Intentional Job Searches
Getting caught up in the numbers game is easy when looking for a new job. You start applying to every job you see, regardless of whether or not it's a good fit. But this is a surefire way to waste your time and energy. Knowing where to start when looking for a new job can be difficult. But one thing is for certain: the more intentional you are with your job search, the better your chances of finding the right job.
How Long Does it Take to Find a Job?
According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder, the average job seeker spends 20.8 weeks searching for a new job. However, the actual amount of time it takes to find a job can vary depending on several factors, including your industry, your experience level, and the location of the job you're seeking.
Focus on the Right Job Titles
Is it Account Manager or Account Executive? Is it Customer Success or Account Management? Research and identify the jobs that best fit your skills and experience. You can narrow your search once you know what job titles you're interested in. Pay attention to the specific skills and experience required for each job.
How to Find the Right Job Titles
Research online or talk to people in your field. There are also several resources available to help you find the right job titles, such as:
O*NET Online: This website provides information on various occupations, including job titles, descriptions, and skills.
Indeed: This job search website allows you to search for jobs by keyword or job title.
LinkedIn: This social media platform lets you connect with people in your field and learn about new job opportunities.
Update Your Resume for Each Job Posting
Once you've found a few jobs that you're interested in, it's time to update your resume. This means tailoring your resume to each job posting. Take the time to read the job posting carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Using keywords in the job posting throughout your resume would be best.
Here are some tips for updating your resume for each job posting:
Read the job posting carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Organically fit them into your resume where it makes the most sense. The competencies, summary, headline, and experience section are all possible places to integrate this language.
Tailor your resume's summary statement to the job you're applying for.
In some instances, updating your work experience to highlight the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the position will be necessary, but if you keep your search focused on a specific role, your changes to the experience section will be minimal.
Example of How to Change Specific Parts of Your Resume
Let's say you're applying for a job as a marketing manager. The job posting specifies that the ideal candidate will have experience with social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing.
To tailor your resume for this job posting, you would want to highlight your experience with these specific areas of marketing.
Effectively Use Your Time
Set aside specific times daily to search for jobs and apply for positions.
It's also important to be realistic about how much time you can spend on your job search. If you can only spend a few hours each day, don't try to apply for dozens of jobs. Instead, focus on applying for a few high-quality jobs that are a good fit for you.
The Goal is Not About the Number of Applications
Your job search goal should not be to apply to as many jobs as possible. Instead, the goal should be to apply to the right jobs intentionally and efficiently.
Here are some additional tips for being intentional with your job search:
Network with people in your field. This is a great way to learn about new job openings and to get your foot in the door.
Attend job fairs. This is another excellent way to meet potential employers and learn about new job opportunities.
Use social media to your advantage. Many employers use social media to post job openings and to connect with potential candidates.
Don't give up. The job search can be challenging, but it's essential to stay positive and to keep trying.
In the wise words of my accountant, “Work smarter. Not harder.”
