6 Things You Must Do Before Your Next Job Search
The decision to search for a new job is often a long, careful process. You’ve weighed the pros and cons, considered your options, and are ready to embark on the next step in your professional journey. But are you really ready to start your search?
Before you begin submitting resumes and putting in applications, there are a few important things you should do to make certain that you are putting your best foot forward when entering the job search arena.
Talk to your family or significant other about your wish to search for a new job.
Once you get an offer, it can be a bit of a shock to those around you that you’re moving to a new place in your career. Open communication throughout the process will help you to get insight, advice, and avoid any awkward situations should the perfect job come along before the word is out.
Update and consolidate your resume.
Ensure that your resume or CV contains information that is relevant to the positions you want. Include achievements and accolades, new personal ventures, and other important items that could make you stand out from the rest of the pack.
Check your online presence.
How you look on social media is likely going to come into play when searching for a job. Update LinkedIn profiles and share useful links and information on your Twitter and Facebook accounts. Look for any less than appealing information that is out there online and attempt to get it cleaned up. There are eyes everywhere in our digital age, and you just never know when a potential employer is watching!
Come up with a long-term job search strategy.
Sure, we all hope to get that first “perfect” position that we apply for, but life doesn’t always work that way. Think through what you will do if months go by and still nothing has come in to play. Decide at what point you will reassess your needs and change direction. This will prevent spending too much time feeling like you’re walking in the wrong direction on an escalator.
Know what you must have and what you’re willing to let go.
Sit down and figure out the benefits your perfect job would offer and decide which of those are must-haves and which are just things that would be nice to have. That will help streamline the process when offers are placed on the table. Having your expectations already decided will let you know which offers you can live with and which are simply not right for your needs.
Network, network, network.
Meet people, talk to colleagues, get the word out about who you are and what you do. By making connections that at different facilities and even in other industries, you will amass an army of people who are willing to introduce you to the movers and shakers that you need to get the job that you want.
Once you’re prepared for your job search, jump in with both feet! Best of luck in finding the perfect position!