6 Things to Do Before You Embark on a Job Search

6 Things to Do Before You Embark on a Job Search6 Things to Do Before You Embark on a Job SearchWhile you might be in a hurry to get the ball rolling on finding a new job, dont let excitement deter you from constructing a quality job search. Effort before applying can make the process smoother and increase the odds of landing a role youll find truly satisfying.Here are six worthwhile things to do before delving into a job search1. Establish priorities.When you arent clear about what you want, anything can sound good. Unfortunately, the end result often is an unfulfilling lokalitt that leads you back on the market way too soon.Gain clarity by thinking about what tasks you really want to do on a daily basis. Also, consider factors such as acceptable salary, workplace culture, and work flexibility. Your answers will help you sort through the possibilities out there to pinpoint the best opportunities.2. Examine credentials.Knowing what you bring to the table enables effective presentatio n. Look at your work history, and make notes about accomplishments. If youre changing industries, examine what transferable skills would impress prospective employers. Consider, too, whether additional education or training might be necessary before starting the search.3. Create a killer resume.While youll tweak to align with job postings, constructing a solid document serves as a good foundation. Virtually every hiring manager wants to know your past employers, titles, and dates of service. Add industry keywords (as naturally as you can) to get past automated resume scanners, use interesting verbs, and quantify achievements whenever possible. Put the resume through spell-check, proofread, and perhaps run it past another set of eyes for feedback.4. Think about references.Who best knows your work and is a good communicator? Knowledgeable, passionate references make hiring managers perk up. When youve narrowed down choices, get in touch with each one to ask for permission to list and to double-check contact information. Dismiss anybody who seems hesitant- you need someone to sing your praises.5. Check your online image.What is an employer who Googles your name or checks out your Facebook pagegoing to see? Now is the time to clean up your online image and get rid of anything questionable.While youre at it, scrutinize your LinkedIn profile. Make sure data matches your resume. If your headshot is missing or lacking, add a good-quality one. Fill out all sections as completely as possible to provide prospective employers with plenty to learn about you.6. Set up a record-keeping system.Lastly, since an active search usually involves multiple applications, figure out how youre going to keep track of information. When all those requests for interviews start pouring in, youll appreciate having taken the time to organize quick, convenient ways to access the original posting and other pertinent werkstoffReady to Start Your Job Search? Sign Up for Today