Top 10 Strategies for a Successful Job Search

Job searching isn't just about applying for jobs and hoping to get called for an interview anymore. Few people are able to simply put in an application, get an interview, and land a job in today's competitive, network-driven job market. The most successful job seekers utilize a variety of strategies, from establishing a social presence to targeting companies, to help them stand out from the crowd.
Try these job search strategies to expedite your search, find connections who can lend a hand, get your resume noticed, and ace your interviews so you get job offers.

01
Get Noticed by Your Dream Company

Applicants in a waiting area getting ready for an interview by straightening their ties. — CaiaImage / Getty Images

The job market is crowded and one of the most important job search strategies you can use is to make sure that you stand out from the crowd and show the hiring manager that you are a candidate who definitely should be selected for an interview.

02
Search for the Right Jobs

Person using a laptop to search for a new job — Hero Images / Getty Images

Use the job search engines to find jobs by using keywords that match your interests and the location where you want to work. Narrowing your search criteria will save time, help you focus your job search, and give you highly relevant job listings to review (and fewer non-relevant listings to weed through).

03
Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

A customized resume attached to a clipboard laying on a desk. — Sinseeho / iStock

It's important to take the time to write targeted resumes and cover letters that specifically link your qualifications to the hiring criteria for the jobs you are applying for. The hiring manager will be able to see, at a glance, why, and how, you are qualified for the job. You'll have a much better chance of getting an interview with a targeted resume than if you send a generic letter and resume.

04
Use Your Network

People at a networking event exchanging business cards. — Jetta Productions / Getty Images

Networking is still the way most people find jobs and the job search strategies you use need to include networking. Connect with everyone you know, because you never know which contact may be able to help you with your job search or put you in touch with someone who can. Join LinkedIn Groups so you'll have access to job listings posted for Group members and more people to network with. Set up information interviews with professionals at your target companies to get more information about an industry, job or company.

05
Rank Well on Google

Roberto Westbrook / Getty Images

Create profiles on LinkedIn and other professional networking sites. Use your name for the URL, if possible. When prospective employers search for you online, those profiles typically rank high, so you will provide recruiters, employers, and contacts with a strong positive and professional impression of you as a candidate they should be interested in.

06
Job Search Where Companies Are Hiring

Job searcher making notes about the companies that are actively recruiting. — mapodile / Getty Images

If you're aware of where companies are seeking applicants, you can position yourself to increase your chances of getting found by hiring managers. One of those important job search strategies you can use is to focus your efforts on the same job sites that companies are using to recruit.

07
Make Sure Companies Can Find You

Person filling out an online job application on a computer — Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

When you're conducting a job search, you need to make it easy for employers to find you online. Employers, who can be inundated with resumes when they post jobs, often seek passive candidates (qualified candidates who aren't necessarily looking for work, but who may be interested if the right job comes along). Here's how to ensure companies can find you.

08
Ace the Job Interview

Department manager interviewing job applicant across a desk. — ONOKY / Getty Images

A job interview, of course, is what is going to get you a job offer - or not. Take the time to prepare. Research the company before you go for the interview, dress appropriately, practice answering and asking interview questions, and make a concerted effort to impress the interviewer with your skills, experience, confidence, and expertise.

09
Follow Up After the Interview

Person putting a follow-up thank you card into an envelop after an interview. — Burke / Getty Images

It's really important to follow up after an interview by thanking everyone you interviewed with. Candidates who send thank you notes get hired more often than those who don't. Use your thank-you note as an opportunity to reiterate why you're the best candidate for the position. If you flubbed an answer during the interview, you can also use your thank you note to clarify.

10
Use Job Search Strategies for Older Workers When Applicable

Older job seeker posing in office has years of experience on her resume. — Thomas Tolstrup / Getty Images

There are strategies older job seekers can implement to help expedite a job search and to find gainful, and meaningful, employment. From age-proofing your resume and cover letter to highlight your years of experience in a positive way, review these tips targeted at helping mature job seekers land interviews and get hired.