20 Quick Tips for Finding a New Job

At the end of a tumultuous year, many people are heading into the new year with job hunting in mind, and particularly remote jobs. This may be because you were one of the many economic casualties of 2020, are looking for better opportunities in a different sector, or simply want to progress your career.

There’s no doubt that finding a job in the current market is a challenge, but read on for some great advice to let you put yourself ahead of your competitors. These tips are particularly geared towards those looking for remote work, but are good advice for all job hunters!

1. Know what you want

   Before you start scrolling through job ads, make sure you’re clear on your career goals. Take the time to reflect on what you want from your next moves, such as a certain salary, level of responsibility, and the opportunity to develop your skills. Be sure to consider how this fits into your overall career goals and how this step puts you on track for your dream job.

2. Research the job market

   Check out the ads for job vacancies in the industry you’re interested in working in to get an idea of the roles available, as well as their requisites and benefits. Also reach out to any contacts you may have in these organizations and ask them about the company culture, management, and prospects for advancement.

3. Write a custom cover letter

   Many people recycle the same Pro-forma cover letter when they apply for a job, which is a mistake. You should write a unique cover letter to address the specific role you’re applying for. This is the only way to demonstrate that you are the best fit for the job.

4. Tailor your CV to each job

   Another common mistake is to send the same cookie-cutter CV for every job application. Just like your cover letter, you should tailor your CV to each role. You must directly address the job description and requirements in your resume and modify it according to what the employer is looking for.

5. Update your online job profile

   Make sure that you keep your profile on sites like Dynamite Jobs up to date. It is important that your profile has your latest contact information in case prospective employers want to reach you. It is also essential that you update it to include additional work experience or completed training through providers like Skills TG, so that your profile does its best to sell you as a candidate.

6. Highlight your accomplishments

   When you are applying for a job, don’t be discouraged if you don’t have a ton of experience. Instead, by sure to highlight relevant training and accomplishments that may be relevant even if not directly related to the industry.

7. Use multiple avenues to find jobs

   Online job search platforms are a great place to find jobs, but be sure to cover as many possible avenues as possible to identify all opportunities. Keep an eye on your dream employers’ websites and social media channels, as well as working your network to ask about upcoming vacancies.

8. Use your Network

   Networking is one of the most important parts of developing your career. Not only can your contacts (and their contacts) give you information about upcoming vacancies, but you may be able to draw on your network for recommendations or insights that will strengthen your application.

9. Create an online presence

   Many employers nowadays check out prospective employees’ social media profiles. This is particularly true of LinkedIn, so make sure you have a strong LinkedIn profile that highlights your strengths.

10. Have a professional photo

    It is important that you have a professional photo on your LinkedIn profile. This will impress recruiters and you will have a higher chance of getting the job.

11. Prepare well for every interview

    When it comes to acing your interviews, preparation is everything. Research the common questions that are likely to be asked, prep your answers, and practice them at home before the interview. Ask a friend or family member to practice with you, or if all else fails, do it by yourself in front of the mirror.

12. Dress well for the interview

    Interviews are all about first impressions, so it is important to be well-dressed. Even if your interview is remote, you should still look professional and confident, so be sure to dress to impress.

13. Answer in a narrative way

    During the interview, you will be asked to describe your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and more. Think about developing a narrative: give examples that can clearly show what your strengths are instead of just listing them.

14. Write thank-you notes

    Always write thank-you notes to your interviewers after the interview. This will set you apart from the other candidates and the interviewers are more likely to recall your performance during the interview.

15. Follow up

    After the interview, be sure to follow up with a quick call or an email. This will show that you are interested in the job and recruiters will be interested in hiring you too.

16. Have strong references

    You should collect as many references as you can before applying for any job. In a competitive job market, references are even more important. Always ask your referees if they are comfortable with you putting them down as a reference before listing them on your resume.

17. Think of it as a job

    Searching for a new job is a job in itself. This means that you should allocate specific hours every day to look for vacancies, put in applications, follow up, and so on. You must dedicate sufficient time and effort to find the right job.

18. Stay positive

    It is important to stay positive throughout your job hunt. If you are not shortlisted for a job, follow up with the recruiter to ask why you were not selected. Take the feedback on board and move forward.

19. Don’t appear desperate

    Even if you badly need to find a job, avoid displaying desperation. Doing so could mean that you are offered a lower salary and may even cost you the job entirely.

20. Take care of yourself

    Finding a job can be very stressful. Look after your mental health with regular exercise, a healthy, balanced diet, and meditate daily, if possible. This will also help to avoid getting sick – nothing can be more disappointing than falling ill before an interview.

    It is important to realize that it may take a long time to find a job. Don’t give up, stay focused, and you’ll soon be successful!