Once equipped with an updated resume and cover letter, you’re ready to start actually applying for jobs. This section discusses how to find suitable job openings based on your skill set and explains the importance of networking and using job marketplaces.
1. Be mindful of your skills
The best way to shortlist jobs is by identifying your skills and areas of expertise and looking for target companies that match them. Having this match increases your chances of proceeding to the next stage of the selection process and saves you from spending time on applications that aren’t suitable for you.
Job-related skills are critical, of course. Be sure to consider soft skills as well, such as communication, teamwork, personal productivity, willingness to learn, problem-solving, decision-making, and resilience.
Self-reflection is important. While you may be a conscientious worker with many skills, if your skills aren’t the specific ones a company needs, they have no reason to hire you or even consider your resume.Being aware of your capabilities and being open to improving and upskilling yourself are valuable tools in the job search process.
2. Plan your search
Creating a strategic plan can help you stay organized during the job hunt. Determine your career goals and strengths as you try to identify your ideal companies.
Next, build a to-do list for the search. Include tasks like gathering references or reading through job titles and job descriptions and setting deadlines for each item. Think about developing a system for evaluating your assessment of each job and noting feedback that you’re receiving from hiring managers. Use this information to filter your job opportunities to find the best fit. Consider using a spreadsheet to organize your applications and keep track of the next steps.
You may want to become more receptive to jobs beyond your current situation and community. Today’s hyper-connected world allows you to expand your job search beyond your physical location, as you can seek remote work opportunities worldwide.
3. Reach out to your network
Networking—whether online or in person—is important when seeking a job because 70% of jobs are never officially advertised and are taken by candidates who had a connection at the company. Letting your network know when you’re looking for a new position just might lead to a positive result.
People in your professional network can also provide you with valuable career advice or a crucial referral that could get you an ideal job offer.
As you focus in this area, you can find many ways to expand your professional network. Consider attending industry networking events that recruiters or experts attend, joining a club that aligns with your professional interests, or connecting with alumni from your school. Social media platforms like LinkedIn also allow you to broaden your network and find professionals in your field.
4. Find the best job fields through Ova Job Finder’s list of the most popular jobs
We’ve put together a list of the 30 most popular and high-paying jobs between 2019 and 2022. This list can help you identify the best jobs and also read about the skill set needed to secure a job in that field.
Some of the most in-demand jobs and skills for 2023 include:
Civil Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Surgery and Medicine
Accounting
IT & Telecoms
Hospitality & Hotel
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Product management
If you’re considering how education impacts the jobs secured and the median annual wage, it’s clear that people with a doctoral or professional degree earn the most, with a median annual high average.
5. Follow up on your job application
Proactively following up on your job application can give you an edge over other applicants. Sending a brief follow-up email a few days after submitting your application is a good idea to ensure that the business received it. You can also use this opportunity to reinforce your interest in the position.
If you don’t hear back, plan to send a second email two weeks after the initial application. In this second email, ask whether you can provide any further information to help the company make a decision on your application.
If the company hasn’t provided contact information, locate the details of the hiring manager or recruiter on the company’s website or LinkedIn. Remember to be respectful, concise, and polite in all communication.
If you don’t hear back from the business, it might be a good idea to start considering alternatives. You can sign up as a freelancer to freelancing platforms and start providing your services to clients worldwide.
How to be a strong job candidate
With some research, effort, and the right attitude, you can set yourself apart from the other applicants and make your dream job a reality. Follow these tips to try to land a job you really like.
Research your ideal job’s in-demand skills
Companies are evolving rapidly in today’s digital age; it’s essential to keep up with changing job requirements by constantly up-skilling yourself. Here are a few ways for you to find the most in-demand skills:
Ova Job Finder’s list of the most popular jobs of 2022 and their required skills is a valuable resource. It can help you identify your career field’s requirements and highlight where you may be either lacking or excelling.
The Balance Careers has put together a list of the most common jobs under each industry. Once you identify the roles most relevant to you, you can click on the job to identify the skill set you need to succeed in that particular role.
You can use LinkedIn to see the qualifications and certifications that people who hold your desired roles have and acquire these skills if you don’t possess them already.
Showcase training and certifications
Online certifications add credibility and legitimacy to your profile and help you advance in your career. These certificates show potential employers that you’re competent in your field and have cleared an assessment that tested your skills. You can complete some of these online certifications on websites like Coursera and edX.
Additional credentials and training are especially useful in highly specialized industries, such as accounting and information technology (IT). Not all certifications are equal, and it’s important to select a trustworthy body to provide your certification.
Demonstrate self-motivation by learning new skills
Companies appreciate individuals who are willing to continuously improve themselves and keep up with the changing demands of the job market. You can demonstrate self-motivation by staying updated on industry trends and equipping yourself with relevant new skills.
There are many free massive open online course (MOOC) platforms, such as DataCamp and Khan Academy. These websites include many free courses taught by some of the world’s leading professors, including Andrew Ng, former Stanford professor.
Research and understand the job market
The job market is dynamic. Understanding the supply and demand of talent can help you determine the right time to change your job and know your negotiating power.
Websites like Glassdoor allow you to check the average salary for a specific position, see employee reviews, and learn about a company’s work culture.
While historically many positions have been the typical 9-to-5 office jobs, today’s job market has many other models. It may be helpful to understand the differences between seasonal roles, part-time versus full-time roles, and freelance positions to identify which is right for you.
Show enthusiasm for the job
Companies want to hire individuals who are passionate about their job and the organization and its values. Your cover letter and interview offer great opportunities to highlight how your professional goals align with those of the company and to demonstrate your genuine interest in working with them.
Reaching out to recruiters through professional networking platforms and following up after an interview also show your enthusiasm for a position.
Search and find a suitable job through the Ova Job finder platform
Looking for a job can be both daunting and exciting. While many applicants want to start their new roles as soon as possible, being patient during this journey often leads to finding a better position. Taking the time to do adequate research, strengthen your profile, cv and identify the right companies can help increase your chances of ending up with your dream job.
If you need help finding some of the best-fit freelance jobs for your skills and interests, investigate Fiverr or Upwork platform. they are some of the world’s most popular work marketplace, making it easy to apply as a freelancer or search for work that matters to you and allows you to hit some pocket financial goals. No matter your industry or expertise, explore the work opportunities waiting for you.
