Job hunting could be one hell of a ride if you ask me. You are juggling loads of tasks while ensuring you only exude the ideal persona of a candidate. Sometimes when you are too caught up between submitting resumes, responding to emails, and preparing for interviews, you tend to forget some crucial things. So if you think you forget something, listen to your guts.

Have a look at this breakdown of essential things you should never miss in your job search.

 

Things to Remember When Looking for a Job

 

1. Identify what you want

 

It’s always about pursuing a better opportunity than the last. With that in mind, you must first break down why you are looking for a new career. You might be looking for better opportunities, career growth, higher pay, closer location, competitive benefits, and more.

Indecisiveness will lead you nowhere; when you know precisely what you are looking for, you are bound to get it. That’s why it is crucial to start off this search by identifying what you want to find.

 

2. Clear up any undesirable digital footprint

 

Today, checking out your social media is one way to find out how you fit a particular position. In fact, 70% of employers have used it in research applicants based on a CareerBuilder survey. And among them, 57% of them found content that made them reject applicants. This makes it only logical to ensure your social media accounts are work-appropriate and updated.

Clean up your social media accounts from embarrassing posts, unprofessional habits, and offensive content. Leave a remarkable digital footprint that employers will find ideal.

 

3. Update your personal email

 

In your job hunt, make sure your personal email looks professional—you know the drill. Also, do not use your current work email as you will lose access to it once you officially leave your work.

Update your email details by adding a professional photo next to your name. Gmail lets you use this feature, so make use of it. Lastly, keep your email signature up-to-date and professional-looking.

 

4. Keep your LinkedIn in sync with your resume

 

Every professional knows that LinkedIn is an essential part of their career—whether they are applying for a job or not. Practice matching your real resume to the one in LinkedIn as if it is your virtual resume. Your LinkedIn will not only serve as a networking platform but also a passive job source over time.

 

5. Do not impulsively apply for every career opportunity you see

 

We get it, not all employers will respond to your application. And that’s totally okay. What’s not okay is sending out applications to several employers, thinking that “the more, the better”—no, it’s most definitely not.

You should only pursue careers you are fully interested in. This way, you are saving yourself and other people’s time and effort.

 

6. Remember to show others you really want the position

 

When you’re excited about joining a particular company, do not be afraid to let it show. Make use of this enthusiasm to prove to the hiring managers that you are the perfect candidate for the role. Apply that drive in writing your resume, sending those emails, and acing the interview.

When the time comes that employers are choosing which candidate is perfect for the role, they will choose the one who seems invested in it.

 

7. Tailor your resume and cover letter to every employer.

 

Hiring managers can easily see through your resume and cover letters if they are too generic. The key to leaving a remarkable impression on employers is writing a tailored resume explicitly addressed to them. This shows genuine interest in landing the role.

You must research the company, know who to address the letter to, and write an impressive resume. When you exert an effort to prepare your credentials, it will pay off when the hiring manager takes notice of your impeccable credentials.

 

8. Proofread your resume and cover letter before you hit “send.”

 

Before sending out your credentials, make sure every aspect looks polished. From grammar to spelling, consistencies, and down to punctuations, ensure everything is grammatically correct. If you aren’t sure about how your resume and cover letter sound, you can have someone read it for you. Keep in mind your aim to make your credentials flawless to the employer’s perspective.

 

9. Be mindful of the job posting dates

 

Do not waste time applying for job postings that have been listed for quite some time; let’s say two months or more. Chances are, these job postings are already closed out. And you, as a job-seeker, have the responsibility to pay attention as to how old the job posts are, or if there are deadlines for applications.

As a rule of thumb, only pursue job postings that are only a month old or less. The more recent it is, the more likely it is to be open for applications.

 

10 Be responsive as ever

 

When employers message you back, always be prompt in responding to them. You don’t want to turn them off with a slow response, do you? Be proactive in following up on the interview by sending a “thank you” email. The gist is not letting too much time pass by as it shows disinterest in the position.

 

11. Let your network know you are open to opportunities

 

Networking should not be a daunting initiative for you. You have to instill the courage to show yourself out there and meet like-minded professionals. When you introduce yourself to people, you are most likely to meet someone who can hook you up for a referral.

Some employers prioritize candidates who have been vouched by their employees as there is already a sense of trust. This fact makes it reasonable to get yourself out there and network yourself to expand your reach.

 

12. Get “gigs” while waiting for full-time work

 

A smart way to build your portfolio while waiting for an interview’s result is to get into freelance work. Not only can these short-term paying gigs help you swing by financially, but also beef up your resume. When you accomplish such paying tasks, you can eventually add these to your qualifications—bolstering your chances of getting hired in your dream job.

 

13. Finally… Never lose hope

 

When you find yourself getting tired of waiting for responses, not getting a callback, or failing interviews, don’t lose hope just yet. Optimism will help you get through this difficult time. In any career exploration, you always have to prepare yourself emotionally. Some things will not go according to plan, and you should accept that. Because when you are determined to land your dream job, things will eventually fall right into place.

Just a final word in your job search – pursue a career that aligns with your wants, needs, and skill set. Remember the law of attraction—you attract the things you focus on. When you exert the effort to reach your goal, you are bridging the gap between you and that goal.