Decide what a “better job” means to you

Better doesn’t necessarily mean a bigger salary. It could mean career progression, flexible work, greater stability, better leadership, more interesting work or improved work-life balance.

Identify the roles you actually want

Avoid searching for everything vaguely related to your experience. Choose several realistic target job titles so your search is more focused.

Know your strongest skills

Identify the skills you use well and enjoy using. These should become prominent themes throughout your resume, LinkedIn profile and interviews.

Identify your transferable skills

If you’re changing careers, look beyond job titles. Communication, stakeholder management, customer service, leadership, problem solving, administration and project coordination can transfer across industries.

Review your recent acheivements

Think about what you’ve improved, changed, delivered, saved, increased, reduced or introduced in your recent roles.

Write down your career goals

Having a clear direction makes it easier to decide which opportunities are worth pursuing.

Research realistic salary expectations

Understand the salary range for your target roles before applications and interviews begin.

Identify gaps in your experience

Review several advertisements for your target roles and look for recurring skills, systems, licences or qualifications you may need to develop.

Don’t apply simply because you dislike your current job

Think carefully about what you want next so you don’t move from one unsuitable position into another.

Set weekly job-search goals

Create achievable targets for applications, networking, LinkedIn activity, follow-ups and professional development.

Stop using one resume for every job

Your base resume can remain consistent, but the emphasis should change depending on the position you’re targeting.

Put your most relevant information first

Recruiters shouldn’t have to search through your resume to understand why you’re suitable.

Include employer names

Each employment entry should clearly identify the employer, your position and dates of employment

Use recognisable job titles

If your internal job title is unusual, consider adding a widely recognised equivalent where appropriate.

Searching Online for Jobs

Most companies place advertisements for a job on the web. Make sure to look at both the location and the job title. Repeat this every day. It will ensure that you will be one of the first people to apply when a new job gets listed.

Look for Work From Home Roles

Some companies allow you to work from home in several different capacities. These jobs can be a great opportunity. But be aware that not all of them will be reputable. Real work at home jobs do exist, but you will need to search a little harder for them.

Misspell Search Terms

When searching for a role like an engineer, you’ll naturally search for the terms “Engineer.” But you should also complete a search for “Engineer” and “Engineering.” Mistakes happen, and some businesses will use different phrasing. These roles can appear in separate listings.

Be Open to Travelling for the Right Opportunity

If you only live five minutes away from the office, consider opening your search up to the surrounding towns and city to increase the number of opportunities available. Travelling a little further might be worth it if you can get yourself a higher paying position.

Get Specific With Your Search

If you’re hunting for a job in a larger field, try narrowing down your search to eliminate positions that you don’t want. For example, if you search “Sales,” you’ll get a lot of listings that won’t suit your requirements. Finetune it to search specifically for something like “Pharmaceutical Sales.” This way, you’ll get the right jobs returned to you.

Check the Newspapers for Job Listings

Newspapers still exist, and they still publish local jobs. Use the classifieds in the local papers. Most of them even have an online classified section to search through for businesses looking for employees.

Search Job Ads Based on Your Skills Instead of Job Title

If you are a professional teacher with all of the relevant qualifications, then you might be eligible to apply for roles outside of schools. Your skills are transferrable to positions requiring administrative jobs, coaching, and tutoring in the education system. It could be an excellent way to get a foot in the door.

Utilise Your Skills in Other Fields

If you can sell cars, then don’t rule yourself out of selling other items such as business services, office equipment, and even medications. Skills like these are useful in many fields and are very useful to potential employers.

Get in Touch With a Recruiter or Career Coach

Recruitment companies can help you get anything from an entry-level position to an executive position. So consider registering with recruiters who are experts at finding work in your chosen field.

Avoiding Scams

Sadly, there are a lot of people out there looking to take advantage of those looking for work. Some may make the promise of “work at home” only to discover you don’t get paid. Others may charge for a list of job ads. You don’t need to pay to find a job or a legitimate advertisement.

Publish Your Resume on Reputable Sites

You can make your resume to employers for immediate download. This approach can save a company from having to advertise a role. After you publish your resume to a job site, download it so you can see what they will see. Test to make sure it prints out correctly too. There’s no need to include your referee’s contact details. Just provide your essential contact details so they can reach out to you.

Create Articles Focussing on Your Previous Experience

If you have a way with words, consider publishing an article for a trade journal or other business. If you don’t know any publications, write an online post for a social media group or page. This will help build a reputation for you and establishes you as an expert.

Send Out as Many Applications as You Can

The more resumes you send, the more likely you’ll get considered for an interview. You’re also more likely to get the job that you want. But never send out applications without targeting it to a job you are interested in. You should also never send the same cover letter out. As long as you’re targeted with who send the resumes and cover letters to, you can send out than you think you need to.

