Job Hunting 101: Effective Strategies for Today’s Job Market
By: Chris Lovell · May 14, 2024 · Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you’ve found yourself on the hunt for a new job, you know that it can be a challenging task.
Searching for a job can feel both exciting and exhausting, but as with most endeavors, it’s all about your approach. Let’s explore three effective strategies to find the best roles in today’s job market.
Create a Base Resume
First, if you want to be a standout candidate, you have to optimize your resume. Instead of using the same resume for every job (or writing a brand new one from scratch for every single application), create a base resume or “master resume” that gives you a foundation, as well as flexibility.
If you are looking at a Marketing Manager role, for instance, create one resume that covers the general responsibilities and skills of Marketing Managers. From there, tailor that base resume to different jobs you apply for, based on the specifics in the job description and the company as a whole. A Marketing Manager position at a creative agency will have different goals and objectives than one at a consumer goods company, for example, so you’ll want to tailor your resume accordingly.
Are the Companies You’re Applying to Actually Hiring?
Thousands of companies post on job boards, but before you submit an application, make sure they’re actually hiring. It’s not uncommon for companies to post idle job listings to keep growing their potential talent pool even when they’re in a hiring freeze. Do a quick Google search and check out any recent news on that company. Did they just lay off thousands of people? Have they announced their plans to restructure or consolidate? Your job search time is precious, and taking this step will ensure you don’t waste any.
See Who Is #Hiring
Another way to cut through the job board chaos is to use LinkedIn in creative ways.
Try searching #Hiring followed by the job title you’re looking for on LinkedIn. For example, “#Hiring Software Engineer.” This will pull up posts from hiring managers and other employees who are actively looking to fill the kind of position you want. Even better, they often include an email address, or tell you how to get in touch. Then you can then send the recruiter or hiring manager a message explaining your interest in the position.
Remember, the job market can be tough, but you are tougher. Don’t let rejections or naysayers keep you from pursuing the career that you want!
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