“My Job Search is Taking Forever!” How to Search with Intention and Take Back Control
Let’s be honest: job searching is no picnic! It is intense and hard work. Looking for a job can be a full-time job, and if it’s taking a long time to find what you are looking for, then it may start to feel like you’ve lost control. PrideStaff Financial is going to help you search with intention and find that job you’ve been working towards with these tips.
Make sure you are targeting keywords:
When companies are inundated with submissions, they often rely on an “applicant tracking system” to filter through the resumes. If you feel like you are circling the wagons with your search, try reading the job description a few times before submitting a resume. Keywords should become apparent, and then you can use those in your resume to optimize it for that job. Examples include the exact title of the role and the words used to describe what the person will be doing. The more your resume incorporates these keywords, the better chance it has of getting into the right hands.
Don’t short-change yourself in your resume:
We all have a tendency to undervalue our skills and the work we do. Demonstrate the value you’ve created in previous positions so that potential employers have a true understanding of what you’ll be able to accomplish for them. You can’t be all things to all people. If you try to show employers that you are capable of too many things, you won’t be sending a clear message. Sometimes, less is more. Figure out what the job you’re applying for requires and focus on how you can bring value to that role. Once you do that, you can elevate your skills—brag on yourself (in a respectful way); this is the time to do it!
Harness the power of networking:
This is one of the biggest things you can do to take back control of your job search. It’s also one of the best ways to get the promotion you’re looking for. Target a list of companies you want to work for and network with the intention of gathering information. Information is so valuable to you, but the beauty is that it’s easy for someone to give. Asking someone you don’t know to help get your resume into a hiring manager’s hands is a long shot. However, asking someone a few questions regarding their career path and how they navigated a career transition because you’re thinking of making the same change, immediately creates some commonality between you and puts the other person in a position of easily being able to help or take interest.
Search with intention:
Those vision boards aren’t just for weddings and personal life goals—they work for careers, too! Try creating a vision board of your ideal job or career and put it somewhere you will see it every day (ideally next to where you work on your resume). Also, recognize that every successful endeavor begins with the right mindset. Job searches are lengthy, and your success will be determined by your ability to stay positive and motivated. Visualize your success, repeat positive affirmations daily to motivate you, and incorporate self-care into your daily search routine (such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that help you relax and stay positive.)
Searching for competitive roles in finance or accounting? PrideStaff Financial has the career opportunities you’re looking for.
PrideStaff Financial has consistently won awards for exceptional job seeker satisfaction. Our trusted staffing consultants can help you take back control of your job search. Contact us today.
