5 Job Search Strategies to Help You Discover Your Ideal Career

Whether you are currently employed, a mid-career shifter, or a fresh graduate, looking for work can be challenging. However, you can make the process easier with the proper mindset and a sound strategy.

Take note that job hunting is hardly just about submitting your resume and nailing your interview – especially amid this competitive landscape. After all, you don't want just any role. You want the right one. Plan the most effective route towards your dream profession with these job search strategies.

1. Get to Know Yourself Better

Matching your personality, skills, and interests with your job is crucial if you want to thrive. If you're not quite sure, you can start your job search by stepping back and asking yourself a few insightful questions.

• What have your job experiences been like so far?
• Which parts did you like and dislike?
• Why did you like and dislike them?
• Why do you want to move on to a different role?

Ask yourself where you've been, assess where you are now, and ponder where you want to be. This process will help you understand what values are important to you.

Make a list of skills you've honed from your last jobs. Seeing them on paper can help you assess which industries or departments are available based on your capabilities, thus allowing you to narrow down your choices. Spot the intersection between your values, interests, and skillset. Always highlight traits you think will be relevant to the role you want. If you learn that your abilities somewhat fall short of the direction you want to pursue, you can always upskill and reskill yourself.

2. Strengthen Your Brand

Don't forget to sanitise your resume and build a positive social media presence.

These days, potential employers look at your professional and personal character. They know that what they see on paper and during the interview is a filtered version of what they want you to be, so many recruiters now take extra measures to assess who you are by checking your social media.

Don't disguise your personality. Turn it into an asset by highlighting how your characteristics can be helpful for the job. Do you have a great sense of humour? Use it as a tool for spreading cheer and positivity in the workplace. Your perfectionism is just your means of maintaining your standards and paying attention to details.

You can blur the lines between your personal and professional persona by finessing your brand. A personal brand helps you stay true to yourself – whatever platform you're in. It lets you stick to your goals, values, message, and even market – which you shouldn’t compromise when looking for your dream job.

Outplacement Australia Managing Director Adrian Kelly tells SEEK that if a personal brand "is genuine and authentic, it should support your career development and evolve with you as your life and career move forward.” As a job search strategy, he says that "hirers are turning to people with strong brands," adding that those with a consistent online presence and referrals from trusted sources are more likely found for the right opportunities.

3. Be Smart About Your Search

Focus on searching for roles in organisations whose values resonate with yours.

The outdated advice was to cast a wide net to see if anything would take your bait. But now, we understand that a person who is inherently passionate and satisfied with their job will be more productive.

Practise company targeting and spend more time finding work opportunities in companies that align with matters important to you. Do you value flexibility? Do you want a place that offers a significant amount of training? Do you prefer a company that supports social causes?

If you are drawn to a particular company, check its website and look for two things aside from job openings. Browse through its company directory and learn about the people who might work with you in the future. They might sit in your interview panel, so at least you will know how to impress them. This job search strategy makes you more proactive and ready for the next step.

Then, check for information about the organisation's operations. Here's an internet search trick to find out more: type the word “link” followed by the URL of the company’s website (e.g. “link: www.thewebsite.com ") and see what comes up. Test different search engines so you can see a variety of feedback about them.

When you're company targeting, you might get interested in an organisation with no current openings. If you're confident enough, email the employer to let them know you’re keen on working with them in the future. You may want to check if someone in your network can connect you with their hiring team. Even if there are no openings, emailing them about your interest gives you an advantage should an opportunity arise.

4. Find Your People

Did you know that the people around you can help you with your job search? They’re called your network.

Your network can be your close friends, schoolmates, or former colleagues who have moved on to other industries. Jot down all your possible connections and invite them for coffee. Tapping into your network can lead you to opportunities.

You might even find someone in your network who’s already doing your dream job. Don’t be so shy to call them up and ask for tips. Ask for how they are – and if they’re thriving. Weigh in on what skills you need to work on. They’ll be happy to help. Invest in positive professional referrals by catching up with the people in your network occasionally. You gain friends and strengthen your contacts. Make sure to return the favour one day, too!

5. Job Preparation Starts Now

Everything you do now must work towards that goal – from your social media behaviour to how you maintain your connections. Be proactive and prepare to do the work you imagine yourself doing in your dream job.

Find ways to improve your skills.

Read books, attend conferences, join networking events, sign up for short courses ( or even vocational training ). Better than “ learning on the job”, equip yourself with the knowledge your ideal job will need.

Be creative and get noticed.

Write articles about the topic that you are confident about and publish them on a blog or social network. Reactions and responses to your piece can give you insights into your future role.

Consider your deal breakers.

Since you are pursuing a job opportunity, it is easy to plan how to accept the offer when it comes. But you also have to factor in the other side of the coin. Study the factors that will make you reject the job offer. After all, you don't want to sign up for your dream role only to wake up and realise it was a nightmare.

When you want to#SEEKBetter,you can’t go wrong with sticking to your personal branding. Stay true to who you are and commit to improving yourself. Now that you know these job search strategies, it’s time to check your options. Make a beeline for our Explore Careers section of JobStreet and get information on jobs related to your preferences.