How to Speed Up Your Job Search

You need a job. Now.

Time to put the proverbial pedal to the metal!

The good news is, unemployment rates are low – which means you have more open positions to choose from. Still, a great job is unlikely to fall into your lap. You have to work smart to find the ideal opportunity. How can you accelerate the process and reach your destination (i.e., your dream job), faster? Use PrideStaff’s tips to speed up your job search:

Know what you want.

Your search for work will be shorter if you know what type of job and employment situation you want. Start the process by: defining your priorities; identifying your transferable skills and the types of positions you may be suited for; envisioning your ideal job; making a list of target employers; and listing deal-breakers (i.e., things you absolutely cannot tolerate in a job). Use these insights to guide you along your way.

Apply to as many jobs as you can.

Assuming you’re qualified for them, the more jobs you apply to, the better your chances of finding work. Schedule time each week specifically for identifying and applying to viable opportunities. If you find the process tedious, turn it into a game. Set a goal, and then reward yourself once you achieve it.

Explore different industries.

Often, you don’t know what you don’t know. Expand your thinking – and your potential opportunities – by learning more about an industry, field or functional area which interests you. Trade, industry association and even company websites contain rich educational resources (not just articles, but presentations, webinars, podcasts and videos) to help you uncover positions you never knew existed! In the process, you may uncover potential business connections or employers to target in your search.

Follow up.

Whether you submit a resume, drop off an application in person, attend a networking event, stop by a job fair, or go on an informational interview, follow up. Always. A simple, hand-written thank you note or a well-crafted email leaves a lasting, favorable impression. That impression could spell the difference between being forgotten and being called in for an interview.

Use a job search engine.

A job search engine scours the web and aggregates job listings from job boards and employer websites. Aggregators, like Indeed and Simply Hired, allow you to search for jobs based on industry, job title, location, level of education, employer and many other search criteria. While you may have to register with the search engine and deal with frustrations like advertising and duplicate listings, it can be a useful tool to find opportunities that could be a good fit for you.

Register with PrideStaff.

If you need a job right now, a temporary assignment with PrideStaff may be just what you’re looking for. We can help you:

• Get to work quickly. Stop spinning your wheels trying to find a good job that matches your experience, skills, personality and career goals. When you register with us, you will have immediate access to a wide range of employment opportunities. Our staffing consultants will match you with temporary jobs that are right for you.
• Get the inside track. If the thought of trolling job boards our scouring search engines doesn’t excite you, allow us to do the legwork for you. Bonus? We can connect you with job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
• Keep your options open – and your schedule flexible.  Unlike a traditional 40-hour job, temping affords you greater control over your schedule. Work when you want and just as much as you want, while you conduct your own search for direct employment.

Our employment services are free to job seekers.

So what are you waiting for? Contact your local PrideStaff recruiter today!