Jumping back into the job search waters is exciting. It can also be stressful, but you got this! Here are 5 job search tips to consider as you take the first step toward a new career:
Job Search Tip #1 – Refresh Your Resume
If you’ve been out of the job market for a while, you’ll want to refresh your resume. Update your job experience and make sure your list of skills and professional achievements is polished up. Include any new training or certifications you might have and decide if you have any new references you might also want to consider adding to your list.
It’s also a good time to update your LinkedIn profile and other information you might regularly need to include on employment applications (phone numbers, addresses, contact info, and the like.)
Job Search Tip #2 – Do Your Research
A successful job search requires planning. One important piece of that planning is research. Create a list of companies you’re interested in and think you would like to work for. Browse their websites to learn about their company cultures and current job opportunities. Find recent news/trade articles about them. Get up to speed on what they’ve been doing recently.
Research popular jobsites and get a feel for the current employment landscape. Dig into your industry by browsing online resources. The more knowledge you have, the more successful your job search will be.
Job Search Tip #3 – Tap Into Your Network
Tap into your personal and professional networks. Talk to everyone you know – go deep! That includes friends, family, neighbors, former managers and co-workers. Get the word out that you’re actively looking for new employment – and let them know how to reach you if they hear of any opportunities or they want to put you in touch with someone.
It’s also a good idea to attend networking events. The alumni department of your college might have upcoming regional mixers on the calendar. Or your chamber of commerce or a trade association should have events you can check out. Take advantage of everything you can find – you never know who you might meet.
Job Search Tip #4 – Use a Staffing Agency
Supplementing your job search with helpful tools and resources is a good thing (as Martha Stewart would say!) One smart resource to consider is a staffing agency.
Whether you’re looking for a temporary job or a new full-time career, working with a staffing agency has its advantages. For starters, most agencies do not charge job seekers for their services. Also, recruiting professionals handle job placement day in and day out. It’s what they do – all the time! They have the expertise to successfully match the best candidate to the best job. They also have an extensive network of employers they hire for on the regular. This can help fast-track your job search and get you into a new job sooner than later.
Tip – if you choose to work with a staffing agency, make sure it’s a reputable one. They should also have expertise in the industry you’re interested in, and they should have hiring services that match your career goals (temp/contract work, temp-to-hire, full-time direct hire, etc.). Talk to people who have used staffing firms in their job search and get recommendations. Word of mouth referrals are often the best kind.
Job Search Tip #5 – Stay Committed
Conducting a successful job search and landing that dream job doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort. Don’t get frustrated if things start out slow. You’re likely to have a few interviews that don’t end up with job offer. Stay committed to your goal, stay positive, and things will turn out for the best.
Do you have any new job search tips? Share them! You can also get a jump start on your job search right now by browsing A.R. Mazzotta’s current list of CT jobs and career opportunities. Click here for Office & Professional jobs, and click here for Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution jobs.