5 Tips for Finding a New Job

5 Tips for Finding a New Job Are you ready for a career change? Is your current position not challenging enough for you? Or, maybe you’re just entering the workforce for the first time. Whatever the reason may be, you may find that it’s time to polish your resume and perfect your cover letter because the job search is on. Finding a New Job Looking for a new job takes patience, but being well-prepared can make the process go faster and smoother. Ask yourself why you’re looking for a new position and make a list of 3-5 “must-haves” for your next job. It might not necessarily be a higher salary, but a better work environment, more vacation days, or a position with more responsibility. It’s good to know ahead of time what you’re look for before casting your net. Here are five tips to keep in mind when searching for a new job. 1) Network. Even if you aren’t on the active lookout, networking is important. It helps you connect with people in your industry and continue learning about new developments in your field. Plus, when you expand your professional network, you also open yourself up to the potential of different types of positions, some you may not have even considered before. To help boost your network, search your city for your alumni chapter and other business networking groups. Prior to attending an event, update your LinkedIn profile and also carry plenty of business cards with you. 2) Keep track of your job search expenses. Did you know that there are tax deductions you can claim that are part of your job hunt? Be aware that this will not apply to every type of job seeker, but you can check with an organization like Community Tax to learn if you are eligible to receive any of these types of benefits. Certain write-offs like transportation and production costs for your resume or advertising your services may be counted. Create a spreadsheet that lists all of your expenses and don’t forget to hang on to all your receipts. This may help on your taxes come April. 3) Do your research. Instead of only searching for jobs that are available, do some online digging about companies that you’d like to work for and investigate what kinds of positions they have open. Many companies may still accept a resume for a position not listed, so be ready to pitch yourself and your skills for why you’d be a valuable addition. This is a good tactic, especially if you’re not on a time limit in searching for a new job. Take a little more time and be choosy, if you can afford to do so. 4) Be active on social media. Make sure your social standing is a good representation for any potential employer. If your feeds are full of status updates not necessarily meant for professional eyes, make sure your profiles are set to private. However, it is to your benefit to stand out as an active member in your industry. Post helpful work-related articles and tips to your timeline, where appropriate, to show that you are engaged within the online community. Follow companies and brands that you admire and keep your eyes open for potential opportunities. 5) Be yourself. It sounds simple, but it can be all too easy to pump yourself up to fit into a position. Instead, take time to update your resume, know your skillset and what it is that makes you unique.   Be confident in what you have to offer. If you have minimal experience, think of what else might make you a good job candidate. Do you have a strong work ethic? What other types of challenges have you overcome? Don’t oversell yourself, but also don’t sell yourself short either. Job searching can feel like work itself, especially if you are still working a full-time job during the day. Track your progress with your job search. Keep tally of how many resumes you’re sending out and how many interviews you have secured. Don’t forget to follow-up with a thank you after every interview and take notes of what you can do to improve on your next one. It doesn’t hurt to check in with yourself every so often and decide if you are where you want to be career-wise. Even if you seek a promotion within your own company, it’s always a good idea to explore your options. Good luck! Share with us any tips you’ve found most helpful when looking for a new job.