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Thanks to the power of the internet, we can now search for jobs from the comforts of home. Gone are the days of having to scour newspapers for job ads or walking into offices hoping to catch an interview. Today, the job search can start from bed with a few taps on your keyboard. If you know what you’re looking for, you could be done in as quick as a few minutes.
This is a convenience that is especially helpful in today’s reality where people are forced into lockdown in light of the global pandemic. And with the continuous rise of unemployment rates and layoffs, now’s the time to get searching. But this doesn’t mean that the task doesn’t take some thorough preparation.
If you are serious about finding a quality job in a company you actually like, here are some tips to get you on your way:

1. Have a Plan
While casual job searching is perfectly fine, it is always helpful to give yourself a timeline. Career Coach, Mary Warriner stresses the importance of setting a timeline for each and every part of your search. After all, finding a job isn’t just about scrolling through the internet and submitting your resume.
Before you begin, Warriner advises asking yourself questions like “Where do I want to work?” or “When will I work on my search?”. Answering these questions will help you get started on your plan. It will also help to list down all the companies you want to apply to, what kind of position you are looking for, and what your non-negotiables are. The next step is to simply lay it out on a calendar.
If you jump in on your job search without really giving it a thought, sure, you might find a job quickly, but you are also less likely to land a job you actually like.
To keep you organized, it would be extremely helpful to have a Personal CRM like UpHabit that allows you to add specific reminders, tags, and notes per contact.

2. Build Your Online Portfolio
Nowadays, if you can’t be found through a simple Google search then your existence or legitimacy is instantly questioned. You want to make it easy for recruiters to find you, and to do that, you will have to build your “brand” online. This means having a profile in relevant networking sites and updating them with your latest experience and achievements.
London-based Interview Coach Margaret Buj, explains that building your brand simply means showcasing your expertise and passion online where employers can find it.
If you work in the creatives, it is especially helpful to have an online repository of all your work. This could be in the form of a website, a social media page dedicated to your professional work, or a downloadable portfolio.
Remember: The internet is a powerful place. Who knows? With the help of a strong online brand, the perfect job might find you even before you start searching.
If you integrate your email with UpHabit, anyone who reaches out to you will automatically be added to your account. This way, you’re sure to stay on top of all your interactions.

3. Don't Waste Time Waiting
After sending in a couple of emails to your companies of choice, don’t stay idle while waiting for a response. Chances are, companies receive dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications on the daily, and the recruitment process almost always takes time.
Human Resource expert and writer for the Balanced Career, Alison Doyle, recommends to keep applying until you get the right offer. Sending in your resume to more companies will definitely up your chances of landing a job.
The beauty of the internet is that you can send in your application to as many companies as you want without having to go anywhere.

4. Don’t Apply to Just Any Job
While it is encouraged to keep applying, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be picky about the company you’re applying for. If you want a long-lasting career, you will have to apply for a job and company that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Even if reading through a company’s website and doing a quick search could give you enough information, Job Search Expert Jacquelyn Smith suggests to take it a step further by reaching out to employees who work there.
You can ask questions about what it’s like working for the company and how you can get your resume to the correct department. By doing this, you’re sure that your application won’t get lost amidst the many submissions they receive via the regular channel. Connecting with current employees will also help you get a feel of what type of people you might work with.
With UpHabit, you can sync your contacts straