Starting a job search can feel like a job in itself. Where should you look? How do you know which opportunities are worth pursuing? And how do you get your application in front of the right people?
A successful job search involves more than finding job postings. It means exploring your options, finding employers, and building connections.
Know what you’re looking for
Before searching, think about the type of work you’re looking for. Consider your interests, skills, experience, work values, preferred location and workplace preferences.
If you’re unsure which occupations might be a good fit, NCcareers offers assessments that can help you explore careers based on your interests, skills, and work values. Your results can give you occupations to research further. The goal is to have enough direction to search intentionally.
Explore your options
Research the occupations that interest you. Look at what the work involves, typical wages, training requirements, skills and employment outlook.
Considering a career change? The Career Journey Builder can help you explore what might come next. Start with your education, current or most recent occupation, or a career you want to pursue to discover related occupations and potential pathways.
Look in more than one place
No single website has every opening. Check several sources, including:
● Indeed and LinkedIn for a broad range of job postings
● NCWorks Online, North Carolina’s state job bank
● Employer websites, which may list opportunities that aren’t posted elsewhere
● NCWorks Career Centers, where you can get free help with resumes, applications, interviews and local job leads
● Industry or Occupation Association websites often post job listings from their membership
Build your own employer list
Not every opportunity is posted online. Direct contact, referrals and professional connections can all lead to opportunities. The Business Search Tool can help you identify businesses connected to the industries that employ your occupation. Explore employers by occupation, industry and location, then visit their websites to learn more and look for current or future opportunities.
Research employers and build your network
Before applying, spend a few minutes learning about the organization. Visit its website and look for recent news or updates. This can help you decide whether it’s a good fit and prepare you to answer questions such as, “Why do you want to work here?”
Some opportunities come from people, not job boards. Tell friends, family, former coworkers, teachers and professional contacts what kind of work you’re looking for. You can also request an informational interview: a short conversation with someone about their work or career path.
Tailor your application
Avoid sending the exact same resume to every employer. Review each job description and highlight the skills, experience, tools and certifications that are most relevant to that position. If a cover letter is requested, explain why you’re interested in the specific role and organization and how your experience connects to the position.
Keep track and follow up
Keep a simple record of jobs you’ve applied for, employers you’ve researched, people you’ve contacted, interviews, and follow-up dates. After an interview or professional conversation, send a brief thank-you message.
A job search can take time. You may need to expand your employer list, build new skills or adjust the positions you’re targeting.
Explore your options. Find employers. Build connections. Tailor your applications. And use the resources available to you.