There are ways to shorten the job search.
You’ve been looking for months and sent out hundreds of résumés. Now, you’re at the end of your rope. Why is the job search taking so long? There are many potential reasons. For one, job seekers are being subjected to a never-ending interview process. In fact, the amount of time it takes to hire a new employee reached an all-time high this year, based on a recent report. In the research conducted by the Josh Bersin Company and AMS, the time to hire has risen consistently over the last four years. The length of the job hunt also varies by industry. Tech companies worldwide laid off more than 400,000 employees in the last two years. So, if you’re looking for a position in that industry, you will face a tough market.
Despite the obvious challenges, there are elements of the job search you can control. These strategies will help you shorten the time it takes to land that ideal position.
Focus your job search
The first question to ask yourself is whether your job search has any direction. Do you know where you want to work and what you want to do? Ask yourself questions like:
- Do you want to work in person, remotely or hybrid?
- Would you consider relocating?
- Do you want to stay in your current industry or transition to a new one?
- Do you want to work in a small, mid-sized or large corporation?
- Would you consider working for a start-up?
- What company culture will align with your values?
At that point, make a list of the top 10 organizations that interest you. Then, find specific positions within those companies that fit your skills and experience. That way, you can make a list of targeted job titles (which may vary by company) and network with people in those roles.
Optimize your résumé
Before submitting your job application, ensure your résumé is targeted to the position. Highlight any relevant qualifications and use keywords from the job description. If you’re applying for jobs online, optimizing your résumé for applicant tracking systems (ATS) is crucial. That’s because nearly 98% of Fortune 500 companies filter candidates through an ATS such as Jobvite, Workday or Taleo. With companies receiving hundreds of résumés per job opening, a résumé that isn’t ATS friendly can be easily filtered out. Finally, if you’re applying for multiple roles, create a tailored résumé for each. That way, you increase your chances of standing out from the crowd.
Develop an elevator pitch
Whether you’re speaking with a friend, mentor or recruiter, every job seeker needs a compelling and concise elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a quick introduction that allows you to make a memorable impression in a short amount of time. No matter what industry you’re in, your elevator pitch should describe who you are, what you do, what sets you apart and what your ultimate goal is. Don’t forget to practice in advance so your delivery sounds conversational instead of rehearsed.
Create a strategic plan
Another way to shorten your job search is to create a strategic plan. That means approaching it like any other work project by creating goals, objectives and a timeline. Break your job search process into manageable tasks and create a framework to organize your activities. Even a simple spreadsheet can help you track interviews, networking conversations and follow-up items.
Leverage efficiency tools
Besides staying organized, hundreds of productivity tools can speed up your job search. Here are just a few:
- LinkedIn offers a plethora of resources, including job alerts and the Open-To-Work feature
- Grammarly helps you edit and correct your grammar, spelling, punctuation and more
- Mailtrack provides free tracking so that you will know when a recruiter or hiring manager opens your email
- Hunter or Mailscoop can help uncover emails for outreach
- Teal allows you to track job applications and manage your job hunt in one place
Ask for job search help
Many people wait too long before they start asking for job search support. Don’t let shame or pride get in the way of reaching out to your network. Instead, leverage your professional and personal contacts early on. While it might feel awkward at first, it’s necessary if you want access to the hidden job market. You might even consider working with a career coach to help hone your interview and presentation skills.
Remember, while there are ways to streamline your job search, finding that coveted position can still take time. If you are experiencing frustration and burnout, try to reset your expectations. Track your efforts and determine where you might be falling short. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. It’s one of the best ways to set yourself apart so you can get access to opportunities that much quicker.