Set up a Blog or Site to Promote Yourself

Another way to establish yourself as an expert is to set up a blog. Keep the articles related to your work and experience. You can refer employers to your site as a reference for your knowledge of the industry.

Do You Already Have a Job?

Searching for a new job when you’re still employed can make life a little easier. You’ll continue receiving a salary, so it takes away some of the urgency of finding something. When you don’t have to stress about your bills, you can spend more time concentrating on finding the right job.

Have a Positive Persona Online

If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, make sure you either have a private profile or presenting yourself as best as you can. While an employer may not be able to view all of your posts, they may be able to see your profile photo and other personal information. So make sure there’s nothing too incriminating.

Display an Online Portfolio

If you’re searching for a role in the creative arts, then you can design an online portfolio to showcase your talents. This approach allows employers to get access to a variety of your samples. It provides them with a real opportunity to see what you are capable of.

Reach Out to Your Friends and Family

If you haven’t already gotten in touch with your family and friends, let them know you are searching for a job. They may know someone that is hiring. These people may also throw in a personal recommendation to help get you in the door.

Ask Around if Anyone is Leaving a Great Job?

IIf you know someone leaving a job due to family reasons or relocation, see if they would be open to referring you. You might be able to get an application in for their position before they advertise it to everyone else.

Join a Local Business Association

Local business groups and the Chamber of Commerce are great places to network. The people here have their ears to the street and may be able to help you in your search for your next job. They may even let you know about roles before they are even advertised.

Let Your Social Connections Know You’re Available for Work

If you’re on social media sites, let your connections know that you’re job hunting. Just like your family and friends, your network might know of someone hiring and help you get in touch with them.

Buddy Up With Other Job Seekers

If you know other people who are also looking for work, then why not help each other out. Even if you are seeking a similar job in an identical field, you might have different contacts that are worth reaching out to.

Do You Go to Church?

Another great place to network is at your local church. Let the other parishioners know what you are searching for. They may be aware of a job opening and give you a referral.

Utilise Resources From Your Previous Employer

Sometimes an employer may offer assistance in the form of Career coaching, resume help, and even retraining. Some of these can be quite costly but are made available to you for free. Be sure to take advantage as these professionals will help set you on the right path.

Put in an Application for Unemployment Benefits

If you meet the criteria, you should consider applying for unemployment benefits as soon as you can. Even if you’re confident in getting a new job quickly, it’s worth starting the process just in case it takes longer than expected. Some offices even offer job services and training help to get you back on your feet.

Structure Your Time Like You Would a Full-Time Job

When you’ve got time on your hands, it can be easy to waste it. To combat any complacency, set yourself work hours to find a new job. Utilise the time perfecting your resume, submitting applications, and researching employers for interviews.

Don’t Get Too Comfortable

It’s easy to treat the time out of work as a holiday. However, you should have an end date for your break and get to work on finding a job. The more comfortable you start getting out of work, the harder it will be to return.

Create a New List Each Day

Create a plan for the day to help you remain productive. Set a target goal and cross every item off your list as you complete it. This will keep you on track and help you achieve the purpose of getting back in the workplace.

Be Easy to Contact

Make sure the phone number you advertise on your resume is one that you plan on answering immediately or at least has voicemail. Make these calls a priority as they’re your best chance of getting back to work.

Use a Professional Email Address

Make sure your email address doesn’t contain any nicknames. While you might think it could be a good icebreaker for the interview, many might not even consider you for one based on it.

Have a Professional Voicemail

Your voicemail might be the first time an employer hears your voice. So make sure that it’s professional and isn’t offensive to anyone who may have to listen to it.

Apply for Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet

Don’t wait for an ad or job posting. Send your resume to any business in your industry. You never know. You might find an opening that hasn’t been advertised yet, or you might get considered for something they didn’t think they needed.

Send Applications to Unconventional Businesses

Don’t be restricted to your own industry. Other businesses could use your skills too. Places like hospitals don’t just hire doctors and nurses. They need IT people, marketing, administration, and more. This also applies to other large organisations.

Apply for Roles Beneath Your Current Position

If you’re not working or desperate for a change, apply for a role that is the next step down from your current job. You can sacrifice the authority for a better working environment and working conditions.

Go for Jobs Above Your Current Position

It can be scary to go for a role that’s more responsibility than what you’re used to. But if you’ve got the skills and experience, now could be the perfect time to take the leap.

Seek Out Part-Time Jobs

Even though a job is advertised as part-time, you might be able to negotiate more hours. If it’s at a company that you really want to work for, taking a part-time role is a good way to get your foot in the door. It might lead to something bigger and better later.

