So, you’re out there trying to get your first job. The problem is, since you don’t really have anything in the way of experience, getting a job can be a lot easier said than done. But, you need experience to get experience, right? Well, not necessarily. There are a lot of companies out there that really want to hire students and new grads. The trick is to find these companies. This means that you need to step it up and take your job search to the next level, unless you want to end up schlepping burgers for the rest of your life. Let’s take a look at seven ways that you can maximize your job search productivity.
Try Time Tracking
Once you have decided on the hours in the day that you are going to be job hunting, you need to make sure that you are sticking to that schedule. One way to do this is to start using time tracking software like Time Doctor. This is going to help you stay on track, and it will even show you where you are wasting time so you can start using your time more wisely and get that job you really want.
Get on LinkedIn
These days, you really do need to be on LinkedIn when you are searching for a job. In fact, more than 90% of job recruiters use LinkedIn as one of their main search tools when looking for new employees. If an employer is looking for someone with your qualifications, and in your area, if you have a profile, they are going to find you.
Start with a Plan
If you are just applying for any old job, chances are that all you are going to end up with just any old job. You need to focus on the type of work that you want to do, and find the companies that are offering jobs that you are interested in. Also, you need to create a schedule. Set aside certain times during the day to concentrate on your job search, and only concentrate on that.
Send Thank-You Notes
After each interview, take the time to write and send a personalized thank-you note to the interviewer. This is not only going to help keep you fresh in their minds, but also to show that you are conscientious, and that you really want the job. Those who send thank-you notes often get hired over those who do not.
Create Your Cover Letter(s)
Make sure that you have a generalized cover letter ready to go at all times. If you are applying for different types of jobs, it is a good idea to have several cover letters ready, so you have one for each job type. You can change a few things for each job you apply for to make them specific for those particular jobs. Keep your cover letters organized so you always use the right one for the right job.
Don’t be Afraid to Change Course
It may be that you have concentrated on one area for your job search, and you have spent a lot of time and energy (and perhaps even a lot of money) on your search. This doesn’t mean that you have to continue along this line. It may be that there is a better job in a different area, and you won’t even know about it if you don’t change course.
Get Out into the Real World
A lot of people make the mistake of only using the Internet to find employment. Sometimes, the best way to find a job is to get out there and pound the pavement. Knock on a few doors, ask for applications or to leave your resume, etc. Don’t make the mistake of only traveling down one job search road.
