The Job Search is on

Affiliate links are in this post, more information in disclaimer

Job hunting is not easy at the best of times, especially during global pandemics or economic downturns. With these tough times, job hunting can be even more stressful and demoralising. If you now throw in all of life’s other challenges such as parenting, sports activities and it’s a wonder you have time for job hunting at all!  However, staying proactive and focused can significantly enhance your chances of success. In these trying periods, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that set you apart from the competition and help you effectively navigate the job market. I have detailed 6 of the best job hunting tips that you can do to hopefully make your job search a little easier. By following these job hunting tips, you can maintain momentum, build resilience, and increase your opportunities for landing a new job.

1. Update LinkedIn & your Resume

Love it or hate it, LinkedIn is the go-to place for recruiters and would-be employers. Make sure you update your profile to include the most current information on you and your career. Paying particular attention to detailing the scale of your role (e.g. led a team of 30 or P&L responsibility for $20m), skills and accomplishments as well as asking for recommendations from your network.

LinkedIn Job Hunting Tips

Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, a compelling summary, and detailed job descriptions. You should also look to engage with industry-related content and connect with professionals in your field.  Also, try to publish an original post, something that is relevant to your area of expertise or even better something to help you get that new job.  This will show potential employers that you have more to offer than other candidates. They will also get a clearer idea about you and how you could be the solution to why they are recruiting in the first place.

Turning on the Career Interests will let recruiters know you’re open to new job opportunities. You should then add in your preferred location, job titles and industries which help recruiters narrow down potential job options that they will present to you.  This Career Interest feature is only open to recruiters and will not be visible to your current employer.

LinkedIn & your Resume working together

Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile is a crucial step in any job search, especially during difficult times. These tools serve as your digital first impression, showcasing your skills, experiences, and professional accomplishments to potential employers. A well-crafted tailored resume and a polished LinkedIn profile together can significantly enhance your visibility and attractiveness in the job market. By ensuring that both are current and tailored to highlight your achievements, you can effectively communicate your value and increase your chances of landing the job you desire.

Tailor Your Job Applications:

• Customize your cover letter and resume for each job application, demonstrating key achievements and specifics in terms of scale of previous roles e.g. increased revenue by 30%. Also, highlight specific experiences and skills that match the job description.
• Research the company and incorporate your findings into your application to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit for the role.

2. Looking after well-being

Job hunting and the job search can be particularly stressful especially if you don’t have a role to go to or are unhappy in your current company. You need to pay particular attention to how you are feeling and your wellbeing.  What I find helps is to get those closest to you to make you more aware of your actions, especially if they are hurting others around you.  If job hunting is getting you down trying scheduling some time out (put that in your calendar) to go for some exercise, go to the gym, take in a yoga class, or take a leisurely walk around your local park.  You can’t just rely on others, so you to need to be self-aware.  Here I am talking about Self-reflection, which is all about in making time in your busy lives for yourself to focus (without distractions) on your behaviours, life goals and general state of mind, a chance to catch up with yourself.

3. Networking a.k.a “The Hustle”

Get out there and arrange face-to-face catch-ups/coffees/lunch with your network, friends and past colleagues. I would also speak to vendors you have been a customer of and those recruitment agents you trust. If you are no longer employed then treat job hunting like a full-time job. It is hard work and results are not always immediate, but keep going, your face time with others will pay off.

Utilise your calendar to schedule meetings as part of your search as well as when to follow up on conversations and emails.  Make sure you can access your calendar and email on your mobile device. That way you never miss a meeting opportunity or email when you are on the go.

Also try to attend as many online seminars, conferences or workshops as these are great places to network..  These events are also an opportunity to pick up current and future trends, as well as how customers have deployed or used particular solutions, all helping you remain relevant.

4. Enhance your skills

There are any number of ways to achieve this, volunteering can be a great way of expanding your skills and network. It can help fill in gaps in your resume and give you a sense of giving back and helping others is just a good thing to do.  If you don’t have a job to go to, volunteering is also a great way to keep busy and will help put life into perspective, it might even help your sense of wellbeing. 

Take advantage of online courses and certifications to enhance your skill set. Platforms like Coursera, Stanford online Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer valuable courses in various fields.  Also stay updated with industry trends, such as AI, automation, Cybersecurity, Data and advancements.  By continuously enhancing your skills, you can increase your employability and potentially open up new career opportunities.

5. Social Media

You may just have to get a bit more creative in your job hunting so you can stand out from the crowd. Being active on social media will certainly help raise your profile to potential employees.  By posting relevant content on platforms such as your own blog, medium, X or LinkedIn with well-constructed comments you will also demonstrate your expertise and knowledge.  In today’s digital age, social media has become an invaluable tool for job hunting not just for social interactions. They can be powerful assets in your professional arsenal when job hunting. Utilizing social media effectively allows you to network with industry professionals, showcase your expertise, and stay informed about job opportunities and industry trends. By leveraging these platforms, you can enhance your job hunting strategy, connect with potential employers, and create a strong online presence that reflects your professional and personal brand.

6. Stay Organised and be Prepared

With lots going on it is critical to stay organised by keeping track of the jobs you apply for, including details like application dates, contact information, and follow-up actions. I have used the trusty spreadsheet, but there are job hunting apps available such as Tealhq.  Without being too desperate it is always worth following up on applications with a phone call after a reasonable period. Persistence shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on the radar of potential employers.

Job Alerts

Be it LinkedIn, Monster, JobServe or Seek there are a myriad of job boards to choose from. Make sure you set up automated email alerts for jobs that interest you, so you don’t miss out.  Job boards are ok, but I would not use them as your main source of job hunting, you will be competing with 10s or even 100s of others when you apply. That’s why the hustle along with LinkedIn and social media are my three favoured job hunting tips.

Tech Setup

If you have a virtual interview, familiarize yourself with common video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, or Skype. Ensure your technology works smoothly on your home computer. You will need a good camera, my go-to is a Logitech (click link to purchase) and speakers (click link to purchase). You will also need a big enough monitor (click link to purchase) I went for a 32″ curved screen. This is so you can have multiple tabs/browsers open.  Personally, I don’t like using headphones for interviews, but that is a personal choice. 

Professional Background

Also, ensure your environment is professional. I tend to have a blurred background then it does not really matter what you have behind you.  I would also recommend putting a note on the door of your room where you are set up for the interview so your family know not to disturb you (well you can try at least).

Job Interview Tips & Preparation

In-person job interviews (and virtual ones) are a crucial step in securing your desired position. They provide you an opportunity to showcase your skills, personality, and fit for the role. Being well-prepared is essential to making a strong impression and increasing your chances of success. Among other things, you should arrive in plenty of time, have questions prepared and have thoroughly researched the company. A more detailed list of job interview preparation activities can be found in another of my blog posts; Job interview preparation – can’t get a new job without it.

Stay Positive and keep Hustling

Job hunting during difficult times requires a strategic and proactive approach. By updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, actively networking, enhancing your skills through online courses, tailoring your applications, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and staying organized and persistent, you can navigate the challenging job market more effectively. These activities not only boost your visibility to potential employers but also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and adaptability. With determination, a positive mindset and the right strategies, you can increase your chances of securing a desirable position. Even in tough economic times, you must look after your well-being.

So how have you managed to make job hunting easier on you and your loved ones, Are there any other job hunting tips you can offer?

Leave a comment below to help others.

"This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links. Please note that I only recommend products that I believe will add value to my followers. Your support helps keep this content free. Thank you for your understanding and support!"