Learn How to Pitch Yourself

You’re going to be talking about yourself a lot, so it’s best you work on a confident way to describe yourself. Aim for a short one or two sentence speech about who you are and what you’re all about. When you’re prepared, you’ll be confident talking about yourself, which will help you in your interview.

Use Old School Techniques

Technology is great, but sometimes submitting your application and following with a call is a good approach. Research the company and find the position online, then post in a printed resume. This will help you stand out amongst the emails in an inbox.

Focus on Organisations You Want to Work For

In your field, there must be a dream company that you want to work for. Visit their sites and see if they’re hiring. You may find positions listed that they haven’t advertised anywhere else.

Look Locally

While a lot of companies advertise their jobs online, some small companies don’t. Check your local paper for employment at these businesses, as this where they’ll like get promoted.

Look to the Government Sector

Governments are big employers. This encompasses local, state, and federal jobs in a range of different fields. Visit the regional offices and see if they would benefit your skills and experience.

Check-In With Local Institutions

You’ll be amazed at some of the places people will advertise jobs. Take a look at the local University or TAFE. You’ll find a job board for part-time work and potentially some Career coaching roles if you used to be a student. Even if you didn’t attend that particular school.

Enrol in a Course

If you’ve got some free time on your hands, enrol in a course. You can refresh your existing skills or develop something brand new. Either way, make the most of the spare time by getting some fresh qualifications..

Take a Class

If you’re missing out on a particular skill for a job, consider taking a class to fulfil the requirement. Many of these can be completed online. However, a night class will help you practice your skills and give you real-time feedback.

Check the Organisation’s Websites

If you hold any memberships with a trade or professional organisations, check their job listings. These groups are usually the first to know about roles that are to be advertised.

Join a Trade Organisation

If there is a trade group within your industry, become a member. Check their website and publications for potential job leads.

Contact the Union

Belonging to a union has its benefits, including job support. They can provide notice of job openings and access job training updates. This can include learning about new technologies or materials relevant to your profession.

Work to Become an Expert in Your Field

While you might have plenty of experience in your profession, you need to prove it. Speak at conferences, contribute to publications, and post relevant content to websites and blogs. The more people who know your name, the higher the chance you will get a new job.

Attend Job Expos

If you see a job expo advertised, be sure to attend. Bring your resume along to hand out. You should be prepared to make contacts that could potentially lead to an interview. You could secure a position or call back on the spot, saving you time going through the normal process.

Learn About the Most Popular New Fields

Do some research into what jobs are currently in the highest demand. Your skillset may be a good match. If you search for in-demand roles, you’ll have a much better chance of securing the position.

Ensure Your Certifications Are Up to Date

Before you start applying for jobs, make sure your licenses and certifications are up to date. You also need to be sure to list this on your resume. Companies are looking for specific professional criteria, so make sure they’re clearly visible.

Keep Detailed Records

M sure you keep a record of who and where you’re sending your resume. When you get a call, you can refer back to your notes and be certain about what resume and cover letter version you email through.

Follow Up on Applications

After sending a resume, follow up with a phone call after a week. This can lead to a conversation and potentially an interview. If you don’t feel comfortable, send an email instead. But this isn’t as effective as talking to the recruiter.

Practice Your Interview Skills

In your spare time, work on your interview skills before you meet with an employer. Think about your talking points and also prepare some real-life examples of questions they may ask. You can even try some role-playing with a friend before your interview.

Do Your Research

The interviewer will know everything about you, so why not do the same to them. If you know who’s interviewing you, look them up and get a sense of what they are about and how you can prepare.

Demonstrate Confidence

Prepare for everything that the employer might pick apart. You might have gaps in your resume or not enough experience for the role. Prepare your answers to these questions and show that you’re confident and excited about being part of the team.

Prepare for the Common Questions

If you’ve attended a lot of interviews, you’ll start to notice the same sort of questions coming up again and again. “Where do you see yourself in ten years” or “What are your strengths and opportunities” come up often. You need to be prepared to answer this question like it’s the first time you’ve been asked.

Work on Your Phone Manner

Treat any phone call as if it could be from a potential employer. Answer it professionally and treat it as an interview. You’ll be judged the second you pick up the phone, whether you’re ready or not.

Keep Your Mobile Phone Off During the Interview

Your phone needs to be off as soon as you enter the building for an interview. Not silent or do not disturb, completely off. It’s not a good look if it starts ringing or buzzing while you’re in a conversation with your potential employers.

Create a List for the Interview

Come up with a list of questions you would like to ask during the interview. You should also prepare some answers to questions you might be expecting to come your way.

Prepare for Criticism

You should prepare yourself for questions about why you left a company or why you’re not employed at the moment. You might even get asked what you’re doing with yourself while you’re not working. They’ll expect an answer, so make sure that you have one ready.

