9 Easy and Effective Steps to Find Any Job You Want

When you look for a job, do you find the search long and difficult? Do you sometimes lose patience and accept a job below your expectations? That’s the reality for most job seekers. Job searching is challenging — but if you prepare well, you can put the odds on your side and find the job you want. Here are 9 necessary steps to make your search enjoyable and effective.

Step 1 — Identify your skills

Think about what you want to do in your career; every job should be part of your career plan. Identify the skills you’ve already acquired — they’re your main asset. In some cases you may have skills you’re not aware of: a fresh graduate, for example, has managed group work, stressful situations, and multiple simultaneous tasks. Don’t be discouraged if a job requires skills you don’t yet have — if they interest you, find ways to acquire them. Stay ambitious and think about the person you’d like to be.

Step 2 — Identify your interests and values

Throughout your career, your interests will evolve. Sometimes you’ll need experience, sometimes more income or work-family balance. Clearly identifying your interests helps you target your search. Most people spend a third of their lives at work, so it’s important to be fulfilled. Consider your values and what you want in a future employer — working for an employer whose values you share helps you succeed.

Step 3 — Prepare your documents

Most recruiters require a résumé. Create a generic master copy with all your information, then adapt it for each job (each job is unique, so your résumé should be too). Some recruiters also require a cover letter, which should likewise be tailored to each role and employer. Prepare any other documents — recommendation letters, diplomas, personal statements — in advance.

Step 4 — Manage your online presence

Employers increasingly use online resources and social networks for recruitment. Make sure you have a professional online presence; if you don’t want employers to see your Facebook profile, make it private. Check what Google Images shows for your name and remove anything inappropriate. LinkedIn (and Xing in Europe) has become indispensable — keep a well-detailed account. Use the web (a blog, Twitter, SlideShare) to provide more information than your résumé has room for.

Step 5 — Use a tracking tool

The job search can be lengthy; without tracking, you may apply twice to the same job or forget to follow up. A tracking tool helps you keep on top of every task — even a simple spreadsheet works. Track positions you’ve applied for, dates, interview times, and contact names. Back up your documents securely (for example, in cloud storage) so you can access them from any device.

Step 6 — Search for jobs

Now you’re equipped to start. Be patient — take the time to find a job that genuinely interests you. To avoid being overwhelmed, focus only on employers that meet the criteria from Steps 1 and 2. If the search feels difficult, split it into three:

1. Browse several offers to understand the market and employers.
2. Select the positions that interest you the most.
3. Rank them in your tracking tool — and start applying to the ones that interest you least, to practice, before tackling your top choices.

Use many resources: generic and specialized job search engines, social networks, employer websites, job fairs, and spontaneous applications. Above all, use your network — employers say it’s the most powerful tool to find a job.

Step 7 — Prepare for interviews

Everything so far only gets you interviews. To get the job, you must succeed in them. Each interview is unique, even if you’ve done well before. There’s no secret: practice, practice, practice. Prepare to answer questions about your skills and experience and about the position. The interview is a “selling” opportunity to convince the employer you’ll succeed and help their organization.

Step 8 — Follow up

After each interview, you may wonder if you succeeded or failed. There is no failure in interviews — what you consider failure is only a temporary disappointment, and you’ve surely learned something. Add notes to your tracking tool and research anything you couldn’t answer. Following up with an employer (while respecting their “no calls/no emails” policy) demonstrates enthusiasm and interest. Some positions take a long time to fill at large organizations — be patient.

Step 9 — Prepare your answer

When employers respond, stay positive whether the news is good or bad. If you’re rejected, analyze your application and self-criticize constructively to improve. If you receive an offer, be ready to accept, decline, or negotiate. By this stage you have a clear idea of what you want, so the choice should be straightforward.

Job searching can be long and difficult, but following these 9 steps puts the odds on your side. When you find a job, a new adventure begins — give the best of yourself and keep your career plan in mind.