Finding the perfect job can sometimes become a hassle, especially if you are working in a position that is not the perfect fit. Whether it be your co-workers, higher-ups or the nature of the job in general, sticking to a job that you don’t like can leave you feeling unhappy or even depressed, which can really take a toll on your mental health. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to leave a job, usually because the paycheck is needed to pay off your living expenses. However, there are ways to accelerate a job search, even when you’re working a full-time job.
1. Spend some time on the weekend perfecting your resume and cover letter.
A well-written cover letter and resume are vital for getting the job you want. Sometimes it is hard to perfect it the first time around though. Try to spend an hour a day on the weekend making sure your cover letter and resume genuinely reflect your skills and will help you get the job you want. Specifically, make sure each cover letter is custom written to meet the companies needs and culture. Make sure both your resume and cover letter, have no typos or grammatical mistakes. Also, use the same font for both to make them more cohesive.
2. Go to conferences and build professional connections.
Often, after work conferences happen for companies to get to know each other better on a general and individual level. Try to go at least once a month and talk to people from a company that you might be interested in working for. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their job. Ask if they enjoy working there overall and what the company culture is like, or anything similar to that. Talk to people from various companies and see if they can answer your questions.
3. When searching for jobs, make sure they are still relevant to your field, but not so much that the post sounds too similar to your current position.
While it is a good idea to keep your job search in your field, try not to focus on jobs that look like the one you are currently working at. Often, skill sets in a related field coincide with a domain you now work in. For example, a skill set of a Social Media Manager vs. a Content Manager has a lot in common, specifically regarding brand development, storytelling, and data analysis. Another good idea is to look at the employers, and their company profile to see if their goals and culture match what you are currently searching for. This process will also save you time and give you a better success rate with your search.
4. Direct message professionals on LinkedIn and ask them for advice.
LinkedIn is a great site to make professional connections. Don’t be afraid to sign in and message professionals, specifically those who have a couple of more years of experience in your field. Ask questions like “How did you get where you are today?”, “What are some of the most desired skills professionals are looking for?”, “What steps did you have to take to find your current job?”, “Is there anything you wish you did a few years ago to really stand out from the candidate pool?” While everyone is different, asking a person questions about their past and present professional self will help you figure out where you need to build your skillset and what steps you need to take to do that.
5. Ask people you know to see if they know anyone hiring in their field.
Connections are always good, no matter where they come from. More often than not, you probably have a relative that works in your field and will put in a good word for you. Usually, a company will care more about your professional background more than anything, so having a lot of connections and using them to your professional advantage is always a good thing. Don’t be afraid to ask friends, relatives, and past employers if they know anyone hiring in your field. This will help you find a dream job sooner than you know it.
