• April 6, 2020

When starting your job search, it’s often worth taking a moment of your time to examine your career goals and evaluate your professional bearings. Before you start blanketing the web with your resume, here’s a list of questions to ask yourself that will make the job search process shorter and more enjoyable.

Are You Facing the Right Direction?

When you imagine your perfect job, what type of professional and personal rewards does it offer? Have you thought about what elements of your last job you loved and what you want to avoid at all costs? If you answer honestly, these questions will reveal more than just superficial workplace preferences. For example, you might discover that paid search marketing is more appealing than an organic SEO job, or that you want to branch out from Web Development into User Experience Design.

No matter where you were before, treat this transition as the perfect opportunity to identify, and more importantly, honor the professional passions that motivate you to succeed.

What Really Makes You Awesome?

Before you answer this question, set aside any restraint that might prevent you from bragging a little. Now is the time to take inventory of what makes you truly valuable to hiring companies so you can answer this key question; “Why should I hire you?” Reacquaint yourself with all your skills, accomplishments and recommendations so you’re ready to tell anyone and everyone why you will make a great addition to their team or project.
Make sure you don’t forget anything either. If you’re a Web Analyst, but you have a flair for video production or Blogging, make sure people know about the full spectrum of your skills. It’s your personal brand, after all, so why not make it awesome?

What Do You Look Like to Others?

Have you Googled yourself lately? If the answer is no, do it and come right back. Now that you’ve done exactly what every prospective employer and recruiter will do after they see your name, don’t you want those search results to be as positive and supportive of your job search as possible? Don’t set foot in the job search arena without knowing exactly what you look like online and taking action, if needed, to adjust what you see. Remove embarrassing Facebook pictures and unprofessional Twitter updates? Check. Optimize your LinkedIn profile so it becomes the number one search result? Check. Start your own professional blog or put your portfolio online? Don’t for to check.

Do You Know and Do They Know You’re Looking?

Your personal and professional network can be the most effective weapon in your job search arsenal, but only if you leverage it properly. If you haven’t invested much in strengthening and expanding your network, now’s a good time to do so. Use this opportunity to reach out to as many people as possible because your perfect job could be just a connection away.

Now that you’ve answered these questions, the path to your new career is much clearer and easier to navigate. With some hard work, creativity and an R3 Integrated Staffing Solutions recruiter as your guide, you’ll reach your dream job in no time!