10 Job Searching Skills That Will Change Your Life

The job market is competitive. In order to land the job you want, you need to have the right skills. Here are 10 essential job searching skills you need to know about.

1. How to network with other professionals

Get connected with as many people as possible in your field. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and join relevant online communities. The more connections you have, the greater your chances of hearing about job openings before anyone else does.

For all of the mediums below, approach professionals in your industry with questions about career progression and how they may deal with certain industry specific problems/pains, you will find that most experts and professionals enjoy talking about their approach to these problems, use this opportunity to introduce yourself and after they answer just ask if they know of any place that is hiring, then ask if they could introduce you to someone in that organization.

1. Join Professional Organizations

One of the best ways to network with other professionals is to join professional organizations relevant to your field. These organizations usually host regular events where members can mingle and exchange business cards. Attend these events and take the opportunity to chat with other members. You never know when one of those connections might come in handy.

2. Use Social Media

Social media platforms like LinkedIn are great for networking. Use them to connect with other professionals in your field, both in your city and around the world. Join groups related to your industry and participate in discussions. You can also use social media to research companies you're interested in and see if any of your connections work there.

You can also connect with people on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms. When connecting with people online, it's important to be professional and respectful.

3. Attend Industry Events

Another great way to meet other professionals is to attend industry events relevant to your field. These events are usually larger than those hosted by professional organizations and offer more opportunities to mingle and make connections. Many industries also have trade shows that are open to the public, which can be a great place to network if you're looking for a job in that particular field.

Networking is a crucial part of finding a job, but it doesn't have to be difficult or intimidating. There are lots of different ways to network, so find the ones that work best for you and get started today! Who knows, that next connection could be the one that lands you your dream job.

2. Create a Professional Online Presence

In today’s day and age, it is essential to have a professional online presence. This means having a clean and updated resume on sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Prospective employers will absolutely look you up online, so make sure there is nothing that would give them pause.

1. Use a professional email address.

If you are still using an email address that you created when you were in high school, it's time for an update. Create a new email address that uses your first and last name, or some combination thereof. Avoid using cutesy nicknames or anything that could be perceived as unprofessional.

2. Create a LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn is a networking site for professionals. Creating a profile is a great way to connect with other professionals in your field, and it can also be used as an online resume of sorts. Be sure to fill out your profile completely and include links to your website or blog if you have one.

3. Google yourself.

Performing a search of your own name is a good way to see what potential employers will see when they search for you online. If there is anything negative that comes up, take steps to correct it or push it down in the search results by creating new content that will rank higher in the search engines.

4. Keep your personal social media accounts private.

If you have any social media accounts, such as Facebook or Twitter, be sure to set them to private so that only your friends and family can see them. If you do not want potential employers seeing your personal photos or posts, it's best to keep them hidden from view.

5. Start Blogging or Writing Articles

If you want to really control your online presence, start blogging or writing articles about topics related to your industry or field. This will help show off your knowledge and expertise to potential employers. Plus, it will give you more content to share on social media which will help increase your reach even further. Not sure where to start? Check out WordPress, Medium, or LinkedIn Pulse.

With a little effort, you can create an online presence that will impress potential employers and help you get the job you want!

3. The best ways to search for jobs online

Job hunting can be a tough and frustrating process, but with the advent of the internet, it has become easier than ever to find job openings that fit your skills and experience.

1. Use job search engines.

One of the best ways to search for jobs online is to use a job search engine. Job search engines are websites that index job listings from all over the internet in one place. This makes it easy to find jobs that match your skills and interests without having to search through dozens of different websites. Some of the most popular job search engines include Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor.

Try out our job board if you are interested in remote positions, we combine the data of the best job boards out there with a focus on remote jobs! One place, all the remote jobs.

2. Check company websites.

Another great way to find jobs online is to check the websites of companies that you're interested in working for. Many companies post their open positions on their website, so it's a good idea to check back frequently if you're interested in working for a particular company.

3. Sign up for job alerts.

Another helpful tip is to sign up for job alerts from job search engines and websites like Indeed and Monster. Once you've created an account, you can enter your desired job title and location, and then you'll receive email notifications whenever there's a new job listing that matches your criteria. This can save you a lot of time because you won't have to keep checking back manually to see if there are any new openings.

4. How to research different companies and positions

By taking the time to learn about different companies and positions, you can make yourself a more attractive candidate and increase your chances of getting hired. Here's how to go about researching different companies and positions as part of your job search strategy.

1. Identify Your Target Companies

The first step is to identify the companies you would like to work for. Look for businesses that are in line with your interests, values, and skillset. Once you have a list of target companies, you can begin researching them.

2. Research the Company's History

Once you have identified your target companies, it's time to start researching them. A good place to start is by looking up the company's history. What does the company do? How did it get started? What are its core values? This information can help you decide if the company is a good fit for you and give you something to talk about in an interview.

3. Look Up the Company's Reviews

In addition to researching the company's history, you should also look up reviews of the company online. See what employees have to say about working there. Are they happy with their jobs? Do they feel like they're being treated well? This information can help you get a better sense of what it would be like to work for the company and whether or not it is somewhere you would be happy working.

