5 Job Search Strategy Tips
Are you one of the many people looking for work during the long, hot days of summer? Maybe you are a school student looking for temporary work, a professional looking to switch career fields, or someone just embarking on your career path. Whatever your situation, here are 5 job search strategies to help you land the right job this summer.
1) Know Your Goals. If you are eager to find work, it can be tempting to apply for every job that’s available. However, this can lead to frustration because you may waste valuable time pursuing positions that aren’t the right fit for you. Instead, consider what is most important to you. This may include salary, title, location, the company, hours or the work itself. And review your strengths and weaknesses and how they relate to each job you consider. Once you know your goals, apply for the jobs that are most likely to be well suited for you.
2) Create or Update Your Resume. In addition to listing your work experience and credentials, your resume should highlight your skills that will translate to the job you are applying for. This may mean customizing your resume for each job. Use the posted job description and O*net (onetonline.org) to identify keywords, traits and experience to include on your resume that are relevant to the job. This process will also help you evaluate if the job meets your goals.
3) Network and Search. Use every tool and tactic you can to search for open positions that meet your goals. Tell your professional and personal contacts that you are looking for a new job via LinkedIn or by speaking with them directly. Provide them with your key qualifications and the type of position you are looking for. Check new online job postings frequently on websites like Indeed.com and Monster.com. And utilize jfs.ohio.gov for job search as well as resume assistance, career planning, or finding training.
4) Research. When you find a position that you’d like to apply for, research the company and thoroughly consider the job description. Check out their website, social media pages, and employee review websites like Glassdoor.com. You want to find a company that aligns with your goals.
5) Prepare and Practice. Prepare interview notes using the STAR method. Take your relevant work experiences and lay them out by Situation (describe the context), Task (detail your responsibilities), Action (explain how you responded or took charge), and Result (conclude with the impact or lesson learned). You do not need to wait until you have an interview scheduled, be proactive and have some answers ready that can later be tailored to the specific job.
If you’re interested in a career that requires additional training, Professional Skills Institute can help! PSI offers hands-on career training to help prepare you for employment in a variety of careers such as Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding Specialist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nurse, and Class A CDL Driving. Professional Skills Institute’s Career Services provides job placement assistance and helps graduates with professional development, creating resumes, and job interviewing skills. Schedule a virtual campus tour today to discover all that PSI has to offer!
