Use These Tools for a More Effective Job Search

Updated August 21, 20242.9k

A job search is the starting point of getting your next great job. How can you start your job search today and make sure you find the job you really want?

Job Search

Whether it’s your very first job, you’re changing careers, or you’re looking for a new job in a field you’ve been in for a while, job searching is the process that helps you find job openings and to land your next position. Here’s what you can do to perform a job search more effectively.

Two Steps To Prepare for Your Job Search

There are two steps you should take before you start searching for a job. No matter where you’re starting from, these two steps are necessary.

Step 1: Go over the basics

First, you need to establish the basics. Use ResumeNerd to build a great resume, starting with a general resume that you can then customize for each job you apply to. Make a list of all your past jobs, including volunteer work, academic work, and internship work, from the last 10 years. You should also decide what your top skills are, so you can feature them throughout your job hunt.

Step 2: Define the job you’re looking for

Next, you need to know what you’re looking for in a job. Determine the job title you want and figure out whether you’re looking for an entry-level job or a higher-level job. Decide if you want a full-time job or a part-time job. Know whether you need to tailor your job for extenuating factors, like having children, dealing with disabilities, or not having certain certifications. Know where you want to work geographically because a job in New York is going to be much different than a job in Las Vegas or San Antonio. You need to know these points before you start applying to job postings.

Options for Job Searching

Now that you have your general resume and you know exactly what job you want, it’s time to turn to places where companies post jobs.

Your first option is to review social media posts as some companies post jobs on social media sites, like LinkedIn. These can be completely genuine job postings, although you will want to be a bit more careful and wary of job scams.

You can also typically find advertisements for job fairs and other career events in your area. Although this typically requires you to actually visit a physical job fair, it can be a great way for you to survey the labor market in your area. This is especially true if you live in a place with thousands of applicants and thousands of job opportunities in different fields, like Houston or Los Angeles. This can help you meet human resources staff who are actively looking for new workers.

Finally, job websites are always going to be one of the most effective ways to search jobs in your area. When you use job sites, you can find work for everything from the small business on the corner to gigantic multi-billion-dollar corporations. Also, many companies have mobile apps so that you can apply on the go. Job seekers who are looking to apply to a wide variety of jobs might want to start with job sites.

Narrowing Down Your Search and Finding a Great Job in Your Field

Sometimes the problem isn't that you have a hard time finding jobs to apply to. Instead you have too many potential jobs to apply to and you can’t find the right ones that you’re qualified for.

First, take stock of what you’re actually qualified for. How many years of experience do you have? What previous jobs have you had? What college education do you have? These are all areas to consider before you start looking, so you know which jobs you’re qualified for and how to conduct your search.

Then, start your job search using these criteria. If you have an associate degree, look for only jobs that require an associate degree in your field. This can help narrow the criteria and turn up more jobs that you’re more likely to get. If you feel overwhelmed by the variety of options, this can help you start in a smaller capacity.

FAQ: Job Search

Can I use social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn to find a job?

Definitely. Social media sites are a great place to get started. Just remember that if a company asks you to send them money before you start, it’s very likely a scam. Being on the lookout for job scams is a big part of searching for a job online, especially if you’re planning to use social media sites.

What are some tips to prepare for a job search?

Before you start your job search, you might want to consider gaining key certifications by attending some training programs. This can help you add more qualifications on your resume and help you develop your skills overall. Look into qualifications that can actively assist in your job field, such as a cybersecurity certification if you want to be a software engineer.

What are the biggest mistakes that people make while searching for a job?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make while job searching is trying to write your own resume from scratch. For extra help, use Resume Nerd’s free resume templates, which can help you make a beautiful, effective resume more easily.

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About The Author

Cindi Cervone Carlson

Cindi Cervone Carlson is a Senior Vice President for Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Cindi is responsible for developing, delivering, and implementing a dynamic, world-class organization dedicated to delivering outplacement consulting, training, support, and executive coaching. Cindi started her career at Challenger as a client who had lost her job. Over the past nine years, she has risen from an entry-level, part-time professional to Senior Vice President.