5 Steps to a Successful Job Search

Just a couple months back, I was deep in the trenches of a job search, actively looking for suitable roles on LinkedIn and reaching out to companies and contacts to find out more. It was such a tough experience having to apply for each job individually (imagine filling up candidate details in forms and customising cover letters again and again...and again). Finally, all the hard work paid off. After numerous rejections, multiple rounds of interviews and much deliberation, I finally landed a job which is exactly what I was looking for, in a company which I can connect with.

Finding a job these days is no mean feat and definitely not for the faint hearted, especially with the ongoing pandemic. It requires a lot of tenacity, persistence and a positive mindset.

Here are 5 job search tips based on my past and most recent job search experiences which I thought might be helpful:

1. Be Informed

• About yourself - Understand what you can offer and what you want to gain from this experience. This will help you to filter for jobs which are suitable for you instead of casting a net. Emphasise quality over quantity.

• About the role - Understand the roles which you are keen on before applying. This will prevent time wasted on rounds of interviews only to realise that the role is not a right fit for you. In addition to looking at the job description, you can look for employees with the same role on LinkedIn and read through their job descriptions or connect with them to find out more.

• About the company - Understand what the company values and culture are and see if they align with yours. For example, do you prefer the culture of a young tech startup or a large MNC? Both have their set of pros and cons. Some candidates may also consider the industry of the company too. For example, some may not be comfortable working for mining or tobacco companies due to their economic and health impacts.

2. Customise

• Try as much as you can to customise your submission (resume and cover letters). Look for keywords in the job description and be sure to incorporate some of them in your resume. Some companies use resume parsers which search for keywords. Even if the process were to be manual, this will help in the resume screening process and increase your chances of being selected.

3. Reach Out

• Research has shown that half to upward of 80% of jobs are filled through networking. You might not have the network since you are just starting out. However, it is never too late to start. Start by connecting with people whom you’d like to work with or learn from. If you’d like to find out more about a role, reach out to contacts from the company, especially those whom you know or have some sort of connection with. They might not help you get the job directly, but it certainly helps you get a better understanding of the role or the company.

4. Think Ahead

• When applying to a job, think of how you can progress in the role or within the company and what you can learn. Is the company equipped with the right resources to help to grow? Are there opportunities in the role or the company for you to expand your skill set? Being in the job should be a means to an end and not the end itself.

5. Be Patient

• The last and probably most important tip is to be patient. Looking for a job is not a sprint but a marathon. Things may not go as you wish, within the timeline you’ve planned. Take time to consider your options and apply carefully.

I wish that these tips have been helpful to you and may the odds be ever in your favour.

If you ever do need help during this journey...

Gratitude offers a free mentoring programme by matching you with industry professionals who have been in the same position as you. Mentors can guide you through the job search, application and interview process to help smoothen your journey. Click here to apply!