10 Secrets to Boost Your Job Search

Being jobless is tough. Your search can drag on and leave you feeling like you’ve hit a wall. It’s a tedious, time-consuming, and exhaustive process, but don’t let desperation drive you. Making a few vital tweaks to your strategy can, and will most likely, result in a positive outcome. Eliminate your frustration and try these 10 secrets to boost your job search.

Secret #1 Have a winning attitude

You’re a winner. Tell yourself that. You’re a talented professional. You’re a valuable employee. You deserve to get the job. Know that there is an employer out there right now who is waiting for you to come along, who is interested in what you are able to offer. You will find each other. Until then, know you’re worth and the value you bring.

Secret #2 Hold your head high

Yes, you have competition, but don’t let that intimidate you! You can’t control your competition, and there will always be someone who is more qualified than you, no matter how accomplished you are. You’re just going to have to decide if you’re going to let that discourage you or make you work harder. The point isn’t to be the best, it’s to be the best you can.

Secret #3 Express your appreciation

You know what they say. Gratitude is the best attitude. You’d be surprised by how many people don’t follow up after meeting with a potential employer. If you express your appreciation, you automatically express confidence and differentiate yourself from other candidates. It can be a short note of thanks, but it must include the reasons why you are a good fit for the job. It’s another opportunity to show that you are still confident that you are the right person for the position.

Secret #4 Not every day is a good day

But that doesn’t mean you give up! It’s the struggles that show us our true strength and bring us triumph. Don’t beat yourself up. There are many disappointments along the way which will be difficult to understand because you won’t always get the answers. Why was I rejected? What wasn’t I contacted? Why didn’t I get a second interview? However well-qualified you may be, the truth is not every employer will want to hire you. And that’s a good thing because not every employer is right for you.

Secret #5 Use a recruiter

If you’re like most job seekers, you’re looking at every option under the sun to find openings with desirable companies and hoping to secure an interview. That’s all good and well, but recruiters can help you broaden your job search, particularly if you’re in a high-level position, or if you’re in an industry that typically uses recruiters to fill vacancies, like manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, etc.

Insider secret: About 80% of positions aren’t advertised and posted, according to some estimates. Rather than pouring through every online listing, recruiters tap the hidden job market and introduce you to unadvertised opportunities, and arranging interviews.

Secret #6 Visualize your success

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? It’s a common interview question. No employer expects you to have psychic powers and know exactly what you’ll be doing in 1,820 days. It’s okay if you don’t have the rest of your life plotted out. What is important is that you have a vision for yourself, of where you want your career to go, solid conviction, and an idea of how to accomplish your goals. Visualize your success, then go and take action.

Secret #7 Get Active on LinkedIn

This one is really no secret. LinkedIn is the king of professional networking. It boasts more than542 million users in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. However, it only serves its purpose when you remain active and the information presented on it is accurate. Profiles with professional headshots get21 times more views and up to 36 times more messages. So click on over to your profile and make a few updates. Add some new connections, update your photo, publish a video, or join a couple of groups in your industry.

Secret #8 Build your brand

Because you can bet hiring managers are looking at your social media. How are you branding yourself? You should feel comfortable with your public persona within or outside the workplace, and whether you post daily, weekly, or monthly—having an appropriate web presence can attract potential employers and even new networking contacts. Make social media your ally by conveying a professional image, while also letting your personality shine through to let your future bosses know you are a good fit with their company culture. Maximize your uniqueness for a stand-out personal brand.

Secret #9 Take charge

Greatness favors the bold. Preparation is always key, whether it’s submitting a resume, applying for a job, attending an interview, or meeting with the employer. Make sure that each resume you send is tailored to the specific requirements of the position and clearly responds to the question “why should I hire you?”

Resume Tip: Incorporate 1-3 power words. Verbs matter. Verbs matter a lot. They paint a picture of who you are and what you’re capable of.

1. Piloted
2. Transformed
3. Pioneered
4. Negotiated
5. Optimized
6. Orchestrated
7. Mobilized
8. Remodeled
9. Improved
10.  Founded

These are all words that scream “I’m a leader!”

Secret # 10 Quality rather than quantity

Desperation has never brought out the best in people. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Instead of casting a wide net and applying to as many companies as possible, selectively approach the ones with missions that resonate most with you, that allows you to do work that inspires you. Your ability to face adversity with resilience and trust in yourself is a determining factor in getting the job you deserve.

If you are currently searching for a new executive position that would be a better fit, be sure to visit our job portal.

Barbachano International is the premier executive search and leadership advisory firm in the Americas (USA, Mexico, Canada, and Latin America) with a focus on diversity and multicultural target markets.  Outplacement and Executive Coaching services are provided by our sister allied company Challenger Gray & Christmas. BIP has been recognized by Forbes as Americas’ Best Executive Search Firms for 6 consecutive years and currently ranks #26 and #3 on the West Coast.