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Searching for a New Job Is Easier Than You Might Think

How to Search for a New Job

By KevinPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Source: Lebenslauf

Whether you’re fresh out of college looking for your first job or newly unemployed, searching for a job can be a stressful, time-consuming endeavor. But finding employment doesn’t have to be a painful experience. In fact, there’s a good chance you already have a foot in the door to a great new career and not even realize it. The following are a few ways to get your job search off to a great start.

Get That Resume Updated

As soon as you know you’ll be looking for a job, get your resume updated, polished, and perfected. Your resume is like your personal business card. It tells potential employers who you are, what you’ve done, and what you want to do. Make sure to have someone proofread your resume before you send it out. Saying that you have excellent attention to detail and having a resume full of simple spelling mistakes won’t give an employer a positive impression of you. If you’re really having a hard time with your resume, then consider hiring a professional resume writer to help you. Resume writers are experts at describing your skills and employment history in a way that will make you shine. They also can help if you have any gaps in your employment.

Tap Your Personal Network

Once you start your job search, your first task should be to let family and friends know that you’re looking for work. While this might be tough, especially if you were laid off from your previous job, remember that those in your personal network want you to succeed and will try to help you in any way they can.

Further, many employment opportunities aren’t even advertised on job search websites or newspaper classified ads. Many positions are filled by word-of-mouth or knowing the right person. Also, getting a personal recommendation from someone who knows you well can really boost your chances of landing a position.

Job Websites Can Save You Time

There are tons of job websites where you can upload your resume and search openings. A few of the larger websites are Monster, Indeed, and Career Builder. The benefit of these websites is that once you upload your resume and other information, you can automatically apply to jobs with the push of a button. No more filling out endless applications.

Don’t forget about LinkedIn. If you were using LinkedIn in your previous career or started building your profile in college, now is when it can really pay off. Let your LinkedIn network know that you’re looking for work. It’s a small world and you’d be surprised at how fast word spreads about a good job candidate. LinkedIn has more than 50 million users, that's a huge network to tap into.

Consider Different Industries

Depending on the economy, certain industries might rapidly downsize, leaving it almost impossible for you to get a job in an industry you’re familiar with. Or you might just be burned out and need something new. Whatever the case, expand your job search to include industries that are always in need of hardworking individuals. This includes trucking jobs, health care, trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians), and IT specialists.

If you’re going to change industries, you might need further training to get your foot in the door. Don’t worry, however, this may not be as hard or as expensive as you might think. If you want to go into the trades, for example, you can start off as an apprentice and get paid on-the-job training. You’ll start off working for lower pay, but if you stick with it, you’ll soon be earning a solid wage. Also look into government job training programs and programs offered by companies. Some trucking companies offer free training and a guaranteed job after successful completion of the training.

Don’t Let Bad Times Get You Down

The economy is always changing and even during bad times, there are industries that always need people. Researching these industries and finding a job that fits your skills will keep you employed long into the future.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help with your job search. Every working adult out there today has been in your shoes, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Many adults, especially older ones, feel like failures if they have to find a new career. But that’s not how others will see you. People will admire you for your perseverance and courage to try something new.

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