Buzz
Whether you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current role or are entering the workforce for the first time after graduation, breaking into the job market can be tough. It doesn't matter your age or experience—finding a job can be competitive. Start by building your network and searching for opportunities online, refining your resume and cover letter to fit the job criteria, and submitting applications that stand out. Though the process may appear overwhelming, a clear plan and determination will guide you until you secure your ideal position.
Steps
Job Application Process
Carefully review the job posting. The first step in your job search is understanding the role you are applying for. Take time to read the job description carefully. Pay attention to the required qualifications and responsibilities.
- Do not apply for positions where you lack essential qualifications. For instance, if the job asks for Spanish fluency and you do not speak Spanish, it’s best to skip the application.
Emphasize key terms. Pay attention to the specific terms highlighted in the job description. For example, in a marketing role, you may encounter terms like “digital marketing,” “SEO,” and “Google Analytics.” Be sure to incorporate these keywords in both your resume and cover letter.
Review your documents. Many job portals and company websites will require you to upload your application materials. Before hitting 'submit,' take a moment to carefully proofread your resume and cover letter. Also, double-check the fields requesting your personal information to ensure everything is accurate.
Master the interview. If your hard work leads to an interview, make sure you’re fully prepared. Have specific examples ready to showcase your achievements and explain how you can contribute to the company’s success. For instance, you could say, “I understand you need a fresh perspective on boosting sales. I’d be excited to share my ideas for a direct marketing campaign.”
- Dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Maintain eye contact and communicate confidently.
- Arrive promptly.
- Reader Poll: We asked 189 Mytour readers which job interview question they consider the most important to prepare for. 59% said tell me about yourself. [Take Poll]
Send a follow-up. After your interview, it's good form to send a short thank you note. This is usually done via email. You might say something like, “Thank you for meeting with me today. I enjoyed learning more about your company and am eager about the opportunity to join your team.”
- You can also follow up after submitting your application. A simple note like, “I just wanted to confirm that you received my application materials. I’d be happy to provide additional details on my qualifications if needed.” could be effective.
Customizing Your Application
Tailor your resume to the job posting. Your resume is not just a list of your qualifications—it's an opportunity to demonstrate that your skills are what the employer needs. Customize your resume for each job you apply to by identifying keywords and themes in the job description and ensuring your resume emphasizes those aspects.
- For instance, if a job asks for “excellent communication skills,” provide concrete examples of how you’ve used these skills in the past.
- You don’t need to completely overhaul your resume each time. Just make sure it showcases the skills most relevant to the job at hand.
Craft a personal profile. Begin your resume with a brief personal profile that introduces you to the employer. This section should summarize your key strengths and qualifications for the role in a professional manner.
- In a few sentences, highlight your top skills and abilities.
- Avoid vague terms like “organized”; instead, opt for more specific descriptors like “strategic thinker,” “problem solver,” or “project manager.”
Write a cover letter. While some jobs only require a resume, others may ask for a cover letter as well. Keep a template ready to adjust for each application. A well-crafted cover letter should provide insight into your experience and qualifications, along with specific examples that demonstrate why you’re the perfect candidate.
- If the job calls for someone with teamwork skills, mention a specific instance where you coordinated a team project, such as an internship experience.
- Keep your cover letter concise—ideally one page.
Proofread thoroughly. After reviewing your resume and cover letter, go over them again with fresh eyes. Look for any spelling or grammar mistakes. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to proofread for you—they can often spot errors you might have missed.
Enhance your online profile. Today’s job search often takes place online, so it’s crucial to maintain a professional digital presence. Ensure that your social media profiles are polished and present you in a positive light. You never know when a potential employer might be browsing your profiles.
- For example, create a strong LinkedIn profile with a clear and concise headline, like “Marketing Specialist.”
- Fill out the profile with your qualifications and experience.
- Remember to regularly update your profile.
- Don’t forget to include your contact information and a link to your resume.
Discover Job Openings
Look online. A significant number of companies and organizations post their job openings on employment websites and their own company pages. If you have a specific company in mind, begin by visiting their website and look for sections labeled “Careers” or “Job Openings.” There you will find their available positions.
- You can also expand your search using popular job search engines. Simply enter relevant keywords and location on sites like Indeed, TheLadders, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
- For example, if you're looking for a position as a medical equipment salesperson in Chicago, you might search for “sales,” “medical,” and specify “Chicago, Illinois” as your location.
- Craigslist is another option for job seekers, particularly for immediate opportunities. However, always verify the employer's legitimacy by visiting their website before submitting your resume and personal information.
Leverage social media. Social media platforms aren’t just for staying connected with friends—they can also be powerful tools for your job search. If you plan to use social media professionally, consider setting your personal profile to “private” and create a separate professional account for potential employers. Here are some platforms to consider:
- LinkedIn: Use this platform to build a professional profile, including a biography and your most recent resume. This allows potential employers to get a comprehensive view of your qualifications.
- Twitter: More and more job seekers are turning to Twitter. Follow companies of interest to see job announcements. You can also search hashtags like #jobs or #jobhunt to find relevant postings.
Explore your state's job bank. Many states offer their own online job boards, which provide access to local job opportunities. Visit your state's job bank to browse available listings.
- Similar to other job search platforms, state job banks allow you to filter searches by keyword and location.
Begin networking. Networking allows you to strengthen existing professional relationships and meet new contacts who can help with your job search. Reach out to people who may be able to assist you. You can approach them with a message like, “I’m just starting out in marketing, and I wanted to ask if you knew of any job openings that would be a good fit for me.” A referral can be a great way to get your resume noticed. Consider connecting with:
- Former professors
- Past employers
- Employees at companies you're interested in
- Anyone in a similar field to your desired career
Let people know you're job hunting. Friends and family can be valuable allies in your job search. They may be aware of job openings you haven't come across yet, or they might have connections that could help you land a role. Make sure everyone in your network knows you're looking for a new position.
- For example, you can say, "I'm searching for a job in publishing. If you hear of any opportunities, please let me know."
- Consider whether working with a headhunter could assist in finding the right position for you.
Participate in a job fair. Job fairs are excellent opportunities to meet potential employers and explore new career options. They are often hosted by cities, universities, and private organizations.
- Look for details about upcoming job fairs on your city’s or university’s website.
- At these events, you can collect brochures and company information, and you may even have the chance to speak with recruiters directly.
Stay organized. A well-thought-out plan is one of the best tools in your job search. Take the time to create a strategy for how you will approach your job hunt, and ensure you avoid applying for the same role multiple times. A calendar can help you track daily or weekly tasks related to your search. For example, your calendar can include:
- Checking job listings online
- Engaging with your network
- Refining your resume and cover letter
- Applying to a set number of jobs each week
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Be receptive to feedback.
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Keep your resume up-to-date.
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Apply for multiple positions.
