Job search process
Define what you want
Write down the type of job you’re interested in. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Do you want to work remotely or in person?
- Do you need flexible hours?
- What pay and benefits do you need?
- What size of company do you want? Start-up? Large and established? Mid-sized?
- What type of company culture?
- Do you want certain responsibilities?
If you don’t have answers to all these questions, don’t worry. Sometimes, careers are all about discovering where you really shine. Don’t be afraid to stretch outside of your comfort zone.
Create a plan
Think about ways to keep yourself motivated and on track:
- Set goals – will you search for jobs for one hour every day? Apply to three jobs a week? Do one informational interview a month? Make your goals measurable and attainable
- Watch inspirational videos or TedTalks to keep yourself focused and motivated.
Focus on your why. Do you want more responsibility? A shorter commute for more time with your kids? More money? Write it down and post it somewhere visible. Look at it every day.
FIND A JOB
Find a job that’s driven by your passions
“As a music teacher, parents would tell my students that they had to get a ‘real’ job. I believe that a ‘real’ job, is one that’s driven by your passions.”
Prepare for your job search
Create your elevator pitch
If you had two minutes to tell a recruiter about yourself, or to grab their attention in an interview, what would you say? What do you want to be known for? Create different pitches for different scenarios.
- “I currently work at XYZ Company where I oversee new product development and have brought in $15 million in revenue to the company.”
- “I’m considering changing careers and would like to learn about the work environments in different companies."
Update your resume
Update your resume so it's ready to go when you find that ideal job. Explore these tips to make your resume shine.
Create your LinkedIn profile
Along with your resume, recruiters may use your LinkedIn profile to learn more about you and your experience. Write a thoughtful profile of your work experience and skills as well as the type of career you’re hoping to land. The skills and experience in your profile also help recruiters find you when they search the platform. Ensure your profile indicates if you are open to employment opportunities.
Looking for more help with LinkedIn? The platform offers a ‘Learning LinkedIn’ course to help you set up your profile and start networking.
Find job opportunities
Search online job boards
Many companies will post their job openings to job boards, as well as their own websites. Consider trying the following popular sites:
Sign up for job alerts
Most job boards allow you to set preferences based on location, job name, etc. You will receive email alerts when a job posting matches your criteria.
Network
Connect with friends, neighbors, and prior coworkers. Talk about the type of job you want. Ask if they, or someone they know, have information that could help. Let them know where you are applying. If you can, focus on people who work in the field or company where you want to work. And keep making new connections.
Schedule informational interviews
If you’re in school, you can schedule these prior to graduation. Often, these can lead to referrals to other people who may have openings.
Read more: How to conduct informational interviews.
Apply to jobs
Once you find a list of jobs you like, these resources can help you get the interview and prepare.
Writing your resume
Writing your cover letter
Preparing for job interviews
Job hunting while employed
If you already have a job, you may need to approach your job search with a bit more discretion:
- Schedule interviews outside of normal work hours or at lunch
- Keep working hard
- Don’t job search at work or on company computers
- Ask employers not to contact your current boss for a reference; try to list a former employer as a reference, if possible.
- Give at least 2-weeks' notice