Navigate the job search process with these 5 smart steps

Job hunting can seem overwhelming. Whether you've been type: entry-hyperlink id: 62RsJxru0sscYDgOfD8dl7 or are leaving of your own volition, the search is time-consuming and it's hard to know where to start. Never fear! In this guide, we’ll cover the key job search process steps to help you use your time efficiently. Sit tight and learn everything you need to know about how to approach your hunt like a pro.

How to structure your job search 

Organising your job search requires thoughtful planning. Simply applying for every vacancy you see is not the way to go. Instead, you need to be strategic. Take the time to map out your activities, keeping the following job search process steps in mind:

Step 1: identify what you want from your next role

This step is crucial if you don't want to waste time reading through and applying for jobs which, ultimately, you're not suited to. Figure out what's important to you to type: entry-hyperlink id: 12XwmAC7UCMGKwGPWN9PV2 – is it the job title, the level of responsibility, the travel, the progression of opportunities, the type: entry-hyperlink id: 6pHNiSPN3wV3voMqVMLoft, or something else?

Identifying your priorities early in your job search process will save you from sending off scattergun applications for roles that don't meet your needs (and are therefore likely to be unsuccessful). Your time is better spent crafting type: entry-hyperlink id: 3DM1YWT0MJ3h0wC335duRn for companies you're genuinely interested in working for, where you have a good chance of success.

Step 2: write your elevator pitch

Your type: entry-hyperlink id: 4Otl3Nl19ItSxSrwBaih2c is a way of introducing and promoting yourself in the time it takes to have a conversation in a lift. It's useful to get this step of the job search process ironed out before you start networking or attending interviews so you can be well-prepared for those "type: entry-hyperlink id: 4R4Ok3kCRo3JljOR1b4irj" and "What do you do?" questions. 

Think about how you've added value in your previous roles and what your speciality is. Consider your professional and educational background, your target role, even type: entry-hyperlink id: 4ziGt68s5p0z1ptsrihYUN experience, and write three to four sentences that summarise YOU and what you'd bring to a business. Yes, it's hard, but time invested now will save wasted opportunities later. 

Step 3: consider investing in a professionally written CV

A type: entry-hyperlink id: 4GVACv3um0GsiN7Ii6KtwB will enable you to identify your relevant experience, skills, achievements, and qualifications, and then produce a type: entry-hyperlink id: FDN3ByMGOZF9udVOLf7w7 that emphasises your employability – not just to human recruiters but also to the automated CV-scanning software that they use. 

Don’t worry if this step in the job search process is new to you. These writers are experts in type: entry-hyperlink id: 7sQx2KVnTDXdThe0ASqbWc to the type of roles on your hit-list, whilst minimising information that could weaken your candidacy. Getting a type: entry-hyperlink id: 2NdvUtmWZDCTgRbr6S7EwL can also boost your confidence by emphasising your type: entry-hyperlink id: 6OdFaaacLHRiKzCSTVbd3S, which are often hard to recognise yourself.

Step 4: update your LinkedIn profile

Now is the perfect time to ensure that you're following type: entry-hyperlink id: DLTjTjCorenTdsDKysMuJ best practices during the job search process and presenting the very best version of you. If you don't already have one, get one! It's free and provides many benefits for the job seeker, including type: entry-hyperlink id: ZZRC9Tr7gMk9SVMOi1MsY and giving you access to live job adverts and industry groups. 

When you're confident that the summary, work experience, education, and skills on your profile are job-hunt ready, add as many people as possible to your network. Don't forget to ask for recommendations and endorsements from colleagues. LinkedIn is a vital job-search tool – and with a strong enough profile you could even get headhunted!

Step 5: muster your network

Many jobs are filled through type: entry-hyperlink id: 7F1p7x0z4q9WnCU0OtJHjW. Now that you've identified your objectives, finalised your elevator pitch, secured a professionally written CV, and polished your LinkedIn profile, you're in the perfect position to hit up your network. 

Your LinkedIn connections are the obvious place to kick-start this part of the job search process. But don't forget your wider network too. Friends, family, neighbours, clients, contacts from your type: entry-hyperlink id: 3X79L0tUiWe0Ll6a1FGbRp, local networking groups, social media networks, even current and former colleagues who (inexplicably!) aren't on LinkedIn – they're all a valuable source of information and introductions.

Make your job search work for you!

Ready to get started? These job search process steps can seem mystifying at first, but they don’t have to be. Embrace each step and you’ll be on your way to a focused and productive job hunt. Stay committed – your dream job is surely just around the corner now. Good luck!

Ready to accelerate your job hunt? Learn more about working with a professional CV writer.

This blog was originally written by Jen David and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.

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