We get it, finding a new job can sound daunting. Searching through online job boards, editing your resume, and preparing for interviews, isn’t something people generally look forward to; sometimes it’s the hassle of finding a new job that keeps people in their current, and less than ideal, work role. Finding a new job though doesn’t need to be a huge ordeal. There are some easy hacks to make job hunting a bit less painful and speed along the process. Here are our best tips…

Let Others Know

If you’re currently unemployed, spread the news on all your social media accounts that you’re looking for a job and see if there is anyone in your network that can help you land your next role. If you’re currently working, and want to keep the job hunt private, tell a few select friends, previous co-workers, and managers that you can trust, that you’re looking for a new role. Previous co-workers and managers may have moved on to new companies and can help you get your foot in the door. Networking is a great way to jumpstart landing a new role and having someone that works at a company you’re interested in, and who can speak to your ability and skills, will go a long way.

Enlist Help

Working with a recruiter who knows the local market and companies that are hiring can be another great resource in helping you find a new job quickly. Employers don’t always advertise their job openings publicly but instead, choose to work with a recruiting agency, so working with a recruiter will open up more opportunities than you previously thought were available. A good recruiter will also give you advice, help with your resume, and be a confidential partner in your job search. Searching for a job on your own can feel daunting, but with a recruiter not only will you likely save time, but you’ll feel supported as they help you through the process, from job searching and resume tweaking, to interview prep, insights, and feedback.

Set a Schedule

When beginning your job search, it can be helpful to set a schedule and to-do list for yourself, so you stay organized and on track. For instance, you may spend the first day updating your resume, the next day working on your LinkedIn profile and updating/editing your online presence to look professional, and the following day can be spent setting up job search alerts, etc. If you need some ideas, Harvard Business Review has a schedule idea for finding a new job and the order they propose is:

  1. Update your résumé to highlight transferable job skills
  2. Improve your personal brand on LinkedIn and make your profile visible
  3. Conduct informational interviews with potential co-workers
  4. Ask for job search referrals from your connections
  5. Prepare for your virtual job interview

When setting a schedule for yourself, also remember to take some days off the job hunt. Typically applying for jobs over the weekend isn’t ideal as it’s better to apply within 24 hours of the company posting (which usually falls during the work week). So set your job search schedule for the week but take breaks on the weekend if you can so you don’t get burned out.