Do's and Don'ts of a Job Search

Searching for a better job need not be overwhelming and stressful! By focusing on the things you control in the job search process, you make finding a job more like an adventure. 

Are you a fresh graduate who needs help finding work? Or have you been working for several years now and are looking to level up your career search skills so that you can find a better career opportunity? Maybe you are an experienced professional who is just searching for a bigger and better career?

Wherever you belong in these categories, it is useful to update yourself with the right approach to job search in 2024. 

Tips for professional job search 

Job opportunities have become more accessible because of job search sites, yet the expectations for job seekers seem to remain the same. Applicants who have the desirable attitude, professionalism and skills that employees are looking for have higher chances of success in job hunting. 

Do: 

• Know your professional goals. A lot of the stress from the initial phases of a job search may stem from not knowing your own core skills and motivations. Before sending your applications, be mindful of who you are and where you would like to be in your work career. Match these with the types of industry and companies you apply for. When you know yourself more, you get to limit your job search to jobs that fit you best. 

• Do this by researching in advance the company’s culture, work environment, values, and goals through job recruiting sites, and if possible from people who have worked there before. 

• Write a personalized resume, curriculum vitae(CV)  and/or cover letter. The documents containing your intent to apply for the job provides employers with their first impression of you. 

• You can make a thoughtful and effective resume/CV by writing how your skills and experiences align with the job you are applying for. What are the things in the resume that are relevant and desirable for the job? Write them. When you do this, you stand out from the many applicants in the same position. 

• Prepare for your interview. Preparing for interviews increases your chances of getting the job. Practice how you deliver your answers to common interview questions and have questions for the hiring team ready too! You would be surprised how many applicants just wing their interview and later regret their lack of preparation. 

• Your job interview is your chance to show how you are the best candidate that fits the company’s needs and it is also your chance to check whether the company fits your own goals and values. 

• Look at job recruiting sites' blog pages because there you can usually find updated tips for job interviews. 

Don’ts

• Badmouth your previous employers or coworkers. Keep a professional attitude by focusing your energy and words on getting to know this new company and culture and how you can help the company reach their goals by hiring you, instead of wasting time talking about past experiences and people from past jobs no matter how bad the experience might be. 

• Your positive attitude gives the impression that you are a team player and easy to work with.  

• Feel bad and give up right away. Current statistics show that the average time the hiring team reaches you after the interview is within 1 to 2 weeks. So, do not be discouraged if you do not hear from them after a few days. 

• However, if you are in need of a job soon and want to hasten your job hunt, you can always follow up with the hiring team. You show that you are proactive and interested in the job position which is something good to see. 

When you are developing your skills in areas that you have control over in your job search, you are putting your best foot forward and improving your chances of getting seen, heard, and hired! Good luck! 

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