Getting started on the job search can be an uphill battle for many applicants. You may know where to start, but sometimes you can be lost on where to go from there. There's no need to panic or worry, as there are several do's and don'ts you can follow while you're hunting for a new job.
Do proofread your materials
One of the fastest ways to miss out on an open position is having technical errors in your resume or cover letter. According to the findings of a CareerBuilder study, 61 percent of employers will discard resumes that have typos. In the excitement of applying for a position, don't rush through the application process or forget to proofread the materials you're sending off to a potential employer. Otherwise, you might spend days checking your phone and email, wondering why they haven't called you about an interview.
Don't make the critical error of constructing a resume and failing to read it over every time you apply for a job. Each time you review it, you may notice different areas of improvement that you can work on to better your status as a candidate. You should do the same thing with your cover letters as well. Grammatical errors and inaccurate spelling can stand out to a hiring manager.
Don't apply for the perfect job right away
Most people have a position they dream of, the job they really want more than anything. People rarely obtain the title they want at their first job, but this shouldn't discourage you. It sometimes takes years of work experience to land where you want to be.
A mistake some applicants can make is applying for their dream job right away. Rather than fall into this group, try to look for the perfect company to work for instead. As a current employee, you have a better chance of moving up to the position you truly want than someone on the outside. For example, if you're looking to become a certified medical billing and coding professional, you'll want to step into the industry at an entry level position. From there, you may learn everything from the ground up as you make progress toward your dream job. Good companies will have opportunities available to their employees. When you're job hunting, those are the businesses you should aspire to work for.
Do network with others in healthcare
People on the hunt for jobs shouldn't think that networking with professionals outside of their circle is the only way to develop solid references and working relationships. The nature of networking isn't about picking a small group of individuals to support your experience. It's more efficient when you utilize all of the resources at your disposal. Friends and peers putting in a good word for you can help you quickly break into the working world.
Don't restrict yourself to people just in your field of work. An individual working in healthcare management can help you network with professionals in medical billing and coding. When you're approaching the job hunt, connecting with others around you can be what sets you apart from the other candidates applying to the same position.
Don't quit on your searches
The hardest part of job hunting may be the eventual frustration of not hearing back from employers. After working at it for days at a time, it's easy to sit back and take a break from responding to job listings. However, this could cause you to miss multiple job opportunities that may have been perfect for you. A job posted on a Monday has most likely received hundreds of applications by Wednesday, and by then it's too late. You have to stay on top of the hunt to succeed.
Since it can be difficult, a great way to avoid this pitfall is to set aside a designated amount of time per day to search for jobs. This way, you can ensure that you're not giving up on the hunt and making an effort each day to find work. Also, some job sites allow you to set up alerts that notify you about up-to-date postings and opportunities. Adhering to a self-prescribed schedule can also better your performance as an employee, as it improves your time management skills as well. No matter what, it's important to never give up on your hunt for employment.
Keeping these tips in mind, the job hunt doesn't need to become an exhausting and intimidating task. Staying motivated and enthusiastic is a good way to maintain the search for work and improve your chances of finding employment.