Whether you're interested in a new career path, have been laid off, or have other reasons to look for new career opportunities, finding a job can be a stressful and daunting task. Considering the time and effort that goes into job hunting, it's frequently said that looking for a job feels like a job itself.
However, some general job search tips can help everyone find a job faster and cruise through the process with less stress.
From organizing your job search to making it more time-efficient and faster with a few handy tools, such as a master resume or communication templates, we'll share eight practical tips for a stress-free, efficient and successful job search.
Read on to learn how you can organize your job search and get hired faster.
Disclaimer: This article includes relevant affiliate links to services, resources, and tools I wholeheartedly recommend. If you buy something through these links, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your purchase helps me share more helpful content. Thanks if you choose to support me this way!
1. CREATE A MASTER RESUME
A resume is a key document for any job seeker.
Regardless of the job searching method, you can expect that employers will ask you for it at least once in the hiring process.
Therefore, it's important to have a high-quality, comprehensive and compelling resume at hand -- or at least a recently updated, draft version of it that can quickly be finalized.
If you wait for the last minute to write a resume, you may find yourself in panic mode and it may be hard to produce a good resume from scratch. What's worse, under such pressure, it could be difficult to recall all the details about relevant experiences and achievements, leading you to downplay your skills and hinder your job application.
To avoid such a situation and make sure your resume captures all the relevant information, create a file called ‘master resume.’
A master resume is a thorough document with all the details about your work experience, education, accomplishments and skills.
A master resume is a thorough document with all the details about your work experience, education, accomplishments and skills.
You can keep this information in any format that works best for you - Word, Google Docs, notes etc.
Once created, make sure to feed it with information regularly.
Use it as a starting point when applying for different job opportunities.
Pull relevant content from it as you craft multiple, tailored resumes.
A great thing about it is that with the master file, you won't have to start fresh every single time you go to write a resume and cover letter. But this tool doesn't only save time, it helps you keep track of all the minor details regarding your experience that could make a difference to a future job opportunity but may otherwise be forgotten if untracked.
Note: This document is only for your reference, don't share it with employers!
2. CREATE A FEW RESUME VERSIONS
Job seekers frequently submit the same resume and cover letter to all jobs they apply for.
But this is one of the most common job search mistakes.
Tailoring a resume to the jobs you're applying for skyrockets your chances of being shortlisted and invited to an interview.
Tailoring a resume to the jobs you're applying for skyrockets your chances of being shortlisted and invited to an interview.
However, if you're a multi-passionate job seeker with a versatile skill-set, customizing your resume to highlight relevant experience every time an exciting opportunity pops up may be time-consuming and overwhelming.
If you're interested in pursuing job opportunities in two completely different fields, streamline the process by creating two 'base' resumes to highlight the relevant skills, education, and work experience you possess for these respective career paths.
These base resumes will simplify the customization of a resume for each position.
Apply the same approach to your cover letter.
Note: If you're looking for jobs only in one field, you don't need to have multiple resumes and cover letters. Go with one base resume and cover letter, then make necessary tweaks to tailor them to the job posting.
Download one of the professionally designed resume templates and impress employers with your job application! ➝
3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LINKEDIN AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA
More than 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool.
As such, it's one of the best resources we have available today for job hunting, networking and career development.
LinkedIn makes it easy for job seekers to find and contact people working at companies of interest, expand their network, explore available jobs, research companies and connect with employers. At the same time, it allows them to present their skills, position themselves as experts and get found by employers.
So, to optimize and automate your job search, create or update your LinkedIn profile.
Fill it in with details about your career. Add personal and professional data.
The more information on your LinkedIn profile, the higher the chances of you being found by employers.
Besides LinkedIn, leverage other social media.
Even though LinkedIn may be their main search tool, companies nowadays don't use only LinkedIn for screening and hiring candidates. They may also rely on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or explore other sites such as Behance, Reddit or Quora.
So don't forget to clean up your online presence by deleting any inappropriate pictures, comments or information.
Then, connect with your dream companies and network with people who already work there. Follow their online activities and engage with their content to develop professional relationships and ensure you're up to date with any employment opportunities.
4. SAVE ALL JOB DESCRIPTIONS
A job description holds all the information about the job position, job requirements and the company culture.
It's a vital document for interview preparation as it will give you an idea of what's expected from the job and how to prepare for the hiring process.
A job description is a vital document for interview preparation as it will give you an idea of what's expected from the job and how to prepare for the hiring process.
However, be aware that job descriptions are available only while employers are accepting job applications. As soon as they gather enough candidates and progress to the next step of the hiring process (usually a phone or informational interview), job descriptions are taken offline.
If you apply for multiple positions and companies in a short time, it's easy to lose track of all the jobs you applied for -- which may lead to awkward situations.
Just imagine speaking with a recruiter or hiring manager and asking them to tell you the job title of the role you applied for just a few days ago, or asking them other questions that have already been answered in the job posting.
To prevent such situations, having a job description stored is a lifesaver, especially when interviewing with the company, and the job posting is no longer available.
How you want to save the job description depends on your preferences.
You can either take a screenshot of the job posting or copy and paste the content into a Word or Google Docs file and store them all in one folder.
The latter option works the best, as it allows you a quick search based on keywords with a search function (CTRL + F or Command + F).
Once you have that folder set up, you can quickly and easily go there to access all the jobs you've applied for when a recruiter gives you a call.
5. TRACK YOUR JOB SEARCH
Getting lost in all job boards, job descriptions and online applications is a frequent cause of stress.
To avoid burnout while looking for a new opportunity, organization is key.
