How to Start Your Job Search

The first step is always the hardest, but does this apply to your job search? There are very few tasks in life that are more daunting than embarking on a job search, and that's for all jobseekers, regardless of previous experience. Have a clear understanding of how you will start your job search to look past the intimidating journey ahead. After all, everyone is in the same boat, so make sure you have that edge over the rest in your job search preparation.

Get Motivated for Your Job Search

Struggling for motivation? Don't worry, that's a perfectly normal feeling to have right now. There are many ways to get motivated when it comes to your job search, but you need a source of inspiration. Look into the past at your previous achievements and experiences and make a list of what you loved and hated about that job. Use this as a guide in your job search preparation of what you want and don't want to have in your next position.

Alternatively, you can look into the future and ask yourself where you would like to be in 5 or 10 years. If the idea of your future is achievable through a career path that can start now, then why wait? Begin making strides in your job search preparation to make it a reality.

Other sources of inspiration are everywhere. Talk to friends and family, watch YouTube videos, browse LinkedIn and job boards. The most inspiring thing you can do is to get started. Motivation comes from doing not thinking.

Job Search Preparation Means Setting Goals

Setting a goal isn't as simple as saying you want to be hired by the end of the month. You're not in control of when you will be hired. It is important to only set realistic targets that point you in the right direction. Consider your strengths and weaknesses to ensure you set achievable goals in your job search. Define what you want in your new job and use this information as a foundation for the targets you set.

Another important thing to factor into your job search is your time and availability. Time is hard to find sometimes, especially if you are already working a full-time role, keep a realistic schedule for your job search preparation. Establish a daily routine and allocate your time efficiently so that targets can be hit. Even establishing a daily routine is a goal! Take things at your own speed, consider your abilities, and set goals that you can actually meet in both your job search and job search preparation.

Cover The Basics When Starting Your Job Search

Now it's time to brush up on the basics and make sure you have them covered. First, you need to get things up to speed. Update your resume and your LinkedIn profile by highlighting your achievements, experiences, and skills from recent jobs.

Put measurable data on your resume, so recruiters can gauge your accomplishments in previous roles. Hiring managers will recruit via platforms such as LinkedIn, so it's wise to have your profile picture and bio up to date as well.

Another basic to cover when starting your job search is to begin networking. Whether this be new connections or reconnecting to previous colleagues, it's always a step forward in the right direction for your job search.

Treat every interaction as a potential opportunity for someone to refer you or connect you with someone useful. You never know, an old friend may have the perfect position waiting to be filled by someone like yourself. Reconnecting with old colleagues can also lead to finding the right people to provide references for you. Plan this now and avoid feeling anxious later in your job search.

It's Time to Start

Starting your job search is intimidating but it doesn't have to be. Plan and strategize from the very beginning and you will have all the tools you will need for the journey ahead. The sooner you start, the closer you are to the end.