When applying for new jobs, you likely spend a lot of time scouring ads online and filling out applications that can take hours, only to discover that it was all for nothing.
Although a large chunk of your time should be spent looking for and applying for new jobs, these aren’t the only things you should be doing when you’re searching for a new position.
Here are a few important things you should do when applying for new jobs that go above and beyond filling out online applications.
Work on Being Comfortable With Who You Are Without a Job
COVID-19 has forced us all to dig deep and assess what has been driving our daily lives when we probably didn’t think about it before. This is especially the case if you lost your job, whether due to COVID-19 or for any other reason.
When we spend so much time at work, it’s easy for our jobs to become part of who we are, but who are you if you aren’t going to work every day? Think about your talents, your interests, and what kind of person you are outside of work. It can help you become a more well-rounded, confident person, which can be a huge benefit when you start your new job.
Think About What You Really Want From Your Job
When you’re ready to start a new job, you probably think a lot about what you want to do. However, that isn’t the best question you should ask. Instead, you should think about what you really want from your job.
There are many things you need to be happy at work, and surprisingly, it doesn’t always have anything to do with what you do on a daily basis. Do you want to feel accomplished at the end of the day? Are you looking for positive reinforcement or a flexible work schedule?
Although you should think about the nature of the jobs you want to pursue, you should also think about the smaller details of day-to-day life. It will ensure you don’t wake up dreading going to work every morning.
Work Towards Your Job-Related Goals
Your immediate goal is to get a job, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that should be your only job-related goal. While you’re waiting to hear the good news about a job you applied for, spend time working on other job-related goals.
That might include things like:
- Complete a certificate or degree
- Learn a new skill
- Learn how various departments within an organization work
- Work on building your professional network
- Practice positive communication skills
- Create a personal website
Not only will working on these goals better prepare you for any new job, it can show potential employers that you’re serious about improving yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Contact Companies Without Open Positions
The quickest and easiest way to proceed with your job search is to apply for jobs with open positions. Filling out online applications is an important aspect of your job search, but if you really want to get the kind of job you want to stick with for a while, you should also reach out to companies that don’t have any open positions available. The trick is to know what to say when you reach out.
Don’t ask about job opportunities. Instead, introduce yourself, ask for information about the company, and ask to be introduced to people in departments you’re interested in working with. You just may discover after some back and forth that there’s a position they would like to consider you for.
Be Prepared to Feel a Little Discouraged
It is highly unlikely that you will get hired for the first job you apply for. It’s unlikely that you’ll get hired for the first ten positions you apply for. After you spend hour after hour applying to companies that don’t want to hire you, it is easy to get discouraged.
It’s important to be prepared for feelings of discouragement by knowing what you can do to feel better. That way, you can continue feeling motivated to look for your next job. It might include doubling down on your job search efforts, but it may also involve taking a break to go for a walk, writing in a journal, or simply remembering the long view of your life instead of your short-term job search.
When you’re looking for a new job, you should spend plenty of time searching online, but you should also follow these tips, as they will ensure you give your new position your all.