Whether you’re preparing to find your first job or want to switch careers, understanding the ins and outs of searching and applying to the open positions you’re interested in can make the process feel much smoother. Here are some useful tips to help you search for, find, and apply to good jobs you’re interested in!
3 ways to search for jobs near you
These days, your job resource isn’t limited to your local newspaper. There are more ways to find the jobs you’re interested in than ever before. Even better, you don’t have to leave your home to get started! If you know what kind of jobs you’re searching for or what industry you might want to work in, try one of these four ways to investigate jobs in your field.
Online job boards. Most employers post open jobs on their website, but they also use online job boards to ensure that as many potential applicants see the post as possible. This allows them to have a wider candidate list so they can find the perfect fit for the job. There are many benefits to searching for and applying to jobs through sites like Indeed, GlassDoor, and Monster. Besides being able to search for jobs in your area, you can learn more about potential employers, submit your resume right through the website, and filter your job search to specific industries or even focus on work from home opportunities.
LinkedIn. LinkedIn isn’t just a useful tool for networking, though that’s a plus! You can connect with people in the industry you work in, or want to work in, to learn more about available jobs. You can also search for jobs that are posted on the site. Like an online job board, you can filter your search to find jobs near you, openings in specific industries, and more. Additional benefits of a LinkedIn profile include allowing employers to search for workers like you, easy applications to many job postings, and, if you choose to sign up for LinkedIn Premium, you can compare your qualifications to what the employer is looking for to see if you’re a good fit!
Facebook. These days, most businesses small and large have a company Facebook page. There’s also a jobs tab in Facebook that can allow you to search for job openings posted on the social network! A great benefit to using Facebook to find jobs is that you can also scan a company’s profile and learn more about the business to ensure it’s somewhere you want to work before you apply! Keep in mind, though, that if you’re using Facebook to find and apply to jobs, you want to make sure that your profile is a good representation of who you are. Many employers check out applicants’ profiles before interviewing them, so it’s important to be careful what you share online.
How to apply to jobs you’re interested in
You’ve done the work to find jobs and opportunities that could be a great fit for your career goals. The next step is submitting your application and resume! Before you click “apply” on a job post, there are a few things you want to do to make sure you have the best chance to stand out to employers. You’ll want to
Update your resume. A strong resume and cover letter can make a big difference when you’re applying to jobs. It allows you to highlight your education and experience, while offering details about the tasks you performed and what you accomplished. If you don’t have a resume, a good place to start is by using a resume template which can be found in Google Docs, Word, or even by doing a quick Google search. If you already have a resume, make sure you update it regularly! Even if you’ve worked at the same company for years, you may have added new skills that can help you stand out. A few other things to keep in mind include using a simple, standard font like Arial, keeping your resume straightforward – no need to use graphics or images unless you’re applying to a job in a creative field like graphic design – and making sure you contact information is up to date.
Have a cover letter ready. Many jobs don’t require that you submit a cover letter but it’s a good idea to have one ready. A cover letter gives you a short space to go more in-depth on your experience or education, explain why you’re interested in a particular job, or can even be used to explain any gaps on your resume. You don’t want to write an essay, but a short, two-paragraph intro to who you are and what you can do can be helpful.
Use a professional email address. While creating fun, personalized emails can be great for connecting with friends and family, it can also impact whether or not a hiring manager contacts you. The best way to create a professional email address is to keep it simple. A combination of your first and last name is usually the easiest way to make sure your email is ready to share with employers.
Make sure your voicemail is ready to go in case you miss any calls. Like fun email addresses, fun voicemail greetings can seem like a great way to stand out and make people who call you laugh. But when you’re actively applying for jobs, a silly voicemail greeting can be a turn off for employers. It’s best to update your message to something simple and professional. A standard greeting should include your name, direct callers to leave a message, and be short and simple. And don’t forget to make sure your voicemail inbox isn’t full! If an employer calls, you want them to be able to leave you a message.
When you’ve got everything you need ready to go, applying for jobs online can be easy! If you’re on a site like Indeed or Monster, you can create a free profile, upload your resume and information, and usually apply to open jobs with one click! If you’re applying to a few jobs in different areas, make sure to tweak your resume and cover letter for those specific jobs. That doesn’t mean changing your job history or experience, but when you’re editing your resume, make sure to highlight accomplishments that would be of interest to each employer.
Learn new skills to help you stand out
If you don’t have a lot of job history, are applying for your first job, or are even switching things up and looking to start working in a completely different environment, adding credentials and relevant skills to your resume can make a difference. With Ashworth College, you can build foundational knowledge in a variety of industries, start working on a college degree, or even take a short career certificate course to boost your resume. Even better, you can learn from home, on your schedule!
After graduating, you can take advantage of Ashworth’s career services to help you strengthen your resume, build an online portfolio, and more! Take your first steps toward preparing for a career you love by enrolling online or calling an Admissions Advisor at to learn more.
