9 Job Hunting Tips to Land a Dream Role

Job hunting can be a daunting task, especially in such a competitive market. It’s tough to know where to start, how to present yourself, and what steps to take to land your dream role. Many job hunters have a hard time with the rejection that comes from submitting hundreds of applications. So to help you curate a more intentional search, here are some job hunting tips to keep in mind.

9 Job Hunting Tips You’ll Definitely Want to Follow

1. Consider what is important to you

Before you open that web browser and log into a recruiting site, first take a moment to reflect on the kind of job you want and the organizational values you align with. Often, we approach job hunting full of desperation (and let’s be real, sometimes we are desperate). But remember, companies would be lucky to have you. Here are a few factors to consider before clicking that “submit” button:

• Your personality: Does this role match who you are and what you’re interested in?
• Your circumstances: Are you taking care of a parent? Do you have children? Does this company support work-life balance?
• Your goals: Is this role your dream job or a stepping-stone towards your dream job?
• Your values: Does the culture and mission of this company reflect what you care about and believe in?

Ultimately, you want to ensure this new job is mutually beneficial for both you and the organization—aside from just a paycheck. Doing this will narrow down your search to the types of roles and companies that you should be applying to. 

Not only will these questions help you find that dream job; but they’ll also shed light on where you need to grow as an applicant. If you’re not quite ready for a position, consider it a jumping off point to look for other roles that will help you gain some more experience before you land “the job.”

2. Network, Network, Network

Networking is another important key to finding job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and form connections on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to ask for referrals or introductions to those who could help facilitate a potential lead. Sometimes, it is not what you know, but who you know that can edge you closer to new opportunities that might not even be online yet. Countless professionals are currently in their roles due to the networking relationships they’ve built. Put yourself out there!

3. Create an online presence

Speaking of putting yourself out there, one of the simplest ways to do this is creating an online presence. In the digital ecosystem of this modern business landscape, having an online presence is crucial. Create a LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills and experience. Connect with others in your chosen industry and join groups related to your field. This will not only help strengthen your network, but it will also make it easier for employers to find you.

4. Research potential employers

As mentioned before, it’s important to know who you are and what you want out of a career to determine whether the company is an ideal fit for you.  Before applying for a job, research the organization and the position. Look at the website, read reviews on Glassdoor, and check out their social media accounts. This will give you a better understanding of the company culture, values, and team dynamics. If you are a part of any professional Facebook groups, you can also ask anonymously if others have worked for this organization and if they would be open to sharing firsthand accounts of their personal experience with the culture. 

5. Create multiple resumés

It isn’t enough to have just one version of your work history because many skills could be transferable to different positions. For example, one resumé might focus on your retail experience or customer service background, while another resumé might focus on your expertise with inventory. A resumé is your first impression to potential employers, so you want to make sure it delivers the right message. So always consider which edits you might need to make to your resumé before submitting. Be sure it’s up-to-date, easy to read, and highlights your skills and experience. If you’re unsure about how to make your resumé stand out, many online resources can assist you in this area.

6. Customize your cover letter

Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and explain why you’re the right fit for a job. Customize your cover letter for each job application in order to illustrate how your specific skills and experience match the job requirements.

7. Use job search engines

There are many job search engines available, all of which can be excellent resources to find job opportunities. Use websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to search for jobs that match your skills and experience.

8. Be prepared for interviews

Before an interview, research the company and the position, then prepare your answers to common interview questions. Dress professionally and comfortably, bring copies of your resumé, and arrive early. During the interview, be confident, ask questions, and show enthusiasm for the role. You should enter the interview knowing what type of workload you can handle, the salary range you want, and the benefits and perks you expect. Remember, you are interviewing them, just as much as they are interviewing you.

9. Follow up

After each interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This will not only show your appreciation for their time, but it will also keep you at the forefront of their mind. If you don’t hear back from the employer within a couple weeks, don’t be afraid to follow-up again with a courteous email or phone call.

Use these Job Hunting Tips to Find Your Dream Role

If you follow all of these job hunting tips and receive rejection letters, I would urge you to consider freelancing. This will not only help you gain more experience, but it’s also an accessible way to cultivate skills that could be missing from your resumé. Not to mention, you’ll make valuable connections within your chosen industry as well.

Ultimately, job hunting doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach, you can locate the job of your dreams. Update your resumé, create an online presence, research potential employers, customize a cover letter, increase your professional network, use job search engines, be prepared for interviews, follow-up—and most importantly, don’t give up!