There are 5 basic steps you need to follow to really get your job search off to a great start.
1. Clean Up Your Social Profile
Before you look up a single potential role in any job search process, you absolutely must clean up all your social assets. This is because it actually takes a while for Google and other search engines to recognise the changes you make. You need to make sure all those old photos of you getting drunk or those opinionated comments you made about current social issues are all removed asap.
2. Define What You Want
Once your social assets are cleaned up, you are ready to start searching for new roles. To develop a targeted job search strategy, make a list of the job titles you want and the companies you want to work for then use this information to develop a succinct elevator pitch for those all important networking event.
3. Update All Your Assets
To hit the ground running with your job search , you need to have all your key assets up to date. This includes your resume, portfolio, LinkedIn profile and personal landing page. You need to make sure your resume includes all the relevant keywords for your industry and make sure the formatting is not going to get rejected by the resume screening software.
4. Reach Out To Your Network
Your job search efficiency and your chances of finding the role you want increase dramatically when you begin to network effectively. Reach out to family and friends and ask for their advice, connect with people and organisations on LinkedIn and attend relevant industry events.
5. Set Aside Job Search Time
Set aside a few hours a week that you will devote to job search. Use this time to update your resume to suit each individual role you are applying for, fill out application forms and send out resumes and prepare for common job interview questions.