Be Positive

While a lot of companies advertise their jobs online, some small companies don’t. Check your local paper for employment at these businesses, as this where they’ll like get promoted.

Be Honest

Don’t exaggerate qualifications, experience, or skills. It will only cause trouble in the long run. If you don’t possess something they’re looking for, refer to another talent and how you’re willing to learn something new for the purpose of the role.

Dress for the Job You Want

It doesn’t matter if you’re applying for a job in an office or not. Make sure that you look professional when meeting with the interviewer. Your presentation can make the difference as to whether or not you get hired.

Speak Professionally

Even if you know the interviewer or feel comfortable with them, avoid swearing and using slang terms. It’s still an evaluation, no matter how casual the space. Don’t let your language impact your chances of getting hired.

Get a Mentor or Career Coach

A mentor can help steer you in the right direction career-wise. Most of them are established professionals and have plenty of contacts. If you don’t have one, then now could be the time to look into getting inspired by one.

Make a Note of Your Interviewers’ Names

Using the name of the interviewers is an excellent way to build rapport. Make a note of who you’re speaking to. If you forget their names, don’t try to wing it, just in case you say the wrong one.

Be Nice to Everybody

It’s important to build rapport with not only the people making the hiring decisions but everyone else in the office. From the security guards to the receptionists, they all hold influence in the office, and being respectful to them will go a long way.

Prepare for Delays

Don’t schedule other appointments around your interview. This will cause you to rush through the conversation, and you’ll struggle to concentrate on the job at hand. They might even throw you a curveball, so it’s best not to have any other plans, just in case they need to keep you around longer.

Get There Early

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive early for an interview. You need to consider things like parking or delayed public transport. You also don’t want to give a wrong first impression to the interviewers.

Meeting for a Lunch Interview?

If you’re meeting for lunch, remember table manners and avoid alcohol even if the interviewer is partaking. Get something easy to eat that’s not too messy. You don’t want to leave the restaurant with hot sauce on your fingers because you felt like wings.

Preparing for a Second Interview

If you nailed the first interview, get ready to do some thorough research and preparation for the second one. Everything will be a little harder, and you’ll likely need to get into more detail with your answers.

Send the Interviewer a Thank You Note

After the interview, it’s polite to send a note or email a few days later thanking the interviewers for the opportunity to meet. This is not something that many applicants do. But it will help you stand out and hopefully keep you at the top of the list.

Prepare for More Than One Interview

You might have to speak to multiple people within the organisation. Don’t be surprised if you have to chat with interviewers in HR, managers, and even the CEO. They will all have different questions and want to know varying things, so try to have an answer prepared for anything that might come your way.

Line Up Your Referees Before the Interview

Make sure that your referees know about any interviews so they can also prepare if the interviewers contact them for a reference. If they’re not ready for the call, then they might not give you the best referral.

Understand the Pay Rates

One of the questions you might get asked is your salary expectations. You should have an answer ready. This way you’ll know if their offer is any good or not.

Read All of the Materials That You’re Given

If you get provided any literature about the company programs, or other details, make sure to read them thoroughly when you get home. A benefits package can add a significant amount of value to your compensation, and a terrible one can hurt you in the long run.

Register as a Temp Worker

Temping isn’t for everyone, but it brings in some money and will give you insights into a new type of employment opportunity. It’s also common for some of these roles to turn into permanent positions.

Teach Others What You’ve Learned

Some colleges hire experts in their industries or who have experience in a particular area. You don’t necessarily need a teaching degree, and it can increase your network, which may lead to a job opportunity somewhere outside of the tertiary system.

Research Jobs in High Demand

Particular roles are always in demand for various reasons. If you’re thinking of a career change, one of these fields may be worth considering. Do some research and look into courses while you’re waiting for a job to come along.

Explore Special Interest Help

If you fall into a special interest category, there may be assistance available via the local employment commission or Veteran’s Affairs office. Have a chat with these offices to see if you qualify for help.

Create Your Own Business

If you can’t find a job, consider starting your own company. You can try consulting for other businesses in your current field or taking up something entirely different.

Look Into Seasonal Positions

Depending on the time of year, you might be able to get a seasonal position. This can bring in money immediately. Some of them might become full-time positions if you’re good enough and work hard. You should make the most of these opportunities

Don’t Let Your Age Put You Off

Age discrimination does exist. However, it’s not always the reason why someone doesn’t get a job. Be open to changing your resume and presentation if you’re not having any luck securing a role instead of blaming it on discrimination.

Never Give Up

It takes time to find the right job. But you will find it. While you’re searching for this position, it’s crucial that you stay motivated through your daily activities. Don’t be discouraged, and don’t stop searching for the right job for you.