It’s easy for us to overlook timeless, sound job search strategies despite all the hype around new technology. When it comes to writing a resume that makes it past an applicant tracking system or getting to know the people behind the companies you’d like work for, these simple but effective strategies can make all the difference in landing that dream role.
Begin by defining your career goals and the type of environment you’d like to work in. To limit your search, align your goals with the jobs you’re searching for. After you’ve narrowed your search to specific jobs, research every company. Use tools like Crunchbase to get a comprehensive overview of the company, its size as well as its funding history and information about its leadership. You can also find out about investments, mergers, and more. This will give you a better understanding of the industry and allows you to ask more meaningful questions during an interview.
Establish a network of individuals who will provide support and help you get your dream job. This includes former and present managers coworkers, vendors, friends, customers and even acquaintances. When you reach out to individuals in your network you should be specific about what you’d like to hear from them and how you can help them.
Set goals and organize your networking, applications, and follow-ups. You’ll know precisely what you’ll need to accomplish every week. Don’t be scared to try new things or adjusting your plan if it doesn’t seem to be working.