Make your job search a little bit easier with these helpful strategies!

Job searching is the most humbling experience ever. For example, you may feel like you have it in the bag, only to get a rejection email. I feel your pain. In fact, I once applied for a job on a Friday (I was definitely capable of doing it). But was rejected over the weekend. *Rolls eyes*

There are some ways to get your name out there and better your chances of getting a job. I’m not saying the tips below will get you employed ASAP, but they’re definitely strategies I’ve used to open myself up to more career opportunities. Hopefully, they’ll help you too!

Attend networking events

Google, Eventbrite, and Facebook are great places to start when trying to find networking events. The first one you attend may not be your cup of tea, but keep at it! Look for events that target your industry or age group and see which ones work best for you. There are events with a speaker, completely open networking/mingling time, a panel, and many more. You may not leave the event with a job offer, but you’ll speak to people and gain new contacts that you may utilize in the future. 

Have coffee with an industry professional

If you have a connection or even wish to learn more about your boss’ journey, set up a coffee meeting. Industry professionals often enjoy sharing their experiences with those aspiring to be in their shoes. Send a formal email stating your interest in chatting about the industry and career possibilities. Make sure to mention (politely, of course) that you’re currently looking for a position in their field and to keep you in mind if something comes up. Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get a response, there are plenty of fish in the sea and plenty of knowledge to gain from several different individuals. 

Communicate your job interests online

I’m assuming you have social media. Therefore, there’s no excuse for not sharing your job interests online. Change your LinkedIn status to reflect your skills, abilities, and the role you’re looking for. Post a Facebook status asking friends if they have any leads on jobs in your field. Most jobs come from friends and acquaintances so try to leverage your social network for your professional ambitions. Oh, and also try to return the favor if the time comes. 

Commit to a certain number of applications a day

Set a goal for yourself to apply to x amount of jobs per day. This will ensure that if you’re unemployed, you stay productive during the day. You are working towards a goal. Either way, you should be proud of yourself for committing to your job search. 

Reach out to companies even when they’re not hiring

If there’s a company you desperately want to work for, why not make the first move? Career pages state that even if there are no open positions, you can send a general application. But even if they don’t, see if you can send an email (or DM, depending on the company) to inquire about job opportunities and when they do most of their hiring. The worst thing that could happen is… no reply or a snippy response. However, most companies should be professional in their responses and—hopefully—they’re impressed by your earnest effort to join their team. 

What strategies do you use in your job search?