10 Job Search Tips You Need to Know

Searching for a new job can be one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences we go through. The uncertainty, the waiting, the rejection—it's enough to make anyone feel disheartened. But remember, you're not alone in this journey. As an expert career coach, I’ve worked with countless job seekers to help them attract the right opportunities and navigate the job market with confidence and resilience. My goal is to equip you with practical strategies and insights that can transform your job search experience and lead you to your dream job.

I understand the struggles you're facing. I've seen the frustration of resumes disappearing into the void, the anxiety of endless waiting, and the discouragement of repeated rejections. And don't even get me started on hearing the horror stories of candidates going on multiple interviews only to be ghosted; it's enough to make me scream. But I've also seen incredible transformations. I've witnessed job seekers land positions that seemed out of reach, gain clarity about their career goals, and rebuild their confidence. And I know that with the right tools and support, you can do it too.

Today, I’m sharing with you ten essential job search tips that have helped my clients stand out in a crowded job market. These tips are designed to address the common pain points many job seekers encounter and provide actionable steps you can take to improve your chances of success. Let’s dive in and empower you on your path to career success.

The challenges with today's job market.

1. High Competition

On average, each corporate job posting attracts about 250 resumes (Source: Glassdoor). With so many candidates vying for the same position, it’s crucial to make your resume stand out. Personalize your application for each job, highlight your most relevant experience, and ensure your cover letter is engaging and tailored to the role.

2. Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Usage

Over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes (Source: Job Scan). These systems scan resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job description. To avoid being filtered out, study the job posting and incorporate relevant terms into your resume.

3. Keyword Sensitivity

88% of companies use ATS technology to screen out qualified applicants because their resumes don't have the right keywords (Source: Harvard Business School). Carefully review the job description to identify keywords and phrases. Use these strategically in your resume, particularly in sections detailing your skills and experience.

4. Formatting Issues

74% of resumes are rejected due to an unprofessional layout or formatting issues (Source: Ladders). Stick to simple, clean, and professional formats. Avoid using complex tables, graphs, or unusual fonts that might confuse ATS software and human readers.

5. Limited Success Through Job Boards

Only 33% of job openings are filled through job boards and career sites (Source: CareerXRoads). While job boards are a good starting point, diversifying your job search strategies to include networking, direct company applications, and industry-specific job sites can yield better results.

6. Lengthy Job Search

The average job search in the U.S. takes 5 months (Source: Randstad Recruitment Agency). Persistence is key. Keep refining your approach, seek feedback, and stay positive. Utilize this time to enhance your skills, build your network, and improve your job search materials.

The Opportunities

1. Keyword Optimization

A resume with an appropriate keyword density has a 2.3 times higher chance of ranking high enough to be seen by human eyes (Source: JobScan). Utilize online tools to check your resume’s keyword density and ensure it aligns with the job descriptions of positions you’re applying for.

2. Professional Resume Writing

Recruiters value candidates with professionally written resumes 7% higher than those with self-written ones (Source: TopResume). Investing in a professional resume writer can provide you with a polished, compelling resume that effectively highlights your strengths and achievements.

3. Faster Job Placement

Candidates with professionally written resumes often land jobs in 3 months or less (Source: TopResume). A well-crafted resume can significantly shorten your job search time by making a stronger impression on recruiters and hiring managers.

4. Networking

60% of jobs are found through networking, not online (Source: Glassdoor). Career Crossroads annual source of hire report states that referrals were the top source of external hire, accounting for 24.5% of hires. Network with recruiters and employees from the companies you're interested in working for on LinkedIn. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with colleagues and mentors. Building relationships can lead to referrals and insider information about job openings.

5. LinkedIn Leverage

87% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and evaluate candidates (Source: JobScan). Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date, showcases your skills and achievements, and includes a professional photo. Engage with content and connect with industry leaders to increase your visibility.

6. LinkedIn for Recruiting

97% of HR and staffing professionals use LinkedIn for recruiting (Source: JobScan). Utilize LinkedIn’s features such as job alerts, groups, and the “Open to Work” setting to attract potential employers. Regularly update your profile to reflect your latest accomplishments and skills.

Action Steps

1. Optimize Your Resume with Keywords

Ensure your resume includes relevant keywords to pass through ATS filters. Research common keywords in your industry and tailor each resume submission to include these terms, particularly in your skills and work experience sections. When working with clients, we identify the roles they are interested in and the keywords in the job descriptions to incorporate into their resumes and LinkedIn profiles

2. Tailor Your Resume

Customize your resume for each role you apply to, highlighting the most relevant skills and experiences. This demonstrates to employers that you’ve taken the time to understand the job requirements and show how you’re the perfect fit. When working with clients, we create multiple resumes tailored for the various roles they are applying to.

3. Simplify Your Format

Avoid using complex tables, graphs, or unusual fonts that can confuse ATS and hinder keyword recognition. Stick to a clean, professional format that’s easy to read both by humans and machines. According to StandOut CV, the most common font used in resumes is Arial, with 8 out of 10 applicants using it.

