How to Get a Job Immediately?

Finding new employment is a taxing task. Many times, new job seekers want to get a job as soon as possible to minimize the financial pressure. You might have just started your career after graduation. Or perhaps you are an experienced worker who is on a 2-week notice period and wants to leave his previous stressful job .

Whatever the situation, acquiring a dream job fast is the wish of every person looking for an employment opportunity.

However, getting hired immediately seems more like a fancy fantasy.

Sure, it is not easy in a saturated and competitive job market, but it is not impossible either. In reality, the job search process is more like a sales process. You are selling your services to the organization. Hence, you need to present yourself as an irreplaceable candidate for the targeted job and get in the good books of the recruiter.

That’s what you can learn in this guide. Don’t lose hope because we have listed 11 best practices to make the job hunt easier for you.

Is it Possible to Get a Job Immediately?

Yes, it is possible. You can get a job pretty quickly, if not immediately. What you need is a polished resume and an active job search. An active job search is when someone applies for a specific position. It can be done through:

• Building a network of people who can refer you to job opportunities
• By having your LinkedIn account up-to-date
• By attending career fairs

16 Tips for New Job Hunting

The following are 16 strategies to make your job search process more effective:

1.     Get Clear on Your Goals

Don’t squander your time applying to all 50 jobs on the list you made. Cut it based on the qualifications, relevant experiences, and skills you bear. Clarify what type of job you want and what you’re looking for in a position. Be practical and focus on your goals.

Let’s say becoming a Marketing Analyst or a Marketing Officer of a reputable company is your goal in the long term. Then you should focus on gaining experience in areas like:

• Social media management
• Event planning
• And team management

With this goal in mind, you won’t settle for a technical job or a bogus company-fitting position obviously.
Set your career goals beforehand and focus on these goals when you find work. Otherwise, you may rush while applying to irrelevant positions.

What If You Are Broke?

Sometimes, you might be in a financial grind, and immediate work is required for survival. In this case, we do not recommend you say “no” to an offer even because the work does not align with your long-term goals. Take up the job to meet your daily expenses, but keep upskilling and looking for a better option.

2.     Learn Unique Skills

Unique skills can significantly expedite your job search. When you have a helpful trait that most candidates do not, the hiring team will surely prefer you over others. Specialized expertise showcases your commitment to learning and adaptability. And employers highly value both of these traits.

Prioritize skills aligned with your field or organization’s needs. Check out descriptions of similar jobs to find out what are the most demanded unique skills. Focus on learning and mastering those. One way to do that is to take online courses and build a portfolio alongside.

Once you feel confident, add these skills to your resume and cover letter. During interview preparation, highlight these capabilities to make a lasting impression.

3.    Optimize Your Job Application

Now that you have a skimmed list of jobs to apply to, it’s time to customize your job application. Update your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to maximize your chances of success. Spruce up your documents, and write an ATS-friendly resume and a relevant cover letter for each position.

While it is a good idea to keep a “master document listing all of your qualifications and experiences,” you should never use the same generalized CV repeatedly. Custom tailor it according to each job description. Here’s the recommended method by our resume experts:

• Read the Job Ad thoroughly
• Identify key requirements and relevant keywords
• Revamp your CV utilizing this information

Also, spend some time understanding how applicant tracking systems work because these software can become a barrier between your application and the hiring manager. If your resume cannot make it through the ATS, it will never reach the HR’s cabin…and the story ends there and then.

It’s a must because 98% of Fortune 500 organizations now use ATS bots to either reject or accept your resume.

You may hire a professional resume writer to settle this hassle for you and design an impressive resume over a small investment.

4.     Make Your LinkedIn Profile More Attractive

LinkedIn is the go-to resource for 95% of recruiters to source and skim job applicants.

Most recruiters will search for and see your LinkedIn profile when you apply directly to a job posted on LinkedIn or otherwise.

You can use your LinkedIn profile to;

• Use networking contacts to approach potential employers
• Establish an online portfoliox
• Share industry insights, showcasing your expertize
• Build your personal brand

Hence, it is a no-brainer that you need a polished LinkedIn profile to impress recruiters. If you have added the link to your profile[4]  in your resume, also make sure it is visible to the public.

5.     Enhance Your Professional Network

Networking is the way to professional success. Stats show that referred candidates are hired 55% faster.

Online resources (Facebook, LinkedIn, Reddit, etc) can help you approach resourceful professionals and enhance your network.

However, try not to restrict yourself online – look for local networking opportunities as well especially when remote working is not your main goal. For instance, you can sign up for meetups, industry events, and conferences.

Communication with other professionals is quite fruitful. You can ask your former colleagues, college alumni association, or friends employed in companies of your interest to let you know of any available position.

You may also request a recommendation or a referral.

6.     Update Your Current Employment Status on Social Media

For an effective job search, you should keep your social media profiles up to date. It helps in many ways.

Firstly, the majority of organizations scan applications visiting social media platforms. Besides that, your online network might also consider you for a position.

