The difference between finding a job and finding the best job for you often takes a well defined strategy. Identifying how your personal ambitions, goals and needs align with a particular job opportunity is no easy task.
But outlining these factors is essential when searching for a job that’s the right fit for you. Below, you’ll find the most up-to-date information and guidance on how to find a job you’ll love.
How to find a job that’s right for you
- Start by deciding what you want in a job.
- Research job titles and descriptions.
- Review salary trends.
- Identify your must-haves.
- Experiment with different job searches.
- Use advanced search tools to avoid the noise.
- Conduct company research.
- Determine if you meet the requirements.
Decide what you want in a job
At the start of your job search, spend some time reflecting on what has prompted you to look. Are you interested in doing the same job for a different employer? Do you want to change career paths? Are you entering the job market for the first time? Are you returning from an employment gap?
Each of these circumstances presents a different way of narrowing in on the jobs you want. There are several resources to help you explore your options:
To better understand the meaning of different job titles, you can review hundreds of different job titles — learning what the job entails and what skills may be required.
Salary trends is a tool that let you see the trends in compensation for specific jobs in different locations. Enter a job title and you’ll see the salary range in various cities and with different employers.
Identify your must-haves
The next step in finding the jobs that are right for you is to identify your non-negotiables and areas where you may be more flexible. Each person will have a distinct list. Here are some examples of what you may have in mind:
Examples of non-negotiables may be:
- The industry or discipline you want to work in
- A wage or salary you can’t go below
- Benefits such as health insurance or paid time off
- Location and commute time
Examples of where you may be more flexible:
- You aren’t attached to a particular job title (associate, specialist, or another designation)
- Would like but don’t need added benefits such as the ability to work from home
- Working at a small business versus a large company
- The amount of travel your job entails
Deciding which factors are must-haves and which are negotiable will help you move forward with confidence.
Experiment with different job searches
The best way to get a feel for the jobs that are available to you is to try out different search terms. As you search, you’ll get better at recognizing the jobs that feel right and those that don’t.
If you’re not sure where to begin, it’s a good practice to start with broad search terms and steadily narrow it down. For example:
You begin a search with “Customer support” in Austin, Texas.
The result: job posts appear in the thousands.
Next, search for “Customer support specialist” in Austin, Texas.
The result: total job posts are in the hundreds now.
In the search results, certain titles may jump out at you. You can now conduct new searches for each of these. If you really like the results you’re getting with a particular search, set up a job alert — you’ll receive new matching jobs in your email on a daily or weekly basis, depending on your preference. You can create multiple job alerts and pause or delete them at any time.
Use advanced search tools to avoid the noise
The next step is filtering the job search posts by using advanced search tools.
Filter your search
Filters can narrow down the number of job postings by salary, company, location, posting date and more. With this advanced job search option, you can potentially turn a results page with thousands of jobs into a few dozen.
If you’re using CV Simply on your phone, you’ll see the filter button on your search results page, just to the right of the search bar. On a desktop, these filters are on the left side of the page.
Easily apply with your Resume
Keep an eye out for jobs that have the “Apply with your Resume” option. These are job posts that enable you to upload your resume and submit your application in just a few clicks — giving you back valuable time in your job search.
Watch out for notifications from employers
You’re putting in the effort to submit carefully prepared job applications — you certainly don’t want to miss any updates from employers when they respond.
Determine if you meet the requirements
When you find a job posting that you think is a great fit for you, make sure to read the entire job description and follow directions.
Always look over the requirements section of a job post. There will usually be a “required experience” section that outlines everything an employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Use your best judgment to determine if you have the qualifications. Even if you don’t check every box, you should thoughtfully consider if your skill set and years of experience generally match up.
