10 Habits Shared by Successful Job Seekers

Looking for a job can be a tough journey, but adopting the right habits can make it a lot smoother. Here are ten habits that successful job seekers swear by, which could help you secure your next job.

1. Set Clear Career Goals

Having clear career goals is like having a map for your job search. It keeps you focused and motivated, ensuring you’re always moving in the right direction. Here’s how you can set and achieve your career goals:

• Define Your Short-Term and Long-Term Career Objectives: Think about where you want to be in the next year and where you see yourself in five or ten years. Short-term goals might be landing a specific role, while long-term goals could be aiming for a leadership position or mastering a new skill.

• Break Down Your Goals into Achievable Steps: Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, manageable steps. If you want to become a marketing manager, start with gaining experience in entry-level marketing roles and taking relevant courses.

• Regularly Review and Adjust Your Goals Based on Your Progress: Life happens, and goals can change. Check-in on your progress regularly and adjust your goals as needed to stay on track.

2. Tailor Your Applications

Customising your applications can make all the difference in catching a hiring manager’s eye. When you tailor your resume and cover letter to fit the specific job you're applying for, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the position and show that you have taken the time to understand the company’s needs. This personalised approach helps you stand out from other candidates who may have submitted generic applications. Here’s how to make each application stand out:

• Customise Your Resume and Cover Letters for Each Job Application: Make sure your resume and cover letter highlight the skill sets and experiences that are most relevant to each job you’re applying for.

• Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences That Match the Job Description: Carefully read the job description and tailor your application to emphasise the qualifications that match.

• Use Keywords from the Job Posting to Pass Through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many companies use ATS to filter applications. Using keywords from the job posting can help ensure your resume makes it through these systems to a human recruiter.

3. Actively Promote Your Job Search

Don’t keep your job search a secret. Let people know you’re looking! Actively promoting your job search can open up a world of opportunities that you might not find on your own. Here’s how to get the word out and increase your chances of landing a great job:

• Inform Your Network That You’re Looking for Opportunities: Tell your friends, family, and professional contacts that you’re on the hunt for a new job. They might know of openings or be able to introduce you to someone who can help.

• Utilise LinkedIn and Other Professional Platforms: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and start engaging with industry groups and discussions. It’s a great way to increase your visibility. Also, consider turning on job alerts to receive notifications from LinkedIn so that you can be one of the first applicants.

• Attend Industry Events and Career Fairs: These events are perfect for meeting potential employers and learning about job opportunities that might not be advertised online.

4. Maintain a Professional Social Media Presence

Your online presence is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so make sure your personal brand is a good one. Here’s how to keep your social media professional and polished:

• Audit Your Social Media Profiles for Professionalism: Take a look at your social media profiles and clean up anything that might not look professional. Employers will likely check you out online.

• Share Industry-Relevant Content and Engage with Thought Leaders: Post articles and engage in discussions related to your field. This shows you’re knowledgeable and involved in your industry.

• Avoid Posting Content That Could Be Seen as Controversial or Unprofessional: Be mindful of what you share and post. Avoid controversial topics or anything that could be viewed as unprofessional.

5. Proactively Address Employment Gaps

Let's face it—employment gaps happen to the best of us. Whether it's due to personal reasons, family matters, or even a tough job market, there will be times when you're not working. But here's the good news: you can turn these gaps into something positive and even use them to your advantage. Here's how:

• Engage in Freelance Work, Volunteering, or Part-Time Jobs: These activities can fill gaps in your resume and show that you’re staying active in your field.

• Take Online Courses to Acquire New Skills: Use periods of unemployment to gain new skills through online courses and certifications. Explain Gaps Positively in Interviews, Highlighting Growth and Learning

• Experiences: Be ready to discuss employment gaps in a positive way, focusing on what you learned and how you grew during those times.

6. Target Growing Industries

Focusing on industries with high growth potential can improve your job prospects. By targeting these booming sectors, you can increase your chances of finding exciting and stable job opportunities. Here’s how to focus your job search on growing industries:

• Research Industries with High Growth Potential: Find out which industries are expanding and in need of new talent.

• Align Your Skills and Experiences with In-Demand Roles: Tailor your resume and skill development towards roles that are in high demand within these growing industries.

• Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Emerging Opportunities: Keep an eye on trends and new opportunities in your target industries to stay ahead of the game.

7. Think Twice Before Pursuing Further Education

Further education can be beneficial, but it’s important to consider whether it’s the right investment for your career goals. While obtaining an additional degree or certification can open doors and provide new opportunities, it's not always the best or only path to success. You need to weigh the costs, time commitment, and potential benefits to determine if further education is the right move for you. Here are some things to think about:

• Evaluate the Return on Investment for Additional Degrees: Consider whether the cost and time required for further education will yield significant benefits in terms of career advancement and salary increases.

• Consider Alternative Ways to Gain Necessary Skills: In some cases, certifications, workshops, or online courses may be more cost-effective ways to gain the skills you need.

• Weigh the Pros and Cons of Work Experience Versus Academic Credentials: Depending on your field, practical experience may be more valuable than additional academic credentials.

8. Don’t Let the Job Hunt Consume You

Job searching can be stressful, so it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The process of finding a job can be time-consuming and emotionally draining, often leading to burnout if you’re not careful. It’s crucial to strike a balance that allows you to stay productive in your search without neglecting your overall well-being. Here’s how to keep your job hunt in check:

• Set Specific Times for Job Searching and Breaks: Schedule specific times for job searching activities and make sure to take regular breaks to avoid burnout.

• Engage in Activities That Reduce Stress and Maintain Well-Being: Participate in activities that help you relax and stay positive, such as exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

• Keep a Positive Mindset and Stay Motivated: Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging but is crucial for long-term success in your job search.

9. Continually Build and Leverage Your Network

A strong professional network can provide support and open doors to new opportunities. Networking isn’t just about meeting new people; it’s about building relationships that can help you throughout your career. Whether it’s finding out about job openings, getting advice, or having someone vouch for your skills, a solid network can be incredibly valuable. Here’s how to continually build and leverage your network:

• Attend Networking Events and Industry Meetups: Regularly attend events where you can meet professionals in your field and expand your network.

• Seek Informational Interviews with Professionals in Your Desired Field: Informational interviews can provide valuable insights and help you build connections with industry insiders.

• Stay in Touch with Contacts and Offer Mutual Support: Maintain relationships with your contacts by staying in touch and offering support when possible.

10. Seeking and Acting on Feedback

Following up after interviews and networking events shows professionalism and interest. It's a crucial step that many people overlook, but it can make a significant difference in how potential employers and professional contacts perceive you. Taking the time to follow up demonstrates that you are serious about the opportunities and relationships you are pursuing. It also shows that you have good manners and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Send Thank-You Notes: After an interview, send a personalised thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position.

• Stay in Touch: Follow up periodically with hiring managers and networking contacts to keep yourself top-of-mind for future opportunities.

Conclusion

Adopting these ten habits can significantly improve your job search process and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. Now that you know how to be good at applying for jobs, apply for jobs with us. We provide a range of opportunities and resources to help you find your next career move. Start your application today and take the next step in your professional journey.