by Guest Author, Miles Oliver
Finding a job online makes the process easy. You can specify what you’re looking for, read descriptions quickly, and apply within minutes. However, the convenience of online job hunting is often what makes it overwhelming, too.
With so many job postings online, don’t allow yourself to fall into the tedious process of scrolling through a generalized search.
Instead, prioritize efficiency while hunting for jobs. Yes, finding something quickly is important, but it’s more important to find a job that fits your needs and wants, and something that can turn into a fulfilling career.
With that in mind, let’s look at a few efficiency tips you can use while online job hunting to make the experience more enjoyable and effective.
1. Prioritize Self-care
Looking for a job online can be stressful when you’re trying to find something quickly. You might spend hours, if not days, on each application to inevitably get disappointed with a declined email. In this process, it’s fairly easy to develop an unhealthy mindset and develop anxiety and depression.
Now might not seem like the ideal time for self-care, but it’s essential to prioritize it. That’s especially true if you have an existing chronic health condition that could be exacerbated by stress.
Self-care isn’t selfish and it doesn’t need to take up your entire day. Try things like:
- Taking frequent breaks;
- Eating healthy meals;
- Exercising each day;
- Journaling;
- Socializing with friends and family.
Not only will taking care of yourself keep you energized and motivated, but it will help to establish a healthy routine you can keep in place when you finally land the job you’re looking for.
2. Be Intentional
Nearly 80% of all jobs are now found online. If you’ve been searching for any length of time, that number probably doesn’t surprise you. Seeing countless job postings each day can be both exciting and overwhelming.
You also might be attempting to apply for as many as possible. After all, that improves your chances of getting hired, right?
Not necessarily.
Instead of sending out dozens of emails to potential employers each day, be intentional in your search. Be specific when it comes to what you want and the positions you’re looking for. One of the best ways to do that is to simplify your search and use key terms and phrases. In doing so, you’ll get jobs that are more relevant to you, and you won’t waste time applying to positions that you might not really be interested in.
3. Network, Network, Network
Networking has always been a popular way to land a job or get your foot in the door of a specific industry. Today’s networking can be done in-person or digitally, thanks to platforms like LinkedIn. Some of the biggest benefits of networking on the social media site include:
- Building a personal brand;
- Finding new jobs;
- Gaining expertise;
- Collaborating with others;
- Following industry leaders;
- Learning and growing from interesting content.
Getting started on LinkedIn is easy. Join a few groups that are relevant to your industry, don’t be afraid to reach out to people, and learn how to “work” the site to your advantage by posting content at the right times. You never know who you might “meet” online that could completely change the trajectory of your career.
4. Format Your Resume and Cover Letter
Most people understand the importance of having a solid resume, but formatting your resume and cover letter so they can easily be synced into common job application portals will make your life a lot easier.
You shouldn’t necessarily have a “canned” cover letter for every job. You can stand out as an exemplary candidate by being specific in your resume and cover letter. But, re-writing a letter every time you apply for something new isn’t efficient or practical.
So, be mindful of formatting when it comes to both your resume and cover letter. Find ways to easily insert or take away pertinent information that allows you to apply quickly without changing the entire feel of your documents. You’ll quickly get into a “groove” with these templates and you’ll be able to add personal touches to each application without having to completely edit your information.
5. Do Your Research
If you’re really interested in a company, make sure you track your application to see what stage it’s in. If you get called in for an interview, research the company beforehand. Not only will it help you decide if it’s a good fit, but it will better prepare you to answer questions – and ask some of your own. According to Forbes, the top skills employers are looking for include:
- A growth mindset;
- Critical thinking;
- Dedication;
- Visibility in a digital workspace.
Prepare yourself to show off those skills and make them appear in an interview by learning how the company works and considering what you can do to help it grow.
The online job hunt should be exciting, not overwhelming. Use these tips to make the process easier for yourself. In doing so, you won’t burn out on your search, and you’ll be more likely to land a job that meets your needs and wants quickly.
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About the author: Miles Oliver is a freelance contributor whose writing focuses on professional development. You can reach him at moliverpages@gmail.com
