How to Build Your Job Search Plan
Last updated September 26, 2022
Interested in finding a job but aren’t sure where or how to start? Here are the important steps to take when starting your job search!
Looking for jobs to help pay for school? Check out our ultimate guide to finding jobs and internships in college!
Determine what type of job you want
Before you start your job search, think about the type of job you want and the kind of work you enjoy doing. Looking for a part-time job? How about an internship? Curious about service programs? Jobs are not one-size-fits-all, so take a moment to really consider what will work best for you and your schedule!
Prepare your resume
Your resume is your first impression on potential employers, so it’s important that it’s organized, detailed, and highlights your skills, accomplishments, and hobbies. Although every job you apply for may not ask for one, most do - so make sure you have your resume handy.
Need to create your resume? Use our first resume template to get started. Already have a resume but in need of some feedback? Send it to us! We’ll have it back to you within a week with personalized, actionable feedback.
Secure your references
Professional references are people in your network (aka bosses, coworkers, coaches, supervisors, mentors, etc.) who can speak positively about your skills and qualifications for the job you applied to. When applying for jobs, you can submit their contact information to employers. If an employer is interested in hiring you, they’ll reach out to your references to learn more about you and your work experience. Be sure to give someone a head’s up if you listed them as a reference! Not only is it the polite thing to do, it can give them some extra time to prepare to talk to employers about how awesome you are!
Not sure how to secure a reference? Read our guide on the do’s and don’ts of asking for references here!
Write a cover letter
While not every job you apply for will require you to submit a cover letter, doing so anyways can help you stand out from other candidates. It should show your interest in the position and highlight the skills that make you the best candidate for the job.
Different jobs will require different cover letters, so we recommend drafting a basic cover letter that highlights your basic skills and abilities, and tweaking it for each job or position you apply for.
Start your job search
Once your resume is up to date and you have a sense of what type of job you are interested in, it’s time to start looking for jobs! Here are some places to start your search:
Brush up on your interview skills
You never know when a hiring manager could reach out to you - so be ready to rock your interview by taking the time to prepare in advance! Read our tips on how to prepare for a phone or video interview and learn more about the top questions you can ask a potential employer during an interview to make a lasting impression and land the job!
Stay persistent
Sometimes, searching for a job can feel like a job itself. That’s the name of the game! Applying for jobs requires a good amount of persistence and follow-through. It’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t hear back from employers - but don’t give up! You can and will find a great job if you have persistence and dedication!
Need some more tips to prepare for your job search? Text #Jobs to 33-55-77 to speak with one of our job advisors!