4. Research Open Positions at The Company

Once you have a general idea of what the company does and what employees think of working there, you can start looking into specific open positions at the company. What are the requirements for the position? What skills would be helpful? This information can help you tailor your resume and cover letter specifically for the position and give you a better chance of getting hired.

5. The art of resume writing

A resume is a document that outlines your qualifications, experiences, and skills in order to land a job. In this day and age, there are many different ways to write a resume, but not all methods are created equal. If you want your resume to stand out from the rest and increase your chances of getting the job you want, then keep reading. The following tips will show you how to write a resume that will impress potential employers and help you land the job of your dreams.

1. Keep it Relevant

When writing your resume, make sure to only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. There is no need to include every single job you have ever had or list every single skill you possess. Instead, focus on highlighting the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. This will help you create a targeted resume that speaks directly to the needs of the employer.

2. Use Keywords

When an employer is looking through resumes, they often use keywords to help them find qualified candidates. Therefore, it is important to use keywords throughout your resume so that it comes up when employers are searching for candidates with your skillset. Do some research on the company and the position you are applying for and then incorporate relevant keywords into your resume.

3. Highlight Your Accomplishments

Your resume should highlight your accomplishments rather than simply listing your job duties. An employer wants to see what you have accomplished in previous roles in order to get an idea of what you would be capable of accomplishing in their company. Whenever possible, use numbers and data points to really showcase your impact in previous roles. For example, instead of saying “managed a team of 10 people” say “led a team of 10 people to achieve a 20% increase in sales”.

4. Format Your Resume Properly

Your resume should be easy to read and free of any typos or grammatical errors. Use simple language and clear formatting so that potential employers can easily skim your resume and pull out the most important information. Stick to one or two fonts at most and use headers and bullet points to break up large blocks of text.

5. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Rather than sending out the same generic resume for every job application, take the time to tailor each resume so that it specifically addresses the requirements of each individual role. This extra step will take some time, but it is well worth it as it will show employers that you are truly interested in the role and that you have the skillset required to succeed in their company.

6. How to stay motivated during your job search

Job hunting can be a long and difficult process. It's easy to get discouraged, especially if you've been looking for a while with no results. However, it's important to stay motivated during your job search so that you can keep trying and eventually find the right job for you. Here are some tips on how to stay motivated during your job search.

1. Set realistic expectations.

It's important to set realistic expectations when job hunting. Don't expect to find your dream job right away. It may take months of searching before you find something that's a good fit. Be patient and keep trying, and you'll eventually find something that's right for you.

2. Create a schedule.

When you're unemployed, it's easy to let your days become one big blur. Creating a schedule can help you stay on track and feel like you're accomplishing something each day. Dedicate a certain number of hours each day to job hunting, and stick to it as best as you can. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.

3. Take breaks.

Make sure to take breaks during your job search so that you don't get burnt out. Go for walks, read books, watch movies—do anything that will help you relax and rejuvenate yourself. It's important to have some balance in your life, even when you're unemployed.

4. Reach out to your network.

Your network is one of your most valuable resources when job hunting. Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues to see if they know of any openings at companies where you might be a good fit. They may be able to put in a good word for you or at least give you some insider information about the hiring process.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

It's easy to get discouraged when you're applying for jobs and not hearing back from employers. When this happens, it's important to celebrate small wins. Maybe you landed an interview or got a positive response to an application. Whatever the case may be, pat yourself on the back and give yourself a little credit—you deserve it!

7. How to prepare for job interviews

Never go into an interview blind; that’s a recipe for disaster. Do your research ahead of time and come prepared with questions of your own for the interviewer(s). This will not only show that you’re interested in the role but also that you took the time to prepare—always a good impression to make!

When it comes time for your interview, exuding confidence—even if you have to fake it till you make it is very important to increase your chances of reaching negotiation stages. Remember, the person interviewing you wants to see that you believe in yourself and your abilities; they don’t want to hire someone who seems scared or unsure of themselves.

The key to be confident is in your preparation. By taking the time to research the company, the position, and your own qualifications, you'll be in a much better position to negotiate for the salary you deserve. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for job interviews so that you can increase your chances of reaching a successful negotiation.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for job interviews so that you can increase your chances of reaching a successful negotiation.

1. Do your research.

Before you even step into an interview, you should have a good understanding of the company, the position, and your own qualifications. This will give you a strong foundation to build from when it comes time to negotiate your salary.

2. Know your worth.

It's important that you know how much you're worth in the marketplace so that you don't end up selling yourself short. Use salary calculators and talk to people in similar positions to get an idea of what a fair salary would be for the role you're interviewing for.

3. Be prepared to compromise.

Remember that negotiation is a two-way street. You may not get everything you want, but if you're prepared to compromise, you'll be more likely to reach an agreement that works for both parties.

4. Practice, practice, practice.

You wouldn't go into an important meeting without preparing first, so why would you go into a job interview without doing the same? Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or family member so that you feel more confident and comfortable when it comes time for the real thing.

