My Job

Are you looking for a new job? What is the best way to start a job search, find companies that want to interview you, and get hired?

Here are ten steps you can take to find a new job, including where to look for jobs, the best job sites to use, how to use your connections to help your job search, how to ace the interview, how to follow up, and more advice on how to get hired for your next job.

Find the Best Job Postings

What are the best websites to use to find job openings quickly? Examine the best job search engine sites, job boards, company websites, networking sites, niche job sites, and sites organized by job type.

Consider working with a recruiter to maximize your opportunities. Examine a list of the best job sites to get started.

Maintain Your Job Search Concentration

When looking for work, use advanced search options to find jobs by using keywords that match your interests, the type of job you want, and the location where you want to work.

Narrowing your search criteria will help you focus your job search and provide you with more relevant job listings to review and fewer non-relevant job listings to weed through. Use advanced search options to narrow your search to a specific location and position.

Create Your Professional Brand

Create profiles on LinkedIn and other social networking sites. A strong personal brand that portrays you in a professional light will give recruiters, employers, and contacts a strong positive impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in.

Connect with Your Contacts

Begin using your networking profiles now that you've created them. Connect with everyone you know because you never know who might be able to assist you with your job search or put you in touch with someone who can.

If you're a recent college graduate, look into the networking opportunities available to your university's alumni. Do you belong to any professional organizations? It will be another good source of networking leads.

Use Job Search Apps and Tools

There are numerous apps, widgets, gadgets, and tools available to help you expedite your job search and manage your career. Use them to organize your job search and save time. Many of your job search activities will be accessible via your smartphone or tablet.

Make a list of companies for which you'd like to work.

Do you have a list of companies you'd like to work for? If not, it's a good idea to research company information and make a list of companies to target in your job search. All of the information you require is available online, and it is simple to find detailed information about potential employers.

Once you've narrowed down your list of dream employers, you can do some extra outreach to get your application noticed. You may even be able to sign up for email notifications of new job openings as soon as they are posted.

Take the Time to Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

How do employers know you have the skills they're looking for? You'll have to show them. Take the time to write targeted resumes and cover letters that specifically link your qualifications to the hiring criteria for the jobs you're applying for.

The hiring manager will be able to see right away why and how you are qualified for the position. You'll have a much better chance of getting an interview than if you just sent a generic letter and resume.

Prepare to Win the Interview

Preparing for an interview ahead of time will help you succeed. The better prepared you are, the less stressful it will be.

Before going to the interview, do your research on the company, dress appropriately, practice answering and asking interview questions, and make a concerted effort to impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, confidence, and expertise.

Don't Forget to Follow Up

It's critical to thank everyone you met with after an interview. Also, reiterate your interest in the position and remind the hiring manager of your qualifications.

Everyone enjoys being appreciated, and a quick email or note thanking the interviewer for his or her time will provide you with another opportunity to make a good impression.

Accept (or decline) a Job Offer

When you receive a job offer, take the time to carefully evaluate it so you can make an informed decision to accept or reject it.

You do not have to accept a job simply because it was offered to you; instead, carefully consider it and decline politely. Remember that it does not have to be a "yes" or "no" decision. You may be able to negotiate the terms by making a counter-offer. Alternatively, you may be able to negotiate some additional benefits that will make the job more appealing.