10 Essential Tips to Supercharge Your Job Search
Hi there, Cassidy O’Donnell here, Work It DAILY’s newsletter manager and go-to guide for anything career-related! Recently, I had a conversation with our CEO, JT O’Donnell, about the challenges job seekers are facing in today’s market. I asked her for her top tips on how to improve your job search, and she didn’t disappoint! Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been searching for a while, these tips are designed to help you stand out and land the job you deserve.
1. Understand Your Unique Value Add (UVA)
First things first, let’s talk about your Unique Value Add (UVA). Are you clear on what you bring to the table? It’s not enough to say you’re reliable or a good team player—those are a given. Employers need to see how you’ll either save them money or make them money. Take a deep dive into your past experiences and identify the specific activities that showcase your ability to deliver value. If this concept is new to you, it’s time to make it a priority. Knowing your UVA is the foundation of your entire job search strategy. (The Career Decoder Quiz is a great place to start).
2. Revamp Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Once you’ve nailed down your UVA, it’s crucial to ensure it shines through in your resume and LinkedIn profile. In a sea of applicants, the ones who get noticed have clean, simple, and value-driven documents. Resist the urge to spend on overly hyped resume services; instead, focus on clarity and impact. Your resume and LinkedIn profile should clearly reflect your UVA in a way that grabs attention in just six seconds—the average time a recruiter spends on an initial scan.
3. Target the Right Employers
Are you applying to any and every job you can get your hands on? Stop! It’s time to get strategic about where you’re applying to. Job shopping, as JT calls it, means identifying companies you truly respect and admire—ones that align with your skills and values. When you target the right employers, you’re not just another applicant; you’re someone who genuinely wants to contribute to their mission. This approach leads to more meaningful connections and a higher likelihood of landing a role that fits.
4. Craft a Compelling Connection Story
Now that you’re targeting specific employers, can you articulate what you admire about them? This is where your connection story comes into play. Hiring managers want to hear why their company excites you and what motivates you to get out of bed every day. A well-crafted connection story can make you stand out from other candidates and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role, not just looking for any job.
5. Perfect Your Career Story
Your career story is your opportunity to connect the dots between your past roles and the job you’re aiming for. It should reinforce your UVA and give a glimpse into your personality and professional journey. A strong career story helps interviewers understand your motivations, work ethic, and how you’ve evolved throughout your career. When told well, it can be the difference between a good interview and a great one.
6. Don’t Skip Back-Channeling
Applying online is just one piece of the puzzle. To really up your game, you need to start back-channeling. This means reaching out to people who work at the company, especially through LinkedIn, to make personal connections. Whether it’s a customized connection request or a thoughtful message, these efforts can drastically increase your chances of getting noticed. Plus, having more connections at a company can boost your visibility to recruiters.
7. Address Employment Gaps with Confidence
If you’ve been out of work for more than six months, you need to be prepared to explain that gap. Rather than making excuses, take a moment of accountability and reflect on what you could have done differently. This shows self-awareness and a proactive mindset, both of which are highly valued by employers. Remember, it’s not about assigning blame; it’s about demonstrating growth and learning from past experiences.
8. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Interview prep is non-negotiable. With so much talent vying for the same positions, being prepared is what will set you apart. Dive deep into potential behavioral and open-ended questions, and practice articulating your UVA, career story, and connection story. When you walk into an interview ready to wow them, you’re not just another candidate—you’re the one they don’t want to lose.
9. Consider Taking Gig Work
If you’re in between jobs, gig work can be a lifesaver. Not only does it provide financial relief, but it also keeps you active and engaged in your field. Whether it’s a short-term project or freelance work, staying busy helps maintain your skills and keeps you in the rhythm of working, which can make transitioning back into full-time employment smoother. However, you should only take on gig work if you feel like you can take it on without letting your job search fall behind.
10. Learn Something New
Last but not least, challenge yourself to learn something new. It doesn’t have to be related to your job search—just something that sparks your curiosity. Learning new skills can rejuvenate your mind and give you a fresh perspective, which is especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck or frustrated with your job search.
Wow…that was A LOT of information! To make this more digestible, I’d suggest focusing on one tip every day for ten days. By the end, you will be well on your way to job search success! And you’ll be working it daily (literally)!
Want more? At Work It DAILY, we’re committed to helping you navigate every step of your job search. If you’re ready to dive deeper or need some extra support, consider our Job Search Bootcamp. It’s packed with detailed advice and actionable strategies to help you land that dream job. You can get access HERE.
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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