5 expert-approved tips to speed up your job search

It's understandable that you may feel urgent and restless when looking for a new job, but don't let that hunger get the better of you. The job search can feel like an emotional project, but it is above all a logistical project.

Set yourself up for success by developing systems that streamline the endeavor so you can get to the good part: loving your job and doing it with joy and rigor. Here are five ways to speed up your job search, according to the experts.

1. Know what you want

Sarah Stoddard, career expert at Glassdoor, recommends an informed approach that starts with self-reflection. Stoddard advises: "Be sure to research the company you want to work for. Understand the role you're applying for and get a feel for what you like to do at work. This can help you figure out what type of companies and which jobs might suit you best."

Use self-assessment to increase your ambition. Stoddard explains: "Often people open a website like Glassdoor and search for a job title they've heard of or had before. But in my experience, it's better to be aware of what it is Skills you have, what experience you have, and what areas of your career you want to explore further. By thinking about what you're looking for, you can broaden your horizons in terms of the types of jobs you apply for."

Stoddard points out that job seekers can take advantage of this "thoughtful, informed" approach by answering the following questions: What are the skills I'm really good at? Where am I particularly good? She recommends listing both hard skills and soft skills when considering what your next suitable role might look like.

Mikaela Kiner, Founder/CEO at Reverb, recommends: "Find out what type of company you're interested in - where you like the culture and feel like you'll be successful. For example, you can look at lists like BestPlaces to Work , look at the fastest growing startups or the best companies for working moms. Do that first and then look at the job boards. It's helpful to focus on specific criteria so that you don't apply for every job that comes up can save a lot of time in the long run."

2. Adjust application documents

Make sure your documents are revised and optimized for success. This means your resume can handle the ATS tracking system nimbly. Amanda Augustine, career advice expert at TopResume, explains: "ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. In short, an ATS is software that employers use to scan and rank the online applications they receive for their open positions."

The key to “beating the bots” and making your materials stand out is to customize each application. Biron Clark, founder of Career Sidekick, explains: "When a hiring manager or recruiter reads your resume, they think, 'Does this person have the skills and experience needed to step into this role and be successful?'" They compare your background with the specific job posting. As a job seeker, you can speed up your job search and get more interviews if you write and edit your resume so that you have the job description in mind and add the skills and experiences that best fit the job "Target content to put your most important skills first, and consider removing content that is not relevant."

Those who receive your materials won't make connections for you: "Oh, if she's been a writer, I'm sure she's good at editing too." You must make your case and show why you are suitable for each position for which you submit a resume.

Stoddard adds: "If you've done some self-reflection and research, when you apply for a job and prepare your CV and cover letter, you'll have even more information about what the company is looking for... you'll know what skills and value "What you will offer the employer that you can bring to your application and that will help you stand out. If you make your resume and cover letter as personal as possible, you will be in the best position."

Don't worry about your resume being a comprehensive timeline of your work history. Kinerrat: "Many people try to pack too much into their resume and feel uncomfortable when they can't fit all the jobs, experiences, and skills. What is the purpose of a resume? It should contain enough information to tell the company more about If you look at your resume from this perspective, you can focus on the information that really matters by including everything that is relevant and proves your skills/qualifications for the job the opportunity to tell your whole story."

3. Network like you mean business

Your reach is greater than you think because you have a network. Stoddard points out, "It's so important to build your network...even if you have a job and aren't looking for a new opportunity, it's good to keep getting out there." Networking is a part of the passive job search that you can continually expand.

Clark adds: "A strong network can speed up your job search more than any other factor, but it only works if you build relationships rather than taking a transactional approach. Networking is most effective when you view it as a continuous process rather than an activity , which you only do when you need immediate help. Many job seekers tell me that they don't get replies to their network messages, and it's almost always because they haven't built relationships until they have to ask for a big favor.

Your network is not only helpful when looking for a job, but is also valuable for many other reasons. It gives you the opportunity to find out what other professionals think, read and do. Clark recommends: "Instead of just asking for a favor, try to help others too. Make connections between people in your network who would benefit from knowing each other. Stay in touch with each person in your network by at least Talk to her a few times a year. If you continually build relationships, your network will be much more likely to respond when you need help."

Kiner adds, "When defining your network, think broadly. I often hear people say, 'I see a perfect job opening, but I don't know anyone at this company.' So don't ask who you know, ask who you're connected to and who they know. Using your network to introduce yourself is one of the best ways to apply. We all do it, so don't be mad if you ask for an introduction. You will definitely be able to return the favor." Kiner says.

4. Use the right tools

Finding a new job is a research project; These Glassdoor tools focus and streamline your search.

Know your worth - Get real-time data so you know if you're currently being paid fairly. Find out more about the salary standards in your industry and region. This will give you the information you need to negotiate a competitive salary. In 2016, Glassdoor found that 59% of job candidates accepted offers without negotiating their salary. In 2019, that number dropped to 40% of job seekers who didn't try to negotiate a better deal for themselves. Keep it up, job seekers!

Glassdoor's Company Compare feature lets you pull data from company profiles and compare them side by side. But you can also use other platforms like Kununu for a simple comparison:

• Overall rating of the company
• Career opportunities
• Compensation and benefits
• Work-Life-Balance
• Senior Management
• Culture and values

Job alerts help you find suitable positions. Experiment with the robust filters that set criteria like company size, remote status, salary range, industry, etc. These will help you find a suitable position. Stoddard explains: "There are a lot of hidden filters in the job search screen." You have the option to create a targeted search that gives you the desired result.

5. Find the right spot

Don't stop looking until you find your fit. Clark points out: "I find that many job seekers get excited after a great interview and stop applying for other jobs. Then if the offer doesn't come through, they're back at the beginning of the process, without momentum or active conversations. So if you If you want to get hired as quickly as possible, you shouldn't get your hopes up about a single employer until you know you've got the offer. It's better to receive several offers and have to turn some down than to wait for an offer and have it then not available."

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