Having a well-organized job search strategy can maximize your chances of finding a fulfilling career that aligns with your values, skills, and passions. Many candidates today still believe in the “shotgun” application method, where they apply to several jobs at once without keeping track of any of them or even knowing what position they applied for. While these candidates may receive multiple interview requests, they often end up being rejected because they appear ill-prepared and disorganized when speaking with the recruiter.
Organizing your job search reduces this risk by focusing on what you need to do to get accepted for your dream job. When you are organized, you are more confident in your search because you are selective about the jobs you apply for and know how to prepare for each interview.
This is especially important today, as more companies reach out to candidates all around the world to fill out various positions. As the global economy expands, it is more crucial than ever that you remain organized in how you look for a job, whether you’re searching for work from home jobs in the Philippines or a more traditional office work setup.
But if you’re still unsure of where to begin, here is a short guide on how to create a well-organized job search.
Before You Begin Job Search
Job search is a long and daunting process with multiples of do’s and don’ts. even more so when it’s rooted in a desire for career change. For instance, imagine you’ve recently joined a company and are still in your probationary period. If you find yourself unhappy with the company’s work culture and practices, you might be contemplating a change. It’s a sentiment shared by many. However, a job search demands time and flexibility.
But during Probation period at work, your current employer might restrict your leaves or set constraints that infringe upon your employment rights, thereby complicating your job search strategy. To navigate such situations and ensure your rights are upheld, consider consulting an employment lawyer. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions.
Be Clear On Your Career Objectives
Before you start any job search, you need to be clear on what job you are looking for and your expectations with that position. Clarify if you’re more comfortable with a contractual job or if you want a part-time or full-time one. In today’s modern work environment, you also have to ask yourself whether you’re willing to commute to your place of work or if you’d rather work from home. Getting clear about your career goals and expectations organizes your job search, as you now know which positions to look for.
A great idea would be to create a job prospect list that is divided into “non-negotiables” and “negotiables”. Determine factors you must have in your job, whether that’s based on salary, responsibilities, or both, and decide on other factors that you’re willing to compromise on, such as work setup.
Go to A Trusted Job Site (and Set Alerts)
Once you know what you’re looking for, you need to search for postings in the right places. Find an online job site that offers the positions that you are specifically searching for.For instance, if you’re looking for remote logistics job postings, workfromhomejobs.co
As a rule of thumb, you should also create several job alerts across all career boards. These job alerts usually send daily or weekly emails with new openings that you may be interested in.
Be Strategic
Resist the temptation to apply to multiple jobs just to expand your reach. Sending out a lot of resumes is not a guarantee that you’ll get a job and may even stress you out even further if you don’t meet the qualifications of that specific position. Being selective about the jobs you apply for will help you stay organized and give each application more attention. You have a higher chance of moving forward with your job application if you submit your resume along with a custom cover letter explaining why you are best suited for that position.
Keep Track of All Your Applications
You need to keep track of all your applications so you know when to follow up and which prospects are no longer viable. In general, your spreadsheet or document should include these factors:
- Name of company applied to
- Position applied for
- Date of application
- Point of contact’s name and email
- Summary of documents needed
- Deadline of exam or any other requirements
- Usually, companies give feedback after two weeks of each stage of your application process. If you haven’t heard from a company after this time, you may reach out to the point of contact and ask for additional information.
Final Thoughts: Remain Nimble and Kind
If your job search is taking some time, it may be a good idea to compile relevant statistics to optimize the process. Reconsider the jobs you are applying for and consider whether you need to expand your reach a little further. Look at your tracker and notice any patterns in your job applications. If you always pass the first stage but are rejected in the subsequent ones, analyze the possible reasons why this may be happening. Having an organized job search strategy makes it easier for you to see areas for improvement so that you can adapt appropriately.
Lastly, remember to always be kind to yourself. Finding a job can be a stressful process, so take every opportunity to celebrate small milestones in your progress and keep moving forward, no matter where you are in your job search.
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