Need a push? 8 Steps about how to start a job search

If you’re like many people, you’ll change jobs several times throughout your career. But no matter how many times you do it, starting a new job search can be tough. It often feels like you’re starting from scratch, which can be frustrating and intimidating.

Fortunately, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when you’re ready to apply for your next job. Instead, you can follow some tried-and-true methods to begin searching for jobs and find your next role.

In this guide, we’ll provide practical steps about how to start a job search with confidence. We’ll go over:

• Where to begin when searching for your next job

• Ways to optimize your job search for success

• Tips you can use to apply for jobs while employed

• Answers to other frequently asked questions about job hunting

How to start a job search

When you’re ready to look for a new job, it’s helpful to break the process into small steps. That way, you can focus your efforts on manageable ways to improve your chances of success. If you need a push to get started, follow these steps to begin your job search:

1. Evaluate your goals

Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to evaluate your career goals. This assessment gives you the chance to consider what you want your career to look like. Once you know your goals, you can decide whether a potential job aligns with your vision for the future.

Knowing your goals can save you time and energy during your job search. It helps you focus on applying for jobs you really want. If you’re unsure about your future career goals, start by asking yourself some questions, such as the following:

• Why do you want a new job?

• Do you want a role similar to your current job, or do you want something different?

• What are your strengths, and how can you use them in a new job?

• What are your values and motivations when it comes to work?

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

• What are your salary requirements for a new position?

2. Do your research

With your goals in mind, research your desired position or industry. Start by doing an online search to look for jobs similar to the one you want to get. Review the standard requirements for those positions, including education, experience, and skills. Compare your background to employers’ requirements to determine whether you’re qualified for the new position.

If you’re making a career change, you may need to spend some time building your skills in new areas. This transition may involve continuing your education, earning a certification, or completing an internship.

3. Prepare your resume

Once you’re confident you meet the requirements for your ideal job, prepare your resume. Choose a professional template, such as the ones you can use with Career.io’s resume builder. On your resume, include these sections:

• Contact information. Provide your full name, location, email address, and phone number. You can also add a link to your online portfolio or a professional social media account.

• Resume summary. Write a few sentences about why you’re a great candidate for the new position. Briefly summarize your skills, background, and achievements in the field.

• Skills. List some of the technical and transferable skills you can use to succeed in a new position.

• Work experience. The bulk of your resume should focus on your experience, including the relevant jobs you’ve held in the past. Highlight achievements with clear, concise bullet points that focus on the outcomes of your duties.

• Education. Your education section doesn’t have to be long, but it should include details about your degree or diploma and any professional certifications you’ve earned.

4. Search on job boards

After preparing a resume, it’s time to look for jobs. Online job boards can be a great place to start. Most job boards allow you to search for positions using different criteria, such as the job title or geographic location. If you’re looking for a sales manager position, for example, you might search for the phrase “sales manager” and filter the results to your city or area.

While you can use job boards to apply for positions directly, many of these sites also allow you to upload your resume. When you do that, recruiters may reach out to you directly when they’re hiring for a position that matches your qualifications.

5. Tailor your resume

While you can apply for many jobs using one resume, it’s a good idea to make small changes each time you apply for a different position. That’s because many employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to scan and rank resumes for specific keywords, which can vary by position and company. Additionally, if you’re applying for several types of jobs, you can create a targeted resume for each one.

The good news is that you don’t need to overhaul your resume each time you apply for a new position. Instead, adjust the words and phrases you use by studying the job description and matching the language you find there. For example, if a job posting asks for candidates who have three years of experience using Excel, you might include a phrase like this in your summary:

• Detail-oriented account manager with three years of experience using Excel to maintain accurate client records.

6. Review your digital presence

When you start applying for jobs, hiring managers may search for you online as part of their screening process. Review your digital presence to make sure you’re presenting yourself in a professional manner. When in doubt, remove posts or photos that you’d feel uncomfortable about an employer seeing.

As you check your online profiles, you can also optimize them for your job search. For example, you might use job-related keywords to describe your professional experience, or you might update your profile to include a new certification you’ve completed. Additionally, swap out an old or outdated profile picture for a new professional headshot.

7. Use your network

Don’t underestimate the power of your network when starting a job search. Let people in your network know you’re looking for a new job. For example, you might email a former manager or colleague to ask if they know about any companies hiring for your desired role. If they don’t, ask them to keep you in mind if they learn about new opportunities in the future.

As you start your job search, it’s also a good idea to attend networking events. At these events, you may meet new people who can connect you with employers in your industry. Look for social networking events, conferences, or workshops in your area to expand your network.

8. Get ready for the interview

Your resume can get you in the door, but the interview can help you land the job. Take your interview preparation seriously so you can impress an employer with your knowledge and professionalism. Before the interview, spend some additional time researching the company and the role. Learn about the company’s organizational structure, mission, and culture. Be prepared to speak about how you can add value to the team or organization.

As part of your preparation, you can also practice your answers to common interview questions. Many hiring managers, for example, like to ask about candidates’ strengths, career goals, and interest in the role. Rehearse your answers to those questions out loud or do a mock interview with a friend or family member. Assess your responses and keep working until you have them polished.

Tips for how to start a job search while employed

If you’re looking for your next job while still employed in your current role, there are some additional tips you can follow for a successful search.

Make a plan

Whether you work part-time or full-time, your current job will take a considerable amount of your time and attention. Make a plan to prioritize your job search as well. For example, you might commit to waking up an hour earlier to apply for jobs before you go to work each day.

Search on your own time

This advice might go without saying, but don’t search for new jobs while you’re on the clock. Additionally, don’t use company property, such as your work computer or phone, to apply for jobs, schedule interviews, or speak with hiring managers.

Get references from former employers

A hiring manager may ask for a list of your references when considering you for a new position. You can assume they will contact the people you provide, so don’t include your current manager or supervisor on the list. Instead, get references from people you’ve worked with in previous jobs.

Keep doing good work

When job searching, it may feel like you already have one foot out the door. However, do your best to keep working hard in your current role. When you leave on good terms, you can maintain professional relationships and use those colleagues as references for future opportunities.

FAQs about job searching

Here are the answers to other frequently asked questions about job searching.

How can you start a job search with no experience?

On your resume, emphasize the transferable skills you can bring to a new role, even if you don’t have prior experience. In some cases, you may need to expand your skill set by taking classes, getting certified, or doing volunteer work.

What are the best ways to find jobs?

Online job boards allow you to search for positions matching your goals and skills. Additionally, you can find jobs by using your network, contacting recruiters, and reaching out to companies directly.

When should you start a job search?

The best time to start a job search depends on your unique situation and goals. If you’re a senior in college, for example, you can start to apply for jobs about one to two months before graduation. However, if you’re currently employed in a stable job, you can choose to start searching when you feel ready to move forward in your career.

Are you ready to take the first step in your job search? Check out Career.io’s job search strategy to get expert insights, guidance, and tools to take control of your career!

Key takeaways

1. When starting your job search, focus on small steps you can take to define your goals, research new jobs, and prepare your resume.

2. Optimize your job search with strategic techniques, such as using job boards, targeting your resume to a specific role, and reaching out to your network.

3. If you’re searching for a job while still employed, make a plan for job hunting in your free time. Stay committed to your current role until it’s officially time to leave.