Most people wouldn't say that looking for a new job was their favorite activity, but with some small changes to your job-hunting method it can be made a lot easier. This article will help you focus your resume on your career goals and main skills, look for jobs in all the right places, and use AI to help you highlight what makes you special. We've also included useful links for further on in your job-search journey, when you need to get ready for interviews!
Know What You are Looking For
Before you start looking at what is available, think about the kind of job you really want. Asking yourself these questions can help you save time with more specific searches and help keep you focused and motivated:
What field do you want to work in? What is the ideal job for you in that field?
What are you qualified for?
Are you OK with gaining qualifications from a job if it pays less?
What is the lowest pay you will accept? What is the highest pay you can expect?
What are your deal-breakers? (what you can never accept in a job)
Do you need any facilities or accommodations? (child care on-site, disabled access)
Identify Your Skills
Now that you've decided what your goals are, it's time to identify your skills. Knowing what skills you have is an important part of finding jobs at the right level, knowing your value as an applicant, and writing specific and impressive job applications.
Search online for job listings in your chosen field(s)
Look at job descriptions and the skills and qualifications required - write these down
Write down your matching qualifications and experience for each requirement
Add your matching technical abilities - do you know any programming languages? Can you operate construction machinery?
Add your matching 'soft skills' - are you a skilled communicator? Are you good at sales?
Add any transferable skills from your free time - are you a first aider? Do you do the accounting in your family?
For more information and guidance on how to identify all of the skills you have to offer, you can watch this helpful video:
Use Different Job Search Methods
When looking for jobs, it's important to use different methods. Most people start on common job search websites like Indeed, and there is nothing wrong with that. But trying different methods of looking for your next job can really improve your chances of success. It can also help you stay informed about pay rates, employee experiences, and more.
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Here are some recommendations for different job search methods:
Use LinkedIn and Glassdoor to find job listings and get inside information on company culture and salaries.
Use a search engine to look for "most popular job websites in <country name>" or "best job websites for careers in <field name>" to look for work in a specific field.
Look on company websites for their job opportunities.
Find out who your friends and family work for and would recommend. An insider can help put you directly in contact with employers.
Update and Improve Your Resume
Your resume (or Curriculum Vitae) is one of the first things a future employer will see about you. You can improve your chances of being noticed by changing your resume to fit with the job description you are applying for. Here are some general tips to help you update and improve your resume:
Use keywords from job descriptions to highlight how well your skills and experience match the role.
Keep your resume clear and short. Focus on your most relevant skills and experience.
You can end sections of your resume with "more <experience/references> available upon request" if there is too much to fit in.
Proofread your resume! Correct all typos and grammar mistakes, and keep the format consistent.
Use numbers, percentages, and the grades you achieved whenever you know them.
Applying in Another Country? Research Their Resume Style
If you are applying for a job in another country make sure you understand what is normal for a resume in that location. It's really easy for most countries, all you need to do is go to a search engine and enter the following search:
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"How should a <nationality name> resume look?"
"What should a resume in <country name> look like?"
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There are lots of articles giving specific advice for countries all around the world. You will also find templates and example resumes to help you!
Think About How Your Current Job Status Affects Your Search
There is no job status that will stop you from finding a new job, but there are some things to think about if you are in one of the following situations:
You already have a job and want a new one - take your time with your job search and don't burn out. You might need to limit your references to previous employers. For more advice try Looking for A New Job While Still Working. Â
You have had a career break - whatever your reason for having a career gap you will probably need to explain it in your application or interview. Take a look at Explaining a Job Gap in an Interview for helpful advice on how to do this confidently.
You are graduating from college or university soon - it's always best to begin your job search before you graduate to save yourself some time. You might find an internship or part-time job are also good places to get some work experience. For more advice for college leavers look at The Student and New Graduate Guide To Job Search and Find Your First Job With These 5 Job Hunting Tips.
Use ChatGPT and AI Tools to Enhance Your Resume
Smart tools like ChatGPT, ResumeAI, and WonsultingAIÂ can be valuable tools for improving your resume wording and presentation. They can help you make it easier to read, use keywords, and match your resume to the job you want.
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Here are some examples of prompts asking the AI to help improve a resume:
Your Prompt | AI Reply |
Help me rewrite this resume bullet point: "Responsible for managing a team of marketing professionals and increasing sales." | "Led a team of marketing professionals, driving sales growth and enhancing overall team performance." |
Suggest improvements for the following resume based on: clarity, conciseness, and professionalism  "2023 - 2024 MSc – I graduated with a distinction for a Masters of Science in <university subject> from <faculty name>at <university name> in <university location>" | Certainly! Here are some suggested improvements for the education section of your CV:  "MSc in <university subject> - <university name>, <university location> | 2023 - 2024
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You can even copy all of the text in your resume and ask the AI to help you improve it using similar prompts to the table above. Of course, there are more ways to write your prompt to get customized feedback, so here are some articles with advice about prompting AI to help you get started:
Get Ready for Your Job Interviews
If you have improved your job search then hopefully you will soon have some interviews to prepare for! If you want to improve this process too there is far too much Go2 guidance to fit into this article. To improve your answers to interview questions about anything from how you prioritize your work, to demonstrating your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, take a look at our 18 Go2 Career Help articles all about Interviewing.
 Wrap Up
There are many helpful guides online for every job-seekers employment situation, language, country, and technical field. Take some time to think through your personal job searching strategy and you could save time searching, find more jobs you are interested in, and improve your applications.
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Remember to:
Decide what you are looking for
Identify your skills
Use a variety of job-searching methods
Update and improve your resume
Get ready for some job interviews!
Keep searching and applying, and you could be in a new job sooner than you think.
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