Before you start applying, take time to prepare. A successful job search begins with thoughtful planning, self-reflection, and the right tools. Whether you’re reentering the workforce, pivoting careers, or seeking growth, setting a strong foundation will help you move with purpose. These seven proven strategies will help you stand out, maximize opportunities, and approach your search with clarity and confidence.​​

While ideally your résumé is customized for a specific job, having an up-to-date Master résumé is the next best thing. So if you are continually doing more at work, or if you’ve changed your career direction, or obtained additional credentials, now is the time to review the various options available at Market-Connections Professional Résumé Writing Services, as listed on the Start Here page. (And if you don’t have a résumé at all, now is the time to put one together. Market-Connections Résumé Services can help.) ​

​There are distinct differences between a LinkedIn profile and a résumé. While they are not the same thing, your LinkedIn profile complements your résumé. Hiring managers and recruiters routinely conduct searches on LinkedIn and find suitable candidates for almost all kinds of professions. Or, someone in your network might be interested in recommending you and forwarding your LinkedIn profile URL. So, make sure you have an updated LinkedIn profile.  

​​One of the most often-cited reasons to consider a job search is to increase your salary. But how do you know what you’re worth? There is more salary research data available than ever before. Websites like Glassdoor.com and Salary.com can help you see how your current salary and benefits package stack up. 

​It’s estimated that 40-80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Networking effectiveness is not just about quality, although that’s important. It’s also about quantity. It’s not just about who you know. It’s about who your contacts know. Many times, it’s the friend-of-a-friend who can help you land your dream job. So, be sure to revive your personal network. Learn how to network your way to your next job. You never know who will be the one to introduce you to your next job opportunity. 

​More and more hiring managers are checking you out online before they interview you. What will they find when they type your name into Google? How about if they check out your X profile? Or find you on Facebook? Now is the time to audit your social media presence and clean up your online profiles. 

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” That line, from Alice in Wonderland, is important to remember in your job search. This is when a career roadmap is essential. If you don’t know what your dream job looks like, how will you know how to find it? What job title and responsibilities are you interested in? Do you want to work independently, as part of a team, or both? Do you like short-term projects or long-term projects? Who would you report to? Who would report to you? Answering these questions can help you define your ideal position. ​

Like your ideal job, you probably have a preference for the type of organization you want as your employer. Things to consider include: company size, industry, culture, location, and structure (public, private, franchise, family-owned, nonprofit, etc.). Once you’ve made your list, look for companies that fit your criteria.

Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/7-ways-to-prepare-for-your-job-search