How to find your next career job.
Finding your next career job can be overwhelming but breaking it into smaller more achievable steps makes it far more manageable. Here’s one approach that helps most people navigate this successfully:
1. Clarify What You Want
Start by defining your goals and priorities:
- Role: What type of work excites you?
- Industry: Any sectors you’re drawn to (tech, healthcare, education, etc.)?
- Location: Are you open to remote work, relocation, or hybrid roles?
- Culture: Startup, corporate, nonprofit—what suits your values?
- Salary and Benefits: What's your minimum acceptable range?
2. Assess Your Skills & Gaps
- List your top skills, experiences, and achievements.
- Look at job descriptions in your desired field. Do you meet 70–80% of requirements?
- Identify areas for growth (e.g., tools, certifications, soft skills).
3. Update Your Materials - Consider career search services to assist with current formats.
- Resume: Tailor it to the roles you’re targeting (use strong action verbs, quantify impact).
- LinkedIn: Optimize your headline, summary, and job history.
- Portfolio (if applicable): Ensure it's current and relevant.
4. Network Intentionally - Most good jobs aren’t posted—networking opens hidden doors.
- Reach out to former colleagues, friends, or industry connections.
- Ask for informational interviews.
- Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups.
5. Search Smart
Use job boards, but don’t rely on them alone:
- Targeted job boards: (e.g., Dice for tech, Media bistro for media)
- Company websites: Make a list of 10–20 companies you admire.
- Recruiters & Staffing Agencies: Especially for specialized or executive roles.
6. Apply Strategically - Applying to 10 well-targeted jobs beats spamming 100 generic ones
- Tailor each application to the job.
- Write concise, customized cover letters.
- Keep track of where you’ve applied (a spreadsheet helps).
7. Prepare to Interview
- Practice your story: Who you are, what you’ve done, and where you’re going.
- Rehearse common questions and STAR-format behavioral answers.
- Ask good questions, you’re interviewing them too!
8. Evaluate Offers Thoughtfully
- Don’t just focus on salary—consider growth, culture, commute, and work-life balance.
- It’s okay to negotiate, especially on pay, PTO, or remote flexibility.
Need Help Getting Started?
Let us know where you are in this process:
- Updating your resume or optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
- Growing your professional network.
- Interview Prep
- Finding the time to apply and search for new opportunities.
We are happy to help. ApplyWithin provides business professionals with specialized resources for career growth opportunities. Visit our website applywithinservices.com to schedule an appointment with a personal recruiter.