So you’re looking for a job. You launch yourself into this conquest with enthusiasm, taking “all the right steps” you spend hours looking for jobs online, weed out the completely irrelevant ones, then you apply to the right ones and wait for an answer. You never hear anything back. Undeterred, you read up on the subject, learn some new “techniques” that will help you cut through the noise. Pretty soon though, you are following so many weird “tips and tricks” that you have no idea what, if any, of these “techniques” are working.
Every jobseeker wants to find a job. What makes a difference are the steps that each jobseeker takes in order to get there. In other words: the system used. While finding the right job is a fairly complex endeavor, all you really need is a solid system. A combination of processes that you’ll follow on a regular basis to find that job. Think of your system as the perfect balance of effort and time that will yield the best results. Having a system ensures that you’re taking the right steps at the right times. Instead of wondering, worrying, and doubting, you rely on the system. Once you design it, you use it and you trust it.
What else can the system do for you? It guarantees that you put forth a consistent effort and attend to all the key areas. It liberates you from having to “remember” all the moving parts of your job search. It frees your mind to be more creative in your responses.
As you use your system, you can also modify it, streamline it to serve you in the best way possible. It’s a constant cycle of implementation and improvement.
Start with a simple system. Here’s what we propose:
- Create a resume and cover letter that are uniquely you. Break away from the cookie-cutter formats and try an unconventional cover letter. Think of what makes you stand out from all the other applicants.
- Look for jobs only twice a week. Find matches that fit who you are and what you love to do. Concentrate your efforts on finding the best opportunities and then moving on to the next step.
- Save the job listings. Once you find the jobs that you are interested in, save them on a list so you can track them and their statuses.
- Apply to the easiest ones first. Building momentum is important. For example, start with the jobs that have an Easy Apply feature, like on LinkedIn.
- Update your job list to remember that you have applied.
That's it! Trusting your system is a much more effective, relaxed and enjoyable way to approach finding the best match for you!
Our free app was designed around this system, but you can use its concepts, whether or not you have MyJobAngel.
After you’ve established your system, continue to think outside the box. For example, after applying to a job on LinkedIn, you could check to see if you have any connections to that company in your network. You could potentially reach out to them and they may be willing to put in a good word for you. It’s all about making your system work for you.