According to Find My Profession, here are the 9 best fonts to use in a resume: 

• Calibri

• Cambria

• Garamond

• Helvetica

• Georgia

• Tahoma

• Verdana

• Trebuchet MS

• Book Antiqua

4. Consider a Professional Resume Writer

Invest in professional resume writing services to gain a competitive edge. A professional writer can help you articulate your experiences and skills more effectively, making your resume stand out to both ATS and recruiters. Having been a hiring manager for a Fortune 500 medical device company, I know from experience what hiring managers look for in a resume.

5. Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile

Optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters by highlighting your key accomplishments and skills. Regularly update your profile, seek endorsements, and request recommendations to strengthen your professional presence. When working with clients, we dedicate a significant amount of time to building a comprehensive LinkedIn profile optimized with keywords for the LinkedIn Recruiter Lite software that recruiters use to search for candidates.

6. Prioritize Networking

Use your network to uncover hidden job opportunities and get referrals. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Attend industry events, both in-person and online, to expand your network. When working with clients, we develop a strategic plan to network with recruiters, hiring managers, and employees of the companies they want to work for.

7. Create Job Alerts on LinkedIn

Set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities that match your criteria. This allows you to be one of the first applicants, increasing your chances of getting noticed.

8. Invest in Interview Coaching

Consider interview coaching to improve your presentation and boost your confidence. Investing in interview coaching can be incredibly valuable for several reasons, especially for professionals aiming to advance their careers or secure their ideal job. Here are some key benefits:

• Tailored Preparation: Interview coaching provides personalized guidance to prepare for specific job roles, company cultures, and industries. Coaches can help identify the key competencies and experiences that are most relevant to the position, ensuring that candidates can highlight their suitability effectively.

• Confidence Building: Interviews can be daunting, and nerves can sometimes prevent even the most experienced professionals from performing their best. Coaches work on building confidence by simulating interview scenarios, providing constructive feedback, and honing communication skills. This practice helps candidates feel more assured and poised during the actual interview.

• Feedback and Refinement: Coaches provide honest, constructive feedback that friends or colleagues might hesitate to give. This feedback can be crucial for identifying and correcting weak points, whether they're in one's answers, body language, or overall demeanor.

• Understanding Interview Dynamics: Professional coaches understand the nuances of interview dynamics, including behavioral-based questioning, panel interviews, and virtual formats. They can teach techniques to handle various scenarios, from answering tricky questions to showcasing soft skills effectively.

• Negotiation Skills: Beyond just securing a job offer, interview coaching can also equip candidates with negotiation skills for discussions around salary, benefits, and other terms of employment. Understanding how to navigate these conversations can lead to significantly better job offers.

• Reducing Anxiety: Knowing what to expect and how to handle different types of questions can significantly reduce interview anxiety. Coaches often provide strategies to manage stress and think clearly under pressure, which is crucial during challenging interviews.

• Career Advancement: For those looking to make a significant leap in their careers, whether it's a step up in responsibility or a transition into a new industry, interview coaching can be particularly beneficial. It helps bridge the gap between current skills and those desired by prospective employers.

By investing in interview coaching, you can significantly enhance your chances of making a strong impression and securing your desired job, making it a strategic move in career development.

9. Develop Your Personal Brand

Build a strong personal brand on LinkedIn by sharing insights, achievements, and engaging content. Post regularly about industry trends, participate in discussions, and showcase your expertise to attract attention from recruiters and hiring managers.

10. Send Thank-You Notes

After each interview, send a thank-you note to express your appreciation and reinforce your interest in the position. This small gesture can leave a lasting positive impression and set you apart from other candidates.

Are you discouraged by the lack of results in your job search? Tired of being left in the dark after multiple interviews with the same company? Are you frustrated that another candidate was chosen over you? Do you feel overlooked and stuck when it comes to promotions? 

Ready to Accelerate Your Job Search?

Connect with me today to take your job search to the next level!

Career Coaching Services: https://www.daniellecobo.com/careerconsulting

Make it stand out

As a former Fortune 500 Senior Region Manager with a whopping 15+ years in the medical tech and bio-pharmaceutical industry and your go-to expert for all things medical sales.

After parting ways with a toxic work environment, a company I had been dedicated to for over seven years, life led me to embark on a job search. Recognizing the need to distinguish myself in a competitive job market, I shifted my focus towards crafting a personal brand that could effectively highlight my skills and experience as an influential sales leader. However, this journey revealed something unexpected and deeply meaningful.

As I honed my personal brand, I connected with numerous job seekers who, like me, felt disheartened by their experiences. I encountered individuals at crossroads in their careers, struggling to find a way forward, and leaders grappling with the challenge of motivating their teams amid uncertain times. Listening to others' stories ignited my passion to offer direction and support. The result was the birth of my own venture – a platform dedicated to aiding medical sales professionals in achieving their career aspirations and fostering a positive impact on the industry.

As a manager, I've conducted hundreds of interviews and possess a profound understanding of the qualities required to excel as a premier candidate. I also led my team to claim the illustrious #1 spot nationwide. I've got a trick or two up my sleeve, and it's all about crafting a tailor-made game plan for you, whether you are in the market for a new job or promotion or leading a team. 

It's time to shift the narrative from missed opportunities to a career of success.