Adding an “Open to Work” badge on your LinkedIn profile photo is a way to publicly show that you are looking for new opportunities.

Some people may not befriend an opinion to highlight themselves as unemployed on social media. But they still want the door open for professional possibilities for themselves.

You can try other subtle options as well, like:

• Mention the end date of your previous job
• Indicate your intentions in the LinkedIn profile summary. You can mention
  ‘Available for Opportunities’
  and ‘Experienced Content Strategist Exploring Options.’

You can also design, optimize, and manage your profile on job search portals online to seek relevant opportunities.

7.     Directly Reach Out to Employers

Reaching out to employers enables you to bypass the traditional application process. A direct line of communication increases your chances of securing interviews and job offers swiftly.

Jewelet, a business coach, says that of 100 cold emails she sends, 45 respond either interested or asking for more information.

Try out the following 3 methods for cold outreach:

1. Do in-depth research on companies you want to work with. Use their official website, Linkedin, to find out key decision-makers, aka. the HR managers.

Send them a personalized email or reach out to them using LinkedIn. You can send a connection request or approach them via the LinkedIn InMail service.

A handy tip here is not to try so hard to sell yourself. Focus on building a mutual connection instead. Show them how your skills can directly address their challenges and how your experience aligns with managing such problems.

2. Attend networking events, career fairs, or industry conferences where you can meet with representatives from target companies face-to-face.
3. Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to join industry groups. Here, you can engage in discussions, helping and impressing others with your expertise. These group fellows can potentially become your clients.

Important Tips for Crafting Cold Pitches

• Don’t get cold feet while directly reaching out to employers.
• Remember to be confident, and avoid apologizing phrases like “Excuse me for bothering you.”
• Keep it simple and casual but professional
• And most crucially, keep it short and very specific.
• Always proofread your cold pitch before pressing the send button.

8.     Set up Job-search Alerts

Hunting for job openings can be a long-drawn task. But having a dedicated job search strategy can make the process faster and more efficient. Setting up job search alerts can be a savior in such a situation.
Pick 2-3 of your favorite and authentic job boards and set alerts for your targeted job titles. Make sure you take time to read the job alerts every day. Furthermore, you may set up Google Alerts to notify you of jobs that are relevant to you. Choose specific keywords and locations to tailor alerts to your preferences. Regularly check and adjust your alerts to ensure relevance.

Spend 2,3 hours on the internet daily for job searching to get a job fast. Keep your optimized CV at hand. And act promptly when you get a notification from the set job alerts to stay ahead of the competition. Being proactive can significantly accelerate your job search.

9.    Give Mock Interviews

Now that you have hunted and applied for a job opening, don’t stop. Be optimistic that you will get calls for job interviews from the potential employer very soon. It’s high time to cover all the possible bases and prepare for the interview process.
To make your direct interaction with the HR team successful, find out and rehearse possible interview questions beforehand.

• Research the company’s history, work environment, and brand vision and adopt that tone to increase the chances of success. Look into public discussion forums (Reddit, Quora, etc.) or job sites (Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.) to learn the views of customers or workers about the company culture and ethics.
• Search for interview advice from career experts. You can also use YouTube, Google, and Chatgpt for this purpose. Many creators on YouTube provide examples of job interview tips to help you prepare better.
•  After you know what information is most wanted? Plan out answers to these common interview questions.
• To present yourself as an expert, dish up some stories from your past job that you can share with the interviewer.
• Don’t just know the right answers, also know how to deliver them. Practice how to stand and speak. Body language is a critical factor in determining how the hiring manager perceives you.
  Make sure to sound positive, confident, and professional. Be serious and honest, but do not sound rude or desperate.

Practice for your interview with a friend. They can judge if your body language and attire are professional. They can also tell you how effectively you deliver the answers, and do you sound confident or anxious.
If you do not have anyone to help you practice, you can film yourself answering the common interview questions and examine your gestures and facial expressions.

10. Track and Follow up on Your Job Applications

After the interview, leave a positive impression and follow up within a week.

A mindful and concise follow-up can make the employer give a closer attention to your job application.

If you do it rightly, a follow-up is your reminder that you are keen to get a response and give your best if hired. Although there are split opinions as to how many times you may follow up, sending the next follow-up email after a whole week is generally considered the most effective.

11.  Join Internship Programs

If you are a student or fresh university graduate, apply to internship programs to get started. These programs give you real-world work experience and help you meet people in your field, making it easier to find a high-paying job faster.

Firstly, you gain practical experience by using what you learn in the real world. This practical exposure increases your worth as a candidate.

Secondly, internships provide opportunities to connect with industry experts. Connections made during internships are a great way to get job referrals and recommendations.

Some organizations also consider internships as a probation period. You can secure a permanent position if you succeed in impressing them with your work ethic and expertise.

Where to Find An Internship Program?

1. Research companies in your field to find internship programs. Follow their LinkedIn and Twitter pages to get notified whenever they start a new program.
2. You can also find internship listings on the official company websites and online job boards.
3. In addition to online resources, you might learn about internship opportunities at career fairs and other hiring expos conducted by various universities and organizations. Oftentimes, university career centers organize events where you can engage with recruiters and learn about available internships.

