6 Basic Steps to Conducting a Job Search

Job searching is the process of seeking new employment that involves multiple things you can do with a variety of ways to approach it. It ranges from networking or initial online searches to applying for a job. Due to the variety and many steps you can take, it can be an overwhelming process, especially if you do not know where to start. Therefore, I have compiled a list of six doable steps you can take to make it easier and help you begin your search smoothly. 

1. Know Yourself 

Understanding who you are and knowing how you work are your best friends when searching for a job. When you know yourself, it will make it easier to help you make decisions. It will also help you confidently speak about yourself. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • What industry or work are you looking for?
  • What area(s) of your professional life are you looking to develop further?
  • Do you have a work environment preference? How do you work best?

2. Determine your Objectives

Create a list of goals or objectives to keep you moving forward in the job searching process. It can feel overwhelming if you do not have a plan to follow or a goal you want to achieve. When you have objectives, it may help you stay clear-minded and feel less stressed. Here are some examples of objectives you may set for yourself:

  • Apply to two job listings every week.
  • Connect with a previous supervisor.
  • Ask family and friends about any job opportunities they know of.

3. Gather your Materials

Draft or update your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. These are essential materials to have ready and updated because they give potential employers a snapshot of who you are as a professional. 

For further information, check out the resume and cover letter resources at KatieCareer Virtual Center and this LinkedIn blog by another Career Assistant. Also, come to the Career Development Center, where we can help you start, edit, and update your resume. We help with cover letters and LinkedIn, too. Schedule it here!

4. Look for Jobs

You can find many jobs online via job search sites, job boards, and company websites. You can also ask your network! This includes your family, relatives, friends, previous employers, and anyone else you may know. Furthermore, you can broaden your network by adding connections; for example, you can reach out to St. Kate’s alumni on LinkedIn.

Here are some online platforms you can use:

Tip: Create a bookmark folder for the sites you visited so that you can keep track of them and check them regularly. Or, click here for a spreadsheet created by a Career Assistant that she used to keep track of jobs.

5. Research Potential Employers and Companies

Researching potential employers is crucial. First, it allows you to better understand the company and will help you determine if it is a fit for you. You can determine this by looking at reviews about the company on platforms like Glassdoor, the company website and LinkedIn page, and any recently published news articles about the company. Second, you can determine the company’s legitimacy, making sure that it is not a scam, which appears to be on the rise. In addition to the actions listed above, you can do a quick Google search to see what comes up and double-check the information about potential employers and companies. 

To learn more, listed below are some resources you can check out:

6. Apply to Job Postings and Reach out to Potential Employers. 

After you have confirmed the legitimacy of potential employers, apply for jobs! If you find any jobs on job boards, make sure to apply for them on the company’s website instead of a third-party platform. This helps lower the risk of being scammed, and you can check that the job listing is real. 

Conclusion

With each step in this blog, starting your job search journey will hopefully be less overwhelming and make it easier to start. Remember to take it step by step; you do not need to do it all at once. Lastly, you are not alone in the job search journey; many others are navigating it too! Click here to read about real experiences, get inspired, and feel encouraged. 

By Gaojia Xiong
Gaojia Xiong
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