An expert’s guide on how to find jobs and get hired

There’s no “right time” to look for a new job, as companies hire year-round. So, if you’re looking to make a career change, there’s no time like the present.

Finding that perfect job can be tough, especially if you don’t know where to look. And if you don’t know how to gauge whether a short job description matches your unique skill set, it’s even harder.

Let’s look at some tips to help you narrow down the job search, successfully find job opportunities online, and put your best foot forward while applying if you're having trouble finding work.

Is it time to find a new job?

Searching for a new job isn’t fun, but it’s necessary. Whether you’re happily employed or looking for work, browsing job listings is something you should make a habit of.

There are millions of jobs on Jobcase at any given time. If you’re an active job searcher, going a week without looking over job listings could cause you to miss out on a dream opportunity.

Finding new job opportunities will also help you identify what skills jobs are looking for so that over time you can keep your skill set fresh.

Let’s get into some helpful job searching tips.

How to narrow down the online job search

To help make the job search process easier, here are four questions you should ask when you begin looking.

1. What kind of job are you looking for?

The most important question you should ask yourself is what sort of job you want to do. Are you hoping to find a position that’s similar to the one you already have, or are you looking to make a step up?

Maybe you’re looking to make a total career change.

You don’t have to have just one job type that you’re looking for. Identify what you’re qualified to do and what your transferable skills and interests are, and use that to determine the kind of job you want.

Whatever it is, narrowing down the job type will help you find relevant jobs much quicker.

2. What job titles and descriptions do these jobs usually have?

Next, make a list of the job titles that the job you want may fall under. There could be more than one possible job title for the same job.

For example, a warehouse supervisor position might be listed as a warehouse manager, production manager, or logistics supervisor. It simply depends on what the company in question calls it.

Reading through job descriptions will help you identify what job titles are similar and which you should be looking for. It’ll also help you determine whether you’re interested in a job before applying for it.

Two different warehouse supervisor jobs could have very different job descriptions, and you may prefer one over the other.

3. What kind of salary are you looking for?

Before applying for any jobs, think about what pay range you’re comfortable with.

If there’s an amount of money that you don’t want to work under, you don’t want to waste time filling out applications for jobs that don’t meet that.

Depending on the type of job, it may be hourly or salary-based.

Whatever the pay structure is, consider negotiating for higher pay. After all, 36% of companies are more likely to negotiate salary with new hires than a year ago.

4. What are your must-haves?

We all value different things in a job. One person may need the flexibility of a remote job, while another puts more value on an extended healthcare package. If you have children, maybe you require flexible hours or a daycare service in the office.

Your situation is unique to you, so make a list of things you aren’t willing to negotiate. This can help you with the job search process, as you can use a lot of these must-haves to narrow down search filters.

Best ways to find a job online

In order to help you find the job that’s best suited for you, here are three things you should do when conducting your search.

1. Identify the job boards you want to use

Finding a job is easier than ever, thanks to the many online job boards out there. Commonly used job boards include Jobcase, LinkedIn, and Indeed.

With Jobcase’s job search engine, you can get a list of jobs sourced from the most popular job boards, so you can conduct your job hunt without bouncing back and forth.

You can sort search results based on location, remote work only, distance, experience level, and date posted.

And if you really want to stay on top of new job postings, many job boards can send them directly to your email so you can be one of the first applicants.

2. Try a variety of different keywords and advanced search functions

Just like there are many different job titles for the same job, there are just as many different keywords to try during your online job search.

The easiest way to go about this is to search for the various job titles you put on your list. Then you can filter jobs by location and distance, helping you to narrow your search and find the most suitable jobs for you.

3. Research the company

Once you’ve found a couple of jobs you’re interested in, you should research the companies hiring. Take a look at their website to gather information about the culture and company itself.

While on the website, navigate to their career page and check out the job posting there. Companies will sometimes include more information about a job on their own website.

You can also take a look at what former employees are saying about a particular company online. Consider also checking out customer reviews if applicable. You can tell a lot about a company by how they treat their customers.

3 things every job seeker should do to get hired

Getting the job goes beyond simply finding one you think you’d be a good fit for — you need to prove it to the hiring manager too.

Here are three things you should do to increase your chances of landing your dream job.

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job posting

While there’s a time and place for sending out as many resumes as possible, as fast as possible, it’s usually best to take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job posting.

Tailor your resume to the job description. If you see they want a particular skill, highlight it on your resume and cover letter.

If you’re applying for jobs in various industries, it will pay off to craft multiple resumes that are suited to that industry. Pick and choose the most relevant work experience to highlight.

2. Prepare for the interview

If interviews make you feel queasy, you’re not alone — 93% of candidates feel nervous before an interview. The way to calm pre-interview jitters is to prepare as much as possible.

Make sure you’ve done your research on the company. At the very least, you should know what they do so that you can engage in conversation about the company.

If you want to go above and beyond, do some research into the hiring manager. If you notice a similarity between the two of you, such as that you went to the same school, you could use that to break the ice.

Finding ways to turn the interview into a conversation is an excellent path to success.

3. Send a thoughtful follow-up

After your interview, it’s important to follow up. This typically comes in the form of a thank-you email up to 24 hours after the interview. You could also send another follow-up after a week or so if you still haven’t heard back.

Recruiters like to see that candidates remain interested throughout the process.

While not following up won’t necessarily put you out of the running, it’s good practice to do so. It could even be the edge you need.

Mastering the online job search

Searching for a new job can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Learning how to navigate job boards to find the best jobs for you can make the process much easier.

Tailoring your resume and cover letter to a job posting is a good way to increase your chances of getting a callback. And taking the time to prepare for your job interview can help secure you that offer. And if you find that the employer doesn't think you'd be the best fit - don't stress. Just keep your head up and keep applying!

Ready to find your dream job? Check out the Jobcase job search to find your next opportunity.