Starting a new position could be just the thing you need to feel fulfilled in your career. The hunt, however, can be less than thrilling. Learn how to get a job fast with 15 tips for a speedy job search.
The job hunt isn’t always fun.
Sure, it can be exciting to explore new possibilities, but anyone who’s ever been on a prolonged job search knows that the market can be discouraging.
Poor communication, lofty requirements, and a lack of positions in your field are all common hurdles that set professionals back.
Still, there are ways to bypass these pain points and speed up the hiring process.
Whether you’re currently unemployed or seeking a role more conducive to your needs, I have several tips that will teach you how to get a job fast. These job search tips will help you speed up the hiring process, saving you from the dreaded application fatigue.
How to Get a Job Fast: Finding Quality Positions
The first step in quickly securing a job is to tweak your search process. While there are plenty of methods for finding positions, these tips will streamline your job search process.
1. Target Companies Who You Want to Work For
Some well-meaning strategists will tell you to cast a large net when job searching, but this method could cause more harm in the long run.
Simply put, applications take time and effort.
Suppose you’re tailoring resumes and cover letters to each new position, preparing for interviews, and scheduling time to talk to hiring managers. In that case, you can’t afford to apply for every position that comes your way.
Instead, take time to clarify your career goals and strategically apply to companies that will help you achieve them.
Goals can include salary, role responsibilities, benefits, and even workplace culture. If you’re struggling to nail down concrete goals, career coaching can help with this step.
Tip: Read Glassdoor reviews from current and previous employees to see if the role matches your goals.
2. Use Referrals to Your Advantage
Job hunting can be fast-tracked by using your existing network. Reach out to former colleagues, past managers, and friends in your field about potential openings.
Glowing recommendations from trusted sources may help you land a competitive interview.
3. Attend Job Fairs
You can further your connections and professional network by attending job fairs.
An industry event is a great way to seek job opportunities in your field because it gives you face-to-face time with recruiters. Developing these connections will help you stand out from other job seekers, bringing life to your resume.
4. Set Alerts on Job Boards
If you’re serious about a particular company or position that isn’t hiring right now, set job alerts through an online platform like ZipRecruiter or Glassdoor.
This way, you’ll be notified by email the minute a new listing is posted. This can be extremely helpful for competitive listings, as many are taken down after just a few days.
You can also use these job boards to seek similar roles and read employee reviews, using filters to tailor results to your specific career goals.
How to Get a Job Fast: Perfecting Your Application
The application process is a lot more nuanced than simply listing your past work experience. Use these tips to tailor your application process for the jobs you really want.
5. Tidy Up Your LinkedIn Profile
Job seekers should tidy up their LinkedIn profile before they start applying for new positions. Recruiters often use this social media platform to seek new talent, so you’ll want to put your best foot forward.
In addition, potential employers will often scan your LinkedIn profile prior to interviews to get a better grasp of the candidate. Ensuring your profile is accurate and up-to-date is essential.
For more tips, check out this post on How to Make a Good LinkedIn Profile.
6. Write a Resume That Gets Results
A great resume should be tightly organized, simple to read, and include a comprehensive view of your unique qualifications.
Include relevant work (and volunteer work) to the position, with concrete examples of your skills.
Specific instances of your success are far superior to generic buzzwords like “team player” or “proven leader.”
The more quantifiable you can display your skills, the better.
Use these helpful posts to craft your winning resume:
7. Have a Portfolio Ready
Several creative, marketing, and coding roles require you to have a portfolio of your past work. While resumes are important, this visual aspect allows your work to speak for itself.
Have a professionally curated portfolio ready to include in your application. Include the best and most recent examples of your expertise, updating frequently to match industry trends and standards.
8. Craft a Cover Letter That Makes You Stand Out
A quality cover letter is an integral part of any job application. More than a mere summary of your achievements, a cover letter is an opportunity for you to stand out from other applicants, letting your personality shine.
Keep your tone professional but conversational. Avoid AI-generated content, as it is always easy to spot.
Remember to include relevant information to the specific job posting, tweaking your cover letter to address the position and hiring requirements.
For more information, check out this breakdown on How to Write a Cover Letter in 9 Easy Steps.
9. Connect with the Hiring Manager on LinkedIn
Networking is an important part of the hiring process, and LinkedIn is a great place to start.
Connect with the hiring managers at companies you’re interested in working for; this way, they’ll be able to see your professional accomplishments and hopefully recognize your name when your application comes through.
10. Send a Follow-Up Email
After you submit an application, follow up with an email to the hiring manager introducing yourself. Logistically, this is a good way to ensure your application was received and if they require any additional information from you.
Beyond that, a follow-up email shows recruiters that you are serious about the role and are excited about the opportunity. Small steps like this can make all the difference in your job search.
How to Get a Job Fast: Nailing the Interview
With plenty of candidates all boasting the same education and accolades, the key to conquering the job market is to nail the interview.
11. Research the Company and Position
Before any job interview, you need to do your research. Thoroughly read the job description of the hiring position, record the role criteria, and draw connections between these markers and your professional expertise.
Having these clear connections at the ready is an easy way to show how you’re a good fit for the hiring workplace.
You’ll also want to research the company as a whole, noting its overarching values and community initiatives they’re engaged in. Showing a similar passion for these company values is always welcome.
12. Practice Answering Interview Questions
Many struggle with interview anxiety. And while a few jitters are to be expected, severe anxiety can significantly affect your chances.
Luckily, preparing for your interview can help slash your nerves and leave you feeling prepared and focused.
Try hosting a mock interview to practice answering interview questions with confidence and professionalism. Tailor questions the specific job you’re applying for, and ask your mock interviewer for feedback as you go.
How to Get a Job Fast: After the Interview
It’s not over until you sign your name on the dotted line. Here are a few follow-up tips to secure your position (or to keep your momentum!).
13. Send a Thank-You After the Interview
The final step in securing that new job title could be a friendly follow-up after your interview. Thank the hiring manager for their time, and re-emphasize your passion for the role.
With any luck, you’ll soon get an offer!
14. Track Your Progress
Applying for jobs is a part-time job in itself. Keep yourself organized with an online calendar to easily track application deadlines, interview appointments, and more. Holly has a printable Work From Home Career Planner that is perfect for keeping track of everything!
Track both successful and unsuccessful application processes for your continual career growth.
15. Consider Freelance Work
If you’re still waiting to secure your dream job, consider finding a temporary job through freelancing.
Freelancing provides you with a world of remote jobs in your area of expertise. You can work on your own schedule, taking on projects as time allows. This way, you’ll still have plenty of time to seek new opportunities.
A freelance project can help ease the stress of seeking new employment while also providing you with additional experience to beef up your resume – a win-win!
Final Thoughts: How to Get a Job Fast
Finding the perfect job is possible with these tips; using them together will speed up your job hunt, help you find quality positions, and prepare you for that all-important interview.
Want more job-hunt content? Check out these posts on How to Find the Perfect Work at Home Job and How to Find Work at Home Jobs Faster.