Properly organizing and managing your job search may be one of the vital yet frequently overlooked elements of a job search.
Properly organizing and managing your job search may be one of the vital yet frequently overlooked elements of a job search.
One of the tools that can help you stay on top of your job search is a job search tracker.
Develop a job search spreadsheet, table or a simple folder with all the information about your applications, including a job title, company, hiring manager, contact details, date of application, interview date, type of interview (phone, informational, in person), status of your application and any other details you find important.
You can create a similar tool for networking as well and track people you've been in touch with while job hunting, their personal information and contact details.
Additionally, schedule all your interviews in your mobile or email calendar. It will help you automate organization by keeping track of all appointments and getting automatic reminders ahead of conversations with employers.
All our resume templates come with a 30-page resume writing guide and editing manual. Download it now and transform your job application! ➝
6. PREPARE COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES
Using your time wisely is a priority for an efficient job search.
What can help is preparing everything you might need in advance of the hiring process, including communication templates.
Professional communication throughout the hiring process, not only in interviews, helps you position yourself as a professional and desirable candidate, increasing your chances of standing out from the rest and landing the job.
As you can expect email correspondence with recruiters or hiring managers, it's worth preparing communication drafts.
Having communication templates prepared in advance gives you more time to adjust your language and tone of communication and proofread them to avoid any mistakes that could hinder your efforts. These details truly make a difference when job hunting.
Having communication templates prepared in advance gives you more time to adjust your language and tone of communication and proofread them to avoid any mistakes that could hinder your efforts. These details truly make a difference when job hunting.
So, prepare a few email and LinkedIn outreach messages, follow-up messages and thank you notes that you can easily customize to all jobs you apply for.
7. NETWORK
Networking is still one of the most efficient ways to land a new job.
Reach out to the people you know, including your family members, friends, former co-workers or college alumni, and let them know you're looking for new employment.
Even though people close to you may already know you're open to new opportunities, they may overlook the fact that they can support you with your job search.
To ensure you're utilizing your network in the best possible way, identify people who can help you along the way based on your common interests, shared expertise or industry they work in.
Second, determine how they can help you.
Networking when job searching isn't only about getting people to refer you for available jobs in their companies.
There are many different ways how your network can help you out.
From giving you professional advice, helping you prepare for interviews, giving you someone's contact information or connecting you with hiring managers, many people you know can help you land your next job faster than you would be able to do so on your own.
However, it's not up to them to tell you what they can do for you. It's up to you to be clear about how they can help.
Whether you want to put yourself on their radar or you're looking to set up an interview with a person they know, be specific about your needs and share it openly with them.
The clearer you are on your needs, the more likely people will be able to support you.
The clearer you are on your needs, the more likely people will be able to support you.
Note: To make the most of your job search and advance in your career, consider networking a habit.
8. STAY POSITIVE AND KEEP GOING
Last but not least: Take care of your mental health and keep a positive attitude.
Even with the best preparation and organization, we all know that a job search can be a bumpy journey filled with challenges, obstacles and disappointments.
With a lot of uncertainty and rejection being a natural part of the process, sometimes it's hard to cope and not take things personally.
But regardless of how long it takes or how hard it gets, don't forget to be kind to yourself.
Take a break when needed and start again tomorrow.
Staying positive and keeping yourself motivated day in and day out is the key to success. So, focus on one step at a time and don't give up. In the end, on your first day of work at an amazing company, it will be worth all of the effort.
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. If you shop through these links, I might earn a commission, making this site fully reader-supported. Big thanks for your support!
Summary
Searching for a new career opportunity can be a daunting task, no matter how well-prepared or organized you are.
However, with these eight practical tips, you can accelerate your job search, land a new job faster and get ahead in your career.
Prepare a master resume to speed up writing a resume and cover letter.
Create a few versions of your resume and cover letter tailored to different career paths.
Take advantage of LinkedIn and other social media to expand your network, find available jobs and connect with employers.
Save all job descriptions of the positions you've applied for. They will help you prepare for interviews even when the job postings are no longer online.
Prepare correspondence templates to ensure professional communication with recruiters and hiring managers from start to end.
Keep track of your job search. Stay on top of all job applications by tracking some basic details, including a job title, company, hiring manager, contact details, date of application, interview date and other details you find relevant. Schedule all interviews in your calendar.
Network. Ask your friends, family members, former co-workers and college alumni to help you on your career journey.
Stay positive and keep going. The right opportunity is waiting for you!
Take that one extra step to stand out...
Impress employers with a professionally designed resume
Download the template and fill it in with your experience
Save and submit your job-winning application today
For further job search support, check out our selection of job search tools and resources. If you want to upgrade your resume, select one of the professionally designed resume templates or find a resume writer to help you create your best resume.
What's Next?
A poor LinkedIn profile is costing you opportunities. Explore the list of best LinkedIn writers and let the experts transform your profile into a powerful, job-attracting tool.
Share this article with someone who's looking for new opportunities and needs help with their resume.
Want to upgrade your resume? Explore the collection of 50+ professional, HR-proof resume templates and create a job-winning resume today.
Want to finally feel confident applying for the most amazing jobs out there? Get all your questions answered in a 60-minute 1:1 call with an ex Global Fortune 500 recruiter. Book your call now!
Ana Colak Fustin
Ana is a former recruiter, HR consultant, and founder of ByRecruiters.com. Her career advice and business have been featured in Yahoo News, Jobscan, A Better HR Business, Starter Story, Best Colleges, and other global media. Since 2018, over 8,000 professionals worldwide have used her resume templates to land new jobs. She's on a mission to help 80,000 more.