9 Steps to Take During Your Job Search

No matter why you’re looking for a job, you can get started on any of these nine steps immediately and feel more proactive and prepared. Blitz through them fast and you’ll be well on your way.

1. Update your resume

You know you need to. Set aside an hour and update that thing. Make sure the formatting is clean, professional and uniform, then get ready to send it out.

2. Reach out

Even if you’re not sure what you want to do next, or how to go about it, engage your network. Ask for advice and suggestions. Chances are someone has a great idea or opportunity for you. All you need to do is ask.

3. Take a quiz

It never hurts to reevaluate, especially if you think it might be time to try a new career. Take an online career quiz like this one to make sure you’re going in the right direction for your skills and tastes.

4. Ask up the ladder

Don’t be shy to reach out to someone above your station, so to speak, whom you admire. People love to be asked for advice. The worst-case scenario? They’ll say no. The best? They might not have realized they had the perfect opportunity just waiting for someone like you to come along.

5. Get organized

When you get heavy into your search, you’ll have resumes going out and correspondence coming in like mad. Take a breather to set up an organizational system to serve you smoothly throughout the process. You’ll be glad you did.

6. Give yourself a digital makeover

Go ahead and Google yourself. Make sure your social media accounts reflect the best and most professional, hirable version of the special snowflake that you are. Take down those drunken pictures from the Christmas party, or set your Facebook privacy settings to Friends Only. Shore up your online presence before the right person searches for you and gets the wrong impression.

7. Tailor your cover letter

Don’t just send out the same soulless form letter. Do your homework. Learn about the company and the job first, then tailor each cover letter to match.

8. Bone up

Study up on interview strategies and techniques so as not to feel the waves of panic when you get one!

9. Hit the job boards

Ready, get set, get a job!