We’ll look at the 3 best ways to find jobs online and offline, and then I’m going to give you a few extra tips to help make your job search easier. So if you can’t find a job, or are just starting a job search and want to get hired quickly, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get started.
Method 1: Using Your Network to Find a Job
I’ll start by saying I know not everyone has a strong network they can rely on. It’s okay. But whoever you do know, you should talk to and utilize. And you should make new connections/relationships to make your job search easier as well.
Rule 1: Tell EVERYONE
- The first rule of job search networking: Tell people you’re job hunting. Nobody can help you if you don’t tell people.
- I once landed an interview at a top tech company in Boston by telling my haircutter I was job hunting.
What happened? Earlier in the week, a hiring manager had come in and dropped off his business card in case the haircutter finds any recent graduates who are job hunting. I mentioned it, he gave me the card, and the rest is history.
Rule 2: Always Try to Get Introduced to a Company
Also, think of anyone in your existing network (former coworkers, classmates, friends, and family, etc.) who work at companies or have connections to companies you might want to work at.Approach them and ask if they know if the company is hiring. Explain why you thought the company would be a good fit and see if they have any ideas about how you might be able to get in contact with them.
It’s best to ask casually like this, rather than directly asking for a big favor upfront… unless you’re very close with the person you’re talking to (like a sibling, best friend, parent, etc.)
Why It’s Always Better to Get Introduced
Any time you can get introduced directly to a company or hiring manager, you will have a much higher chance of getting the interview. You might even skip the conversation with a recruiter or HR and go right in to meet the hiring manager.So always get introduced to a company if you can. This is faster and FAR more effective than applying online, or other “cold” approach methods. That’s why networking will always be one of the best ways to find jobs, and the first methods you should go to.
Method 2: Apply Directly to Targeted Companies
You should spend a good portion of your time finding companies that fit what you want to be doing in your career, and apply directly via email or via their “Careers” page.This includes companies that are hiring, but also companies who are not hiring. Your odds of hearing back from a company that doesn’t appear to be hiring are lower, but you’ll have virtually no competition if they do reply and show interest in your background.
So aim for a mix, maybe 70% companies who are hiring, and 30% companies who don’t appear to be hiring or don’t have a job that fits your background listed on their site.
Reasons Companies Might Interview You Even if a Job Wasn’t Posted
- They were planning on posting a relevant job soon, and you caught them at the right time (you’d be amazed how much luck goes into a job search. This can absolutely happen)
- They’re growing fast and want talented people in general. Many growth-stage companies are always looking for ambitious talent, and if you go out of your way to email them even when they don’t have a job posting, you’ll definitely get their attention!
What to Put in Your Email/Application
However, you choose to apply to these companies, make sure to explain why they caught your eye in your cover letter or email.Saying “I need a job” isn’t good enough. You need to show a company why you want THEIR job. So you need to show:
- You’ve done your research and know something about them
- You know what you’re looking to do next in your career, and their company seems to fit that
So make sure those two points are in your cover letters or emails when you send your resume. If you follow these steps, do your research and don’t rush, this method is one of the best ways to find a job online.
Method 3: “Rapid-Fire” LinkedIn Job Search Method
While method #2 above requires careful research, and selectively picking companies to apply to, this method works by ramping up the number of applications you send out.This is one of my personal favorites and has been working very well for job seekers for the past two years. It remains one of the best ways to find jobs online, even if you don’t have any network to rely on.
The main goal with this method: Get your resume in front of a lot of companies so you can start having conversations FAST. And the best place to do that is LinkedIn.
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