Job Search Best Practices

Our Job Search Tips

To find work, certain practices are effective in reaching your goals. Benefit from our expert advice to help you in your search.

Get Organized

Like an athlete before a competition, it's important to get yourself in the right condition before starting to look for work. Create a space in a quiet place conducive to concentration. Avoid setting up on your bed or in front of the TV, which don't encourage seriousness. Set aside one or two hours per day dedicated to your job search efforts and stick to it no matter what.

Check Job Listings (Every Day)

Responsiveness is a key factor in a job search. If you wait too long to respond to a posting, you risk missing out on a hire. That's why it's imperative to check job listings daily on employment platforms. Many websites offer to create alerts that send you notifications for new positions matching your criteria. Don't forget to subscribe to them, they'll save you precious time.

Activate Your Network

Because not all recruitment is made public, networking gives you a head start over other candidates. Small/medium businesses in particular often prefer to hire people who are recommended to them. Large companies also encourage this practice through referral or co-optation platforms. So don't hesitate to develop your network by participating in networking events and letting those around you know that you're looking for new employment.

Maintain Your Social Media Presence

Another good way to develop your network is to maintain your social media presence while following certain rules. First, your profile should always be up-to-date and consistent with your resume. To increase your visibility, post regularly and add keywords related to your industry in the description of your experiences and skills. They will make your profile stand out in search engines. You can also subscribe to discussion groups or influencer accounts aligned with your profession. Finally, avoid compromising content and keep photos of nights out with friends to your private publications.

Research the Company

Before responding to a job posting, it's essential to research the company and its industry. Check their website and social media to learn as much as possible about their news, missions, organization, competitors, and history. This way, you can judge if it aligns with your aspirations and values. Additionally, your application will be more relevant if you personalize your resume and cover letter based on these elements. It's a good way to stand out by showing that you understand the company and its needs.

Update Your Resume

The resume is the essential tool for any job search. This concise and structured document must provide the recruiter with all the information they need about your identity, educational background, professional experience, and skills. You must keep it up-to-date to reflect your current situation. To maximize your chances of getting an interview, you should adapt it to each company by reformulating the title and hook phrase according to the position sought. You can also reorganize your experiences and skills to emphasize those that match the desired profile.

Personalize Your Cover Letters

The cover letter is the document that accompanies your resume to provide additional information about your strengths and objectives. It's a step not to be neglected that can make the difference between two candidates. You can certainly use a letter template to help find inspiration, but it's essential to personalize it for each application based on the elements you've gathered from your company research.

Our Application Tips

Properly preparing your application is essential, but knowing how to manage the next steps is just as important. Here are some tips to help you manage the follow-up to your application and secure an interview.

Dare to Make Unsolicited Applications

Do you dream of working for a company, but they're not publishing any job openings in your specialty? That's not a reason not to apply. Unsolicited applications are appreciated by employers because they prove your motivation. It's even common practice in certain sectors like sales or hospitality. The advantage for you is that there's less competition than for a standard application. Research companies likely to recruit through your network or in the news. Send your resume and cover letter to the HR manager or directly to the business owner if it's a small structure. You can also hand-deliver it in shops and restaurants.

Check Your Email Regularly

Once you've applied to several postings, don't forget to check your email daily to stay informed about your applications. Try to respond as quickly as possible, which will show your seriousness, responsiveness, and motivation. In recruitment, putting things off until tomorrow is never a good idea.

Track Your Applications

If you're applying to many positions, it can be difficult to keep track. A dashboard will be valuable help in organizing your search. The ideal is to create an Excel file listing the companies contacted, mail or email sending dates, filled positions, and responses received. Alternatively, a simple notebook will work just as well. This way, you'll always know where you stand and save time planning your follow-ups.

Prepare for Job Interviews

You've successfully passed the first selection stages and secured an interview? Congratulations! Remember to prepare for the big day. The first thing to do is plan your route to ensure you arrive on time for the appointment. Think ahead about your outfit, which should be neat and appropriate for the company. Talking about yourself isn't always natural, so practice presenting your background and answering frequently asked interview questions. You'll be more comfortable explaining who you are and why you're the best candidate for the position. You can also prepare one or two questions to ask at the end of the interview to highlight your interest.

Follow Up with Employers

Are you eagerly awaiting a response, but it's taking time to come? Don't hesitate to follow up with employers. You can check in by phone or email about 10 days after sending a resume. Be courteous and don't pressure the recruiter. For example, avoid saying you "still haven't received a response." In the case of an interview, you can send a thank-you email within 48 hours after the meeting and contact your interviewer again in 8 to 10 days, or after the deadline they indicated. Following up with an employer shows your motivation and can work in your favor if they haven't made their choice yet. If despite this you receive a negative response, ask for the reasons for this refusal. This can help you improve your presentation or better understand recruiters' needs. And if you made a good impression, they might contact you again for another position.

Important points to remember for an effective job search:

1. Organize yourself to dedicate one to two hours daily to your job search
2. Check job listings daily and respond quickly
3. Research the company to personalize your resume and cover letter
4. Develop your network through your contacts and social media
5. Prepare for interviews to be comfortable on the day
6. Track your applications and follow up with employers

CVenligne offers a wide range of easy-to-fill customizable resumes and letters and provides all the useful advice to write them effectively. All you have to do is choose the template that suits you and get started!