Ready to make a professional move in 2024? Searching for the best job search strategies to help you get started?
We’re here to help.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time or freelance position in the marketing, creative, tech, fashion, beauty, or retail sectors, starting your job search can feel like a daunting task. From updating your resume to scouring job postings for open positions and reaching out to your professional network – there is no shortage of things to consider.
Here are some of the best job search tips to help you streamline the process.
Looking for a new job?
LEAN ON YOUR NETWORK FOR THE BEST JOB SEARCH POTENTIAL
One of the best job search tools at your disposal is your very own professional network. This could be comprised of past managers and colleagues, mentors, friends, former classmates, LinkedIn connections, and others you’ve met during your career.
If a former colleague is now working in a position that you’re interested in, reach out and ask if they can provide some guidance that could be helpful in your own job search. If your old college friend works in an industry you’re interested in, ask them to chat so you can learn more about how you might leverage your experience and transferable skills within that industry.
And don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn. If there is a specific company you want to work for, research the company on LinkedIn and filter your search for people who work there to see if you have any mutual connections. If you feel comfortable, send a message, express your interest, and inquire more about the company.
THOROUGHLY UPDATE YOUR RESUME
If it’s been a while since you last looked for a job, chances are your resume needs a revamp.
You’ll want to make sure that your professional experience and skills are up to date and that you remove any dated language or information. If you’re using your resume to apply for a specific job, make sure you’re targeting keywords from the actual job listing.
PAY AMPLE ATTENTION TO YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE
As you work on updating your resume, don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile as well. Your LinkedIn About section should tell a concise but compelling story. Who are you? What is your expertise? What are your professional passions? What top accomplishments are you most proud of?
If you have any professional work you’d like to feature, such as thought leadership articles, designs, presentations, videos, or any other type of work samples you’d like to spotlight – include those in the Featured section.
Finally, make sure your Experience section is up to date. You can mirror your resume here or give a more high-level overview of primary responsibilities with each previous employer.
SPRUCE UP YOUR PORTFOLIO
For those in the creative and marketing field, one of the most important job search tips is to have an eye-catching digital portfolio.
This portfolio should capture the span of your capabilities while giving the viewer a glimpse into your creative style. Like your resume and LinkedIn profile, your portfolio should include your most recent and relevant work. You’ll also want to make sure the user experience is simple and easy to follow. Your latest work, biography, contact information, and resume should all be easy to find.
WORK WITH 24 SEVEN
If you want to get the most out of your job search, consider working with the specialized recruiters at 24 Seven. We are tapped into a vast network of companies in the creative, marketing, digital, fashion, beauty, and retail spaces hiring full-time and freelance professionals just like you and we often know of jobs before they’re even posted.
If you are ready to have a free job resource at your disposal, contact our recruiters today.
This post was updated on January 17, 2024.