In short, you need to be vigilant and keep looking for open internships.

12.  Leverage Industry-Specific Job Boards and Company Websites

Industry-specific job boards are gold mines for job seekers. These online resources especially help experienced workers with highly technical skills. In addition, company websites can be a source to reach your dream job.

These platforms feature niche job postings that are usually not advertised on general job boards.

Industry-specific job boards:

Certain industries are catered to by these job boards, like technology, healthcare, or finance. Hence, they provide more targeted job opportunities. For example;

• Dice.com is ideal for tech professionals
• MedReps.com is great for medical sales jobs
• Dribble job board has thousands of jobs listed for designers
• Hcareer and Hotel career list jobs of professionals in the hospitality industry

Company websites:

A lot of businesses have a specific careers page on their main websites. During the hiring process, they post job openings here before advertising them elsewhere.  Applying this way can give you a head start.. Keep checking the careers page of companies you admire and you will eventually find a suitable vacancy. The company’s HR email address is also given on this page so you can apply when the opportunity arises.

13.   Tailor Your Job Search Strategy

The biggest mistake people make while searching for a job is to not have a strategic plan. They haphazardly apply to a bunch of positions, but their dreams rarely turn into reality.

In contrast, a well-defined job search strategy can boost your chances of getting hired. Having a strategy means you tailoring the job hunt based on your experience level, skills, and the type of job you’re seeking.

Here is how to design your job hunt strategy;

• Entry-level job seekers:

When you don’t have extensive experience related to the targeted job. You can base your application on your education, certifications, and useful skills.

At this level, targeting jobs that require previous work experience is not recommended. Because you will spend hours customizing your application, all in a false hope of employment. Recruiters don’t hire inexperienced persons for high-level jobs.

In order to have a successful career, you should focus on internships, entry-level, and graduate job positions.

• Mid-career professionals:

It’s when you are switching jobs, targeting the same roles in a different industry. In this case, you can emphasize your relevant experience and achievements. Testimonials from previous clients, current employer, and colleagues can help a lot in proving your skills.
You can also obtain referrals at this level through your professional network. Get in touch with your connections and ask them for help.

• Senior-level professionals:

If you are an expert at what you do, base your job search on your extensive experience. At this point, you should have a wide professional network and a strong online presence. Utilize it to secure a new job.
It’s the time when a professional should look for leadership positions and consider working with executive recruiters. If you apply to lower positions especially entry-level positions, it will devalue your expertise, putting a question mark on your professional abilities.

14.  Justify Employment Gaps

Gaps in work history can raise questions about your professionalism and work ethic. That’s why it’s crucial to address these employment gaps effectively. Here’s how you can handle them:

• Be Honest

It is of use to tell lies to justify employment gaps. You will be caught sooner or later!
Instead, be honest and explain the real reason. Whether it was due to further education, family responsibilities, or health issues, say it to the recruiter. It proves you a more credible and trustworthy worker.

• Tell What You Learned in That Time

Gaps in work history are well justified if the time was used for gaining and polishing your skills. Demonstrate how you used the time productively. You can mention learning activities, for instance;

• Any courses related to your work
  • Volunteer work
  • Freelance projects you completed during the gap

The key is to highlight relevant skills you gained during the gap period.

15.  Consider Temporary and Contract Positions

If you need to earn some money quickly, temporary positions are a good solution.

Temporary and contract-based positions are especially useful for “no experience” workers. They enable you to build your resume, by gaining first-hand work experience. Eventually, this experience can get you into permanent roles.

A temporary job, also known as a gig, is a job that lasts for a limited period of time. These jobs are mostly available through staffing agencies. If you are a freelancer, you can bid for gigs on freelance platforms like Upwork, Contra, and People per hour.

If you have limited experience but good skills, you can do contract work to showcase your proficiency. Many companies hire contractors intending to convert them to full-time employees if they perform well.

16.  Improve Your Digital Presence

Hiring you is more likely if you have a digital footprint that stands out to potential employers.

Professional website/portfolio

Showcase your skills, abilities, and accomplishments through a professional website. This is especially important for creative fields like design, writing, and marketing.

Setting up your website is easy with platforms such as WordPress, Wix, or Hubspot CMS. Another way is to utilize online portfolio platforms like;

• Behance, Dribble, and Adobe Portfolio for designers
• Medium, Journo portfolio for writers
• Flicker, Unsplash, Pixels.com for photographers and videographers
• Github and Codepen for developers

Social media

Making meaningful connections and unlocking new opportunities can be achieved through professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

In a Nutshell

Landing a job right away might be challenging, but believing in yourself and taking daily steps forward will get you there. Stress, hesitation, and a cash-strapped situation are all part of the game; you just need to learn to overcome these issues.

Learn to stay relaxed and focused, create a plan, and follow through to land a dream job as soon as possible.