10 helpful tips for job hunting

Looking for a job can be a stressful process, no matter what your background is. You may need months search and failing. With these 10 tips, you may be more likely to succeed in your job hunting procedure.

Job hunting process

Job hunting simply means looking for a job. A job hunting process includes accessing your needs, locating the jobs you want, researching the employers, applying for the jobs and getting new job. Job hunting is usually performed when you are unemployed, disatisfied with a current position or want to find a better job. You should expect that a job hunting process may take time. You may have to spend months seeking before you can land your ideal job.  

10 helpful tips for job hunting

Here are 10 tips that can help you successfully land the job you want.

1. Identify your ideal job

It is better to know exactly what you are looking for before you start searching. Firstly, get clear on yourself: your strengths and weaknesses, the type of work you want to do (or maybe what are you passionate about?). You want a job that you enjoy doing, aren’t you? When you find a job, what do you want from it? Money? Location? Comany culture? Reputation? Or the work itself? And then you are more likely to find a job that make you satisfied.

2. Research companies

Now you know what you want from a job and the type of job you enjoy doing. You have to determind the companies that want to fill those positions. Take a look at their websites and google their names. You may find some information about their markets, their products/services, their people, their cultures, ... Interviews may ask a few questions to know if you had got to understand the company before you applied.

3. Customize your application documents to each position

One resume for all positions? This is definitely not a smart way to apply for a job. Your resume is usually the first thing a hiring manager looks at when considering your application. You should change the content of your CV and cover letter to match the requirements and job description of each position. Microsoft Word provides some templates that you can use to customize your own. You can also use online tools to create your resume.

Some people did not even change the receiver name in their cover letters. This can make the employer find that you did not research their company and did not spend time preparing the application documents.

There is one thing that you should remember: keep your CV on one or two pages and your cover letter on one page. Employers do not have time to read your application word-by-word.

4. Do not limit yourself to online applications

You should know that many job openings are not advertised. And many people find the job they want through their network. Thus, ask your friends, family members, or use your business contacts to get information about job openings.

After you apply for the job, you can find the people who work at that company and ask them a few questions about the job. This may lead you to an interview. Employers tend to interview people who are personally recommended before they consider other resumes they received through online channels.

5. Complete job-related goals

As mentioned above, job hunting takes time. You have to keep searching, applying, participating in interview, taking test, negociating for salary, waiting for the result for a long period of time. This can make you feel discouraged and depressed. By focusing on daily goals (such as improving a skill, learning to use a new tool), you can motivate yourself and enhancing your CV.

6. Prepare for interviews

If you are invited to one or more interviews, try to prepare for all of them. You can start preparing as soon as you send out your application. Research the company, the industry; practice with common interview questions and test (which can be found on the internet); reread you resume. The more you prepared yourself, the more confident and comfortable you will be in the interview.

7. Send thank-you email to employer after each interview

Send a quick, thought-full, non-robotic, customized thank-you note (usually via email) to each interviewer as soon as you reach your computer to highlight your interest and enthusiasm for the job. The speed, the quality and the effort can make changes. This may not help you get hired, but it will help you stand out from other candidates who had similar talents and the desire for that job but sent nothing.

8. Continue following-up with employer

You may think that: “You attended the interview, your work is done. Now, all you have to do is wait.” But this may be not true. You can add a little more attempt to the job search by following up with the employer. This helps you stand out and shows your interest and enthusiasm for the position. Regularly contact with them in a professional way without showing up too needy.

9. Remain positive

Companies and organizations want to hire people who are positive and competent. If you are stressed and angry due to your current job or a long period of unemployment, try to blow it away before you start seeking for a job.

10. Do not accept the job right away

When you get an offer letter, do not accept it right away. Instead, spend time to consider the offer carefully (KPI, working hours, salary and other benefits) and think if you want to negociate or discuss any point with the employer.

First, you should thank the employer and interviewer for giving you the opportunity. Then, ask the employer when you need to response to the offer.

Things to consider

Some employers include age restriction in their job requirements. If you are an older worker, your chance may be limited. Try to focus on your flexibility and ability to adapt in the applications and interview.

If you start working in a new career field or a new industry, new may need additional training, or work as a volunteer for a short period of time to gain specific experience. Thus, expect that before your job search.

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