10 things to help you with your gruelling job search

My friend Kara landed an amazing new role. She had spent months job searching, so this was great news. Here are her reflections on her mad job hunt, for any of you out there also looking.

Job searching is never easy. That’s why they say looking for a job is a full-time job itself. It’s an ordeal of endless applications, CV updates, and interviews which can take anything from one to five or more rounds.

Then there’s the wait. Waiting for any response, hoping for the best. Until one day you get that call or email saying you’ve been successful. It’s a fantastic feeling. Knowing all your hard work has finally paid off. There will be ups, downs and more downs. That’s why you need a game plan through this demanding process.

1. Decide why now is the time to leave your job

Knowing your why is important. Why now is the time to leave your job. Move because it’s right for you and not because others are doing it. I worked in marketing and had been in my role for two years. Initially, my why was that my department was restructuring. I had kept an eye on the market in case my job was at risk. Then, my why became realising I wasn’t learning or growing anymore. I brought this up with my line manager to look at how I could use my broader skillset and add more value. This didn’t lead anywhere despite voicing where I wanted to take my career. What began as searching for a backup option, soon became my plan A.

2. Focus your job search on what you enjoy

I knew I wanted a more senior market or brand management role. At first, I wanted to work in the technology sector. I applied to companies such as Google. But when I took stock of my career and what I enjoyed most, sustainability excited me. I worked on an electric vehicles campaign that led to me winning an award for the Top 10 women working in electric vehicles for marketing and communications in 2022. I wanted my next position to be about making an impact in the environmental field, and adapted my CV to those type of roles.

3. Be intentional with your CV

I reached out for a mentor from a Chartered Institute of Marketing course I had done previously. I highly recommend getting a mentor. It can be brutal to have your CV ripped apart. But a short-term bruise to the ego is worth it in the long run. I made sure I tailored my CV every time I applied for a new role. If you don’t, it feels like you’re wasting each chance you get.

4. Get visible on LinkedIn 

LinkedIn was my go-to for my job search. I remained active on the platform. Posting campaigns I worked on kept my profile visible. I also set up daily job alerts, which I checked relentlessly. I had always dealt with recruiters throughout my 8-year career. But this time, I didn’t find them as helpful. There was a lot of back and forth with recruiters, not hearing back or not being sent enough roles to choose from. LinkedIn offered direct access to companies, and a regular stream of jobs delivered straight to my inbox.

5. Like dating, job searching is a numbers game

I set myself a goal of sending out three applications a week. I knew that with job searches, the more you put out, the more you’re likely to hear back. But I needed to be selective too. I kept a list of all my applications. This helped me feel like I was in control of my future and track my progress. In six months, I applied for 40 roles, converting into around 8 first-stage interviews. This gave me a ratio of 5:1 job applications to interviews.

6. Give yourself breaks to avoid burnout

There’s no doubt that job searching will wear you out. Take time out for yourself by doing things you enjoy. On the weekends, I would pause my job search, hang out with friends, and find ways to switch off completely. Although you have to keep the momentum of your job search, giving yourself a 1-2 day break here and there is important to avoid burnout.

7. Prepare for interviews like you would an exam

When I started to get calls for interviews, I researched each company and did mock interviews with a friend or family member. I also gave myself plenty of time. If a company asked me to come in the next day for an interview, I’d delay it as much as possible. This was to give me more time to prepare. Even if the HR team claimed it would be an informal interview. I would rather be over than underprepared. Websites like Glassdoor are helpful for examples of interview questions to practice. Another good tip is to go back to the job description to see the core skills they are looking for, and for questions they may ask. If the job description asked for experience managing large projects, prepare your answers with examples around those. My motto was to prepare, prepare and prepare some more.

8. Choose in-person over virtual interviews to make a stronger impression

Since the pandemic, we’re now more used to working virtually. Virtual interviews are more appealing as you can do them from the comfort of your home. Although in-person interviews can feel more pressured, they help you stand out. I remember going for a final stage interview in a suit on one of the hottest days of the year. I was sweaty and stressed out about delivering a presentation. But I got to see their office and meet the people I’d be working with. I also think the in-person interview helped me make more of an impact, which got me the job.

9. Hold your position in salary negotiations 

Be clear about the salary you’re asking for. Have a red line that you’re not willing to go under based on your market rate and experience. Employers will try and go below your asking price, as they have budgets they want to stay within or save. But if you’ve been chosen for the role, it’s because you’re the best candidate. You’re in a position of strength. State your asking salary, then remain silent. Don’t fill the space with explanations about the cost of living crisis or your rent or mortgage. There’s not much they can do about that. If you stay silent, it’s for them to respond. As women, we often feel underpaid because we weren’t as strategic in salary negotiations, and we succumbed. My salary negotiations went back and forth for several days. I had even made peace with walking away from the job if I had to. I knew the value I could bring to the role and company.

10. Final reflections

Job searching can be a long process. I thought I would find a new role in 3 months. It took me nearly a year. Be prepared for how long the process can take. You don’t want to rush it. You want to find the right role, in the right company, with the right team at the right salary. Don’t be discouraged, either, when you get rejections. Pick yourself up and keep going. Be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table. Your ideal role is out there!