This article is about setting the stage for a successful job search. When unemployment characterizes many economies, people forget about the necessary steps for a successful job search. The truth remains that a successful job search is a process that requires adequate preparation. Here are eight essential stages for a successful job search.

1. Knowing what you want.
2. Preparing a list of potential employers
3. Getting organized/ Updating your resume.
4. Becoming an active self-assessor of your online presence.
5. Earmarking jobs that interest you.
6. Getting prepared for job applications.
7. Activating your network
8. Line up your reference.

Knowing what you want

While searching for jobs, be clear about the type of jobs you want, and you may also prioritize them. Setting your goals by writing down the goals is also making your networking process focused. Borrowing from Lewis Carroll, said that “If you do not know where you are going, any road can take you there.”

Making a list of potential employers

Searching for a job is not a simple task. Sometimes it requires you to make multiple applications at the same time. To zero down the opportunities, you need to list potential employers that match item number one, where you wrote down what you want. In this stage, you need to consider your location, the industry of your choice, the size of companies you wish to work with, and the corporate culture you would wish to be in. This list of potential employers helps you to start learning whether there are job openings in these companies and for you to begin following the social media of those listed companies.

Getting organized

The getting organized stage ranges from setting proper communication channels to identifying the job boards you would like to use for your job search.

Regarding communication, you should start updating your resume by ensuring relevant emails, updating profiles, and cell phones, and putting current pictures where there is a picture needed. Updating your resume is part of this stage instead of waiting until you are told to upload your resume. Be ready all the time.  With the job boards, you should decide which job board you will be using in your job searches, such as LinkedIn, Ajiriwa Networks, and or job boards created by the companies wishing to recruit.

You may wish to upload an app on your phone or laptop to keep you organized and UpToDate.

Be an active self-assessor of your online presence.

Statistics indicated that about 90% of employers obtain their employees through online tools. Thus, if you are not actively managing your online pages, you automatically reduce the chances of seeing a job opportunity which means you are keeping yourself away from the job opportunities. With COVID-19, the use of online communication has become a necessity.

You may set google alerts to make sure that you do not be left behind with opportunities.

Earmarking jobs that interest you.

Through your active participation on your online boards, start earmarking jobs that interest you and feel that you are capable of doing. Upload your CV through the recruitment board pages. However, make sure to keep a copy in word or put a copy of your CV in a google document to avoid a last-minute rush when you are asked to submit your formal application.

Getting prepared for job applications.

At this stage, you are required to send a formal application that will have some attachments, including the CV. Despite the fact that you have a well and professionally written CV when sending a formal application, you will need to revisit your CV to make sure that the application letter and the CV tie well with the specific job description. Tie up loose ends by making corrections to simple mistakes that reflect the kind of person you are. In this case, you are increasing the chances of getting recruited. Some words repeatedly occur in your job description, and you need to highlight them in the application letter.

Activating your network

Your network has, among other things, a role in referring you in some areas. If you have the right network and preferably a professional network, you will not find difficulties looking for references. You will therefore be required to set your network a priority. Start asking questions to the network members and, where necessary, set some coffee appointments to grow and strengthen your networks

Line up your reference.

In many cases, within the resume, there are at least three references. If it is not part of the resume, consider it part of your application letter even if you are not asked to. References play a great role in the process of job search. Make sure that you keep references of people you have worked with or have a career connection with.