquaintance, your neighbors, your mailman, and the checkout person at the supermarket. All of these individuals are part of your existing network. - Extend
your network by adding people who work or worked at companies where you worked, and people who work or worked at companies where you would like to work. Recruiters who cover your industry. - Attend networking events. These are a great place to build
your network . There is a wide range of events, including alumni events and trade group events.
Discover top networking resources to boost your career with CareerAlley. Explore platforms, tips, and tools for effective professional connections.
Improve Your Skills (and Learn New Skills)
- Review your existing skills (from above) and make a plan to improve weak skills. There are many online courses you can take.
- Improving your reading, writing, and math skills will add confidence and make you a better candidate.
- Improve your computer skills, including applications that are important for your industry.
- If you are currently unemployed, dedicate time during your
job search to acquire new skills.
Professional Help
- If needed, hire a professional resume writer who can help with your resume and help you build your
job search Marketing Toolkit (see CareerAlley Resources) - I’m not a fan of “paid”
job search professionals (people who you pay to help you find a job), so “buyer beware” on these individuals. - Recruiters (they get paid by the hiring company) are professionals who can help ensure you have everything you need to succeed in your interviews.
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Social Media
Understand and leverage social media.
- Facebook can be leveraged for your
job search . That being said, be careful what is on your Facebook account that may ruin your chances with potential employers. - Google yourself often. Create a Google alert with your name. Be the first to know if there is anything negative about you on the Internet.
- LinkedIn – Need I say more? Take a look at Creating Your Network on LinkedIn
LinkedIn Unlocked is a social selling roadmap that will help you generate a consistent flow of quality leads.
Research the Job Market Thoroughly
Before diving into your
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Each Job
One of the best ways to stand out as a smart job seeker is to customize your resume and cover letter for each position you apply to. Instead of sending out generic applications, take the time to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the specific job requirements. Research the company’s values, mission, and the key qualifications they’re looking for, and reflect that in your documents. This personalized approach not only shows that you’ve done your homework but also increases the likelihood of
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Utilize Job Search Engines and Alerts
Smart job seekers leverage technology to their advantage by using job search engines and setting up job alerts. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor allow you to filter searches by location, industry, and specific job titles. Additionally, setting up job alerts ensures that you’re immediately notified when new opportunities that match your criteria become available. By staying on top of the latest postings and acting quickly, you increase your chances of being among the first to apply. This proactive strategy ensures you don’t miss out on ideal job opportunities.
Prepare for Interviews with Research and Practice
Once you’ve landed an interview, preparation is key. A smart job seeker will research the company thoroughly, understanding its culture, recent news, and the role they are applying for. Practice answering common
Our AI Job Interview Coach is designed to help you train and excel in any job interview from the comfort of your home. With personalized coaching and expert guidance, you'll be confidently prepared to make a lasting impression on your potential employer.
Stay Organized and Track Your Applications
Job hunting can become overwhelming if you don’t stay organized. Create a system to track where you’ve applied, any follow-up actions needed, and the status of each application. You can use spreadsheets, apps, or even
Additional Resources
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