Searching for the right job fit can be another job in and of itself, and many don’t have the time to spare. Between wading through job listings, applications, interviews, and everything that comes with it, the entire process can be painstaking – but it doesn’t have to be.
According to a survey conducted by the recruitment agency Randstad US, the average job hunt experience takes around five months from the first search to actually landing the job. That’s right, you could be in-between jobs for five months or more. For many, that large of a gap can be extremely detrimental.
So, what can you do to ensure a faster job hunt and a shorter wait to find the ideal job? Let’s take a look at a few practices you can get into in order to speed up your search process and reduce the time spent in between jobs.
1. Study the job description
Often times, it can be easy to overlook the nitty gritty parts of a job listing and therefore miss out on important details. It’s actually in these details where you can find what you need to present yourself as the best fit for the position possible.
Studying and analyzing each job description you apply for is a great way to tailor the response you give in your application and/or cover letter. You should be able to accurately mirror the phrases and tone of the job description and make yourself stand out as a valuable job candidate.
You can also learn a lot about what skills and features carry the most weight for the job listing. If you can find language that emphasizes what parts of the listing matter most, you can then showcase those skills in your job application.
There’s a lot to learn from the language of a job listing. Study the job descriptions that interest you, and you’re on your way to a shorter process.
2. Don’t limit your sources
Having trouble finding a job by using one form of search? Opening up your job search horizons will give you a variety of options to fill your job needs.
Relying on only the submission of online applications can box you in and limit your job opportunities. While the online world is vast, there are many other ways to find a job you’d be interested in. You can use networking as a way to get your foot in the door with many companies.
Once you’ve submitted an application for a job, strengthen your chances by finding other ways to stand out in this company’s eyes. You can reach out to company employees – people who could be future peers. Express your interest in the company and ask about their experience working there.
You can also approach recruiters and ask questions about the company, the job position, or the industry as a whole. Making yourself known to these important people will help your chances of speeding up the hiring process.
3. Don’t be afraid to make changes
While having a good resume is essential, many can feel locked into the same resume format and feel afraid to make any changes. However, changing up your resume, cover letter, and job application can actually be the shift your job search needs.
Tailor your job application materials to fit the job description you’re interested in. A one-size-fits-all approach usually does not bode well when going into a job hunt, so you will have to make changes based on the position you apply for.
You can also switch around terms, skills, and positions to experiment and test out new resume formats. A breath of fresh air can always be added into your professional materials, so don’t feel rigid when trying to make changes.
By incorporating these 3 tips into your job search, you’ll be on the way to better managing your time and shortening your job hunt.