So maybe you weren’t able to land that job in 2020 (understandably), or maybe you’re looking for a fresh start in your career. A new year is an opportunity to reprioritize your job search with a fresh mindset.

It’s important to be well-prepared so that you have enough time to research positions and companies, craft solid cover letters and resumes, and take any additional steps necessary to land an interview. It’s time to build your 2021 job search strategy.

Make your job search part of your New Year’s Resolution

Prioritize your job search and tackle a little bit every day. First, figure out what type of job you want and what type of company you want to work for. Are you in the midst of a career transition, looking to switch to a different position, or to a different industry?

Next, determine a rough timeline for your job search, the application process, and when you’re looking to start working. Once you know what you want, you can begin to research different companies and positions. 

Break it down

Having a resolution to get a new job is no different than saying you want to get in shape or save more money. The end goal is great, but how are you going to get there? Break your job search into easier, more manageable goals. 

Maybe you want to find three companies to target, or apply to at least five jobs a day. Make sure your goals are very narrowed and focused so you don’t get bogged down by the daunting resolution of overhauling your professional life. 

Related: Does Your Job Search Strategy Check These Boxes?

Decide which job listings best meet your needs

Different job boards cater to different industries, and the right one for you is out there somewhere. A great place to start for most job seekers is Indeed or Glassdoor

If you’re looking for an entry-level position, check out College Recruiter. Simply Hired and ComputerWork.com are top job boards for IT positions. 

If you’re looking for a job at a specific company, go straight to their careers page or find your way in through networking. Find out which job boards work for you so you feel less overwhelmed. 

Get your resume and social profiles ATS- and recruiter-ready

Put your best foot forward and update your resume, cover letter, and any appropriate social media profiles. Take it a step further and optimize your resume and cover letter using Jobscan to see how well your resume matches up with the positions you’re applying for and if it will make it past applicant tracking systems (ATS). Tailoring your resume can give you the competitive edge against other candidates.

Don’t give up

Job searching can be a full-time job and just like any other job, there will be highs and lows. You may feel disheartened after getting that same, automated “we regret to inform you” email over and over, or get annoyed at filling out the same information dozens of times through company application portals. Finding a job that suits your skills and career goals and gives you long-term satisfaction will be worth the wait.

To get your New Year’s job search started on the right foot, make finding a job your number one goal this year. Break down your job search into daily, manageable goals and always tailor your resume to each position you’re applying for in order to avoid the applicant tracking system black hole.

Click to rate this article
[Total: 0 Average: 0]