Job search strategies

Job search strategies

Job search strategies

If looking for a new job is part of your transition, we have some ideas to help.

Keep your mind open as you embrace this change of direction.

The life you planned might not have worked out quite like you imagined. Now you have the opportunity to choose a new job or career path – one that’s a fit for what’s important to you as you look ahead to “what’s next”.

Do you want to begin preparing to get back into the workplace?

Identify your strengths and weaknesses

Do a SWOT analysis which is short for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

This can help you use your talent to the fullest, uncover potential opportunities, and know your weaknesses. When you are self-aware you can feel more confident.

Check out skillsyouneed.com to better understand the process for a SWOT analysis.

Update your resume

LinkedIn has more than 600 million business profiles. It is one option to effectively help you create a personal brand, network and also look for jobs.

Helpful links:

How to use LinkedIn for a job search

Tips on how to get a good LinkedIn headshot

Tips on how to create a good LinkedIn profile

What your resume should look like in 2020

31 attention grabbing cover letter examples

Making Connections

You can do this online through LinkedIn and chat rooms that focus on specific topics.

Just type in your interest and the words ‘chat room’ in an online search to see what comes up. For example, if you type in green energy chat room, you get interested organizations and groups from around the world.

Making connections with people who share your interests can help boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. It also helps you find out if this new career direction you’re considering is really what you want to focus on.

You can find some helpful networking tips in these articles:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223468

https://www.business.com/articles/linkedin-networking-tips/

https://blog.transparentcareer.com/college-students/career-advice/dos-donts-coffee-chat/

Update your skills

This helps you to stay relevant, open new doors, increase earning potential and leads to personal growth.

Helpful links for skill development:

https://www.coursera.org/

https://www.edx.org/

https://www.udemy.com/

https://teamtreehouse.com/

You can also check out courses and webinars offered by your local library or free skill videos on platforms like YouTube.

Volunteer and meet new people

Get involved in the local community through volunteering and attending local meetups. This is a great way to meet people who share similar interests. You never know, you might discover some new and exciting opportunities you never thought of before.

Want to find volunteer positions? Check out Charity Village

Want to learn about local meetups? Use the Meetup app.

Want to learn about local and online events? Check out online event listings such as Eventbrite.

Join industry related organizations or professional associations

This shows you are committed to your profession, you want to be an active part of it, and helps make connections with people who have similar interests as you.

You can find a list of local and international organizations on Charity Village.

And remember…almost every successful person has had their share of failure. Failure is not who you are, it is something you experienced, and it will pass. Focus on what you can do now and where you want to go next.