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Did you know that 25% of Gen Z students start their job search as soon as they become sophomores? While half of them start in their junior or senior year. Only one in ten waits until after graduation! That’s how crazy the job market is and that’s why we can’t enter it without a plan! Build a professional identity by implementing effective job search strategies that stand out and get noticed by recruiters!
Times have changed, yet the job-hunting process remains painful. The pandemic, along with the Great Lockdown, has been very stressful. While the world was still recovering from it, we encountered Tech layoffs followed by a recession. In 2022, 965 tech companies laid off more than 150,000 employees globally!
Apart from global challenges, the anxiety of the job-hunting process on its own can be exhausting. This can be stressful because sometimes applicants end up taking jobs that they are not passionate about. Hence, when candidates face rejections due to their half-hearted job applications, they get demotivated.
So, what can you do to ensure a smooth job search process, maintain your performance and protect yourself from the recent layoffs?
You prepare relevant job search strategies before you enter the job search process!
But what do effective job search strategies look like?
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How to plan your Job Search Strategy?
Here is a compilation of 5 job search strategies that can maximize your chances to land a job;
1. Looking at the right opportunities
Applying to a lot of jobs at the same time decreases your chances of getting hired. It is important to learn to be selective in the job-searching process. You need to study for the job and change your CV accordingly. You might need a cover letter for it as well. Being selective allows you to research the company and give your best in the application/interview process. Then you can decide whether you actually want to work in the company you are applying for.
2. Build a strong online presence
For starters, regularly update your LinkedIn profile. Optimize it by inserting specific keywords throughout the document that the hiring manager would look at. By modifying your CV to the kind of jobs you are interested in, you increase your chances. We recommend that you create an online portfolio so that your past work can be documented and displayed digitally. A portfolio, along with a CV and a cover letter can increase your chances of getting a job because it highlights your past projects and achievements. 80% of companies prefer asking for a portfolio or samples of work when considering an applicant.
3. Learn new skills
Learning never stops. You should always work towards learning new skills. However, you should also try to learn skills outside of your domain. By doing this, you increase your chances of booking and acing that interview along with the added boost in confidence. While learning new skills, we make new connections and surround ourselves with other professionals in the industry. This brings us closer to new opportunities. For example, if you are a Digital Marketer building an effective marketing strategy, maybe try learning SEO techniques to drive more traffic.
4. Apply different job search strategies for the same job
Stop limiting yourself by applying via one platform. If you come across a relevant job, then a great way to establish communication is to directly contact the companies. Try looking up the company’s website or LinkedIn profile, because they usually mention the details of the people hiring. Find the hiring manager’s email address and send a more personalized email attaching your resume and cover letter.
Did you know that Qureos has its own dashboard where you can use your job search strategy to apply for all relevant jobs?
5. Breakdown the Job Search Process
There is no lie that the thought of starting a job search process is scary, but not if you break it into smaller tasks and assign a deadline to each task. These tasks can be CV tailoring, shortlisting companies to apply, listing down all relevant job portals, and updating professional sites such as LinkedIn. These all seem hectic, but when you get them done, treat yourself with some chocolate or a nice walk in the park, away from all worries!
You can also build your portfolio by completing portfolio projects and stand out to recruiters with relevant experience as you showcase the right skills and tools. Here are a few projects for you to check out;
Marketing Project: Build a Brand Awareness Campaign
Customer Experience Project: Elevating Customer Experiences
Management Project: Excellence Through Agile Project Management
