Job Hunting 101: 2024 Edition
Posted on January 23, 2024 by Amanda V. Gill, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.
The job market is competitive, with nearly half of US workers seeking new roles. Despite the challenges, success is possible.
According to a recent article posted on LinkedIn, “nearly half of US workers” will be looking for a new role this year. And while the job hunting landscape is competitive with the interviewing process taking longer than in years past, it’s still possible to land the role you want.
Here are a few best practices that I share with my clients as they navigate their job search:
1. Patience: And you will need a great deal of it. But hang on and don’t lose hope. While there may be silence, ghosting and/or rejection notices from potential employers, soon enough the right role with the right company comes along and everything falls into place. Know your worth and what you bring to the table. Remind yourself often and continue to power forward.
2. Time Management: This includes blocking time on your calendar for the job search, networking, researching companies and continuous learning. Time boxing can be very effective and can help you stay on point. Be sure to block time for breaks as well and establish a cut off time each evening along with a day or two off during the week so you can refresh. A great tool for tracking the job application process is Teal. You can create a profile and use the service for free or pay $9 a week with the option to cancel anytime.
3. Strategize: Imagine the job you want, what would that look like? Then begin to research roles that align with what you need in this new season. Does it need to be remote or do you enjoy the blend of home and a couple of days in the office? Do you want to take on a management role or continue working individually, responsible for self. Once you’ve outlined what the role needs to be create an action plan that details the steps to get you there. Do you need to enhance your current set of skills or learn new ones? And be sure to to identify individuals with whom you can connect with that could help you on this journey.
4. Branding: Know who you are, what you are capable of doing and why you love the work you do. Conduct a skills and accomplishment inventory. List out all you’ve done over your career thus far and become one with it. Know it inside and out, rehearse it, believe it. This way, when you interview, those on the other side of the screen or table will feel it. They will sense your passion and the talent you possess.