9 Job Search Tips for Beginners or Seasoned Experts

There are far fewer jobs available than there are people looking for a job (new or to replace an existing job). Whether you’re new to the job market or have had jobs but found yourself looking for a new job (for whatever reason), it can be pretty daunting with all the sites out there. Here are 9 tips I’ve learned over time (many the hard way) that you may find helpful in your job search.

1: Don’t pay for recruiting services – this is (obviously) a personal opinion. I have paid for recruitment services in the past and honestly I have not come across one that has gotten me a job faster because I am paying for their services. For me, it was wasted money when money was already tight to begin with. Sure, the funds you pay for job search sites are tax deductible, but if you don’t have a job, it’s wiser to use that money to pay for food or bills now, or wait to see a credit at the start of the next year? next year? There is tones of free services available to choose from, so many that it would make your head spin if you tried to list them all. Sure, if you really don’t know how to write a resume or cover letter, then you can hire someone to do it for you; although, I recommend learning how to write your resume and cover letter yourself.

2: Perform a search to see where the jobs you’re looking for are listed – this is especially true in specialized industries. Some industries have their own job listing sites, like miners, and other industries tend to use certain sites more than others. Limiting the sites you want to use can help you focus on where your attention should be.

3: Enter the most used sites first – Most sites allow you to set up a profile with your resume, contact information, and types of positions you are seeking. Set up these profiles as soon as possible so recruiters can search for you as quickly as possible. Some I recommend include: LinkedIn, Career Builder, Monster Jobs, Beyond.com, Ladders, and Opprtunity (that’s spelled correctly). Obviously there are many more, but these are the ones I use the most when looking for a new career.

4: Don’t forget about temp agencies – Some temp agencies also have direct hire positions, so signing up with them can be helpful in finding a new career. If you connect with a great recruiter, you’ll really be looking for positions that are a good fit for your education and experience. Some temp agencies may ask you to come to their offices for an informal interview where you can take a test on your computer (depending on the industry you’re thinking of entering) and where you’ll likely speak with a recruiter to discuss exactly what you’re looking for. you are looking for and how you are qualified for those types of positions.

5: Specific work profiles – if you’ve found a company (or companies) you’d like to target for a position, go to their site and see if you can create a profile that includes uploading your resume. Many companies offer this for potential candidates.

6: Track what you’ve ordered – I have a spreadsheet that I use when looking for a new job that lists:

• Date I applied
• Company Name
• Position Title
• Area where the job is located
• Salary range indicated (if applicable)
• Where I found the job ad and how I applied (ie found it on LinkedIn, applied on company website)
• What resume did I submit (I have multiple resumes for different types of positions)
• Any notes (i.e. requested a LinkedIn connection with Jane Doe, recruiter; or emailed John Doe in HR about the position)

These notes help me keep track of where I applied, when I applied, and what happened. I have a separate tab in my spreadsheet for positions. I’ve received a “Thanks, but no thanks” email or one that I respectfully declined for whatever reason. Again, I’m adding notes on what happened for my future reference if needed.

7: Track all login information – in the same spreadsheet I keep track of where and what I have requested, I also keep track of all usernames and passwords. With the hundreds of sites and varying username and password requirements, you can (and usually are) completely impossible to track all of these without tracking them somewhere. I have 158 companies that I have usernames and passwords for… that’s right, 158! You couldn’t track all of these if you wanted to!

**KEEP IN MIND: Do NO use the same usernames or passwords, especially passwords, that you use for other personal accounts (ie bank accounts, emails, vehicle accounts, etc.). This can leave you extremely vulnerable to a hacker stealing your information.

8: Use apps when available – many of the job search sites now have apps for Droid and/or Apple products. Check your device’s app store to see if one is available and download it (only if it’s free!). These apps usually give you the ability to save, email, and sometimes apply for positions right from the app. This is especially helpful when you’re waiting for doctors or can’t get in front of a computer. Just remember to log into the site on your computer and request the jobs you’ve saved before they expire!

9: Don’t waste time with overly complicated applications for a job you’re not sure you want anyway – This is something I learned the hard way. I come across job ads for positions that aren’t quite what I’m looking for and click on them thinking, this might be a way to get my foot in the door, only to find an application site that won’t care about my resume and asks me to Write essays to your questions (examples include: Why do you want to work at XYZ Company? Or, what do you think qualifies you for this position?). I guess the recruiters are thinking that if someone actually takes the time to fill out their application then it’s worth checking out. As an applicant, I think it’s ridiculous. There are exceptions, of course. Such as senior-level positions, positions that you In fact want and are In fact qualified for, or when it is a company for which you In fact wants to work for

However you go about your job search, be sure to put your precious time to good use. yes i said valuable time. Just because you’re not working or looking for a new job doesn’t mean your time isn’t valuable.