How to Find a Job
A Comprehensive Guide to
Getting the Role You Want
Part 1: Prepare for your search
Consider what you want
Maybe you’re tired of your current job. Or, maybe you’ve been looking for work for months. Wherever you’re at in your job journey, it’s important to think about what type of job you want and why it’s a good fit for you, your goals, and your skills.
Get in the right mindset
A job search can be a challenging process for your mind, your ego, and (depending on how long it takes) your wallet. With the right mindset, you can weather the ups and downs of applying to jobs, interviewing, competing, getting turned down, starting again, and getting hired. Make sure to set your expectations appropriately for your qualifications, open roles, the industry, and the job market as a whole.
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- Hustle Responsibly: Why Work-Life Balance is Your Key to Success
- 10 Ways Work Flexibility Can Lead to a Better Life
- 3 Ways to Balance Hustle Culture with Self Care
- Everything You Need to Know About Minimum Wage
- 23 Great #GirlBoss Songs To Give You Confidence During Your Job Search
- Everything You Need to Know About: The Pros and Cons of Hustle Culture
- The Complete Work-Life Balance Checklist [Plus 175 Tips to Improve]
- Career Confidence: Why It Matters (And How to Obtain It)
- Combating Ageism in Your Job Search
Network
Reach out to your personal and professional network to let them know you’re looking for a job. Connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn, attend events, and ask for introductions to people who work in the companies or fields you’re interested in.
Part 2: Apply to jobs
Understand the process
You want a job. Companies want qualified candidates. How hard can it be? Well…if only it were really that simple! When you’re wondering how to find a job, make sure that you understand the steps in the job search process and how you plan to complete each of them. Do you know, for example, that you could work with a recruiter to find a job and not pay them a single dollar? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, learn all you can about what you need to do, and remember: you WILL find a job!
Research what's available
Many job seekers default to searching only on LinkedIn or through peers within an industry. To get ahead of your competition and be proactive about having the shortest job search possible, it’s important for you to look at the jobs available across tools like LinkedIn, Monster, Jobble, and more.
Tailor your resume
& cover letter
You should always customize your resume and cover letter to each job. Research the company and role you’re applying for, and make sure you align your materials with keywords, qualifications, and experience that the hiring company is looking for.
- Your Cover Letter: Why It's Important and How to Write One
- 3 Things That Aren't Resume Red Flags (and 3 That Are Actually Hurting Your Job Search)
- How to Include Non-Job Related Skills and Experience on Your Resume
- Avoid Listing These 3 Outdated Skills On Your Resume
- Resume Tips: How to Include Your Side Hustle as Experience
Don't be shy about your skills & achievements
Have you ever looked at a job description and thought “I don’t have that requirement. Nevermind!”? You’re not alone! It’s very common for job seekers to underestimate their own ability to compete for a job opening. We know it’s not easy to celebrate your own skills and achievements, but make sure your resume is thorough! Apply to jobs if you have 60% of what they’re asking for, and before you send your application, make sure to include your knowledge and experience that fits.
Don't forget recommendations
At the end of the day, companies are run by people, and people are influenced by other people. You’ve likely heard the old phrase about not “burning bridges” when you leave a job, and this is why. Reach out to any professional connections who have seen you at work (or holding an industry presentation, etc.) and ask them to recommend you on LinkedIn or be available to serve as a reference for you during your interview process.
Part 3: Ace your interview(s)
Prepare your questions
One of the best things you can do to make sure an interview goes well is to start by preparing your questions instead of your answers. Interviews are a two-way street; you’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you! Do your research to come up with 5 to 10 questions to ask the interviewer about the role, company culture, company vision, and more.
Practice your answers
Now that you’ve done thorough research and jotted down some questions to ask, it’s time to practice your answers to questions you think you’ll get asked. Create and then run through your elevator pitch, the 15-second summary of who you are as a professional and why you’re looking for a new role. Work with a friend to rehearse and plan to frame your nervous energy as excitement and interest! Remember: the interviewers are people…and they might be just as nervous as you!
Follow up the right way
You made it through the interview…now what? You follow up! You can email, call, or send a LinkedIn message to the person or people that you spoke with. Thank them for their time and, if you think the job could be a good fit, express your interest in continuing the conversation in another call or video chat. If you don’t get a response within a week, send another follow up; remember: don’t pester the person. If they want you, they’ll prioritize letting you know.
Part 4: Follow through
Have a great first day
Now that you’ve got the job, it’s time to have a great first day! From bringing a thorough checklist to preparing meals in advance, there are numerous ways to set yourself up for success in your new role. Take this new job (and company and team!) as an opportunity to optimize how you show up for work each day.
Be your best work self
No matter what role you’ve gotten, whether it’s a full-time job or part-time gig, it’s important to be aware of how much of your whole self you bring to work. Regardless of what you choose, make sure to stay professional, positive, and curious about how you can contribute. With the right attitude and a well-crafted strategy, you can bring your best self to work.
- Work-Life Balance: How Much to Share About Your Personal Life
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- How to Be a More Impactful Team Member on Projects
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- 7 Ways to Improve Mental Health in your Workplace
- 7 Work Mistakes Everyone's Made (& How to Handle Them Better)
- Healthy Sleep Habits For Successful Workers
- How to Build Leadership Experience, Even If You’re Not in a Leadership Role
- How to Manage Personal Distractions While at Work
- How to Create a Simple and Professional Email Signature
- How to Minimize Stress When a Deadline Approaches
- How to Rebound From a Work Mistake
- How to Recommend a Worker to Your Hiring Manager
- How You Should Actually Be Scheduling Your Day
Don't fear change
Sometimes, it’s time to move on. That’s ok! If you’re not learning what you want or earning what you want, consider making a change. This could mean working toward a different role in your current company…or starting the job application process over again. Regardless, remember to use the tips on this page to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