After each interview, make sure to send a thank-you note (either by email or snail mail) within 24 hours. This shows that you appreciate their time as well as gives you one last opportunity to sell yourself for the role—use it wisely!

Here is a guide on how to follow-up after the interview.

8. Dealing with rejection

Don’t get discouraged if things aren’t happening as quickly as you would like them too; finding a job can often take longer than expected (especially if you’re picky about where you want to work). Stay positive and keep plugging away; eventually, something will come up!

The key is to not let the rejection get you down and to keep moving forward. Here are some tips on how to handle rejection during your job search.

1. Don't take it personally.

It can be tempting to take rejection personally, but it's important to remember that it's not about you as a person. In many cases, employers are simply looking for someone with a specific skill set or experience level that you may not have. It doesn't mean that you're not qualified or capable, it just means that you're not the right fit for that particular job.

2. Use each rejection as motivation.

It can be easy to get discouraged after being rejected, but try to use each rejection as motivation to keep going. Remember, every "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes." Each time you receive a rejection, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. What could you have done differently? What can you do better next time?

3. Learn from your mistakes.

If you keep getting rejected, take a step back and analyze your job search process. Are you tailoring your resume and cover letter to each individual job? Are you networking with people in your industry? If not, there may be some areas where you can improve. Use each rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow so you can eventually land the job you want.

Rejection is never easy, but it's a normal part of the job search process. Don't take it personally, use it as motivation to keep going, and learn from your mistakes so you can improve your chances of getting hired next time around. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to land the job you're looking for in no time!

9. Salary negotiation tips

Negotiating your salary can be a daunting task, especially if you've never done it before. The good news is that with a little preparation, you can earn the salary you deserve. Here are four tips to help you negotiate your salary like a pro.

1. Do your research

Do your research and know how much money you should be making for the role you want. Don’t undersell yourself—if you do, you’ll only end up resenting your new employer later on down the road. Having said that, also be realistic about your expectations; if you’re early in your career, you likely won’t be earning top dollar just yet. Here's how to go about researching different companies and positions as part of your job search strategy.

2. Know your worth

In addition to knowing the average salary for your position, you should also know your own worth. Consider your skills and experience and how they add value to the company. This will help you determine how much you should be paid.

In truth, knowing your worth is something that will come with time, as you apply for more jobs, change jobs, talk to coworkers about compensation, you will develop a better understanding of your worth in your market.

3. Be prepared to compromise

When it comes to negotiating your salary, it's important to be prepared to compromise. You may not get everything you want, but if you're able to negotiate a fair salary, it will be worth it in the end. Remember, the goal is to come to an agreement that is beneficial for both parties involved.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for what you want. If you don't ask, you'll never know what could have been. It's important to be assertive but also polite when negotiating your salary. Be confident in yourself and your abilities, and remember that you are worth more than what they are offering.

Also, what is the worse that could happen? You would probably get a counter offer, or if the company isn't willing to negotiate then you will be dodging a bullet anyways.

10. When to accept the job

You've gone through the job interview process and you think it went well. The interviewer seemed interested in what you had to say and you made a good impression. Now it's time to make a decision: should you accept the job?

Before you say yes, it's important to take a step back and assess whether or not the job is actually a good fit for you. Here are four important questions to ask yourself before making a decision.

1. Do the Job Requirements Match Your Skillset?

One of the most important things to consider when deciding whether or not to accept a job is whether or not the job requirements match your skillset. If they don't, it's probably not worth your time to pursue the position further. For example, if you're applying for a job that requires five years of experience and you only have two years of experience, chances are the interviewer won't even consider you for the role.

2. Will the Job Allow You to Grow?

It's important to find a job that will allow you to grow both professionally and personally. Otherwise, you'll quickly become bored and uninterested in the work you're doing. If the job you're considering doesn't offer any opportunity for growth, it might be best to keep looking.

3. Is the Company Culture Good?

The company culture is another important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to accept a job. After all, you'll be spending 40+ hours per week at this company so it's important that you feel like you fit in with the team. If the company culture is toxic or unproductive, it's probably not worth your time to pursue the position further.

4. Am I being paid what I'm worth?

This is a tough question, but it's an important one to consider nonetheless. You don't want to find yourself undervalued and underpaid in your new position—that will only lead to frustration down the road. Do some research on salary ranges for similar positions before your interview so that you have a good idea of what you should be paid if offered the job. Then, during negotiations, be sure to hold your ground and fight for what you deserve.

5. Do I like the people I'll be working with?

You spend more time at work than anywhere else, so it's important that you enjoy the company of your co-workers. During the interview process, pay attention to how you feel around the people you meet. Do they make you feel comfortable? Do they seem like people you could see yourself being friends with? If not, it might be a sign that this isn't the right place for you.

6. Is this a good fit for my lifestyle?

In today's world, it can be easy to forget that there's more to life than work. But it's important to consider how a potential new job will fit into your overall lifestyle before making any decisions. Will the hours be reasonable? Will there be opportunities for flexible working arrangements? Will I have enough time for my family and hobbies? If not, it might be time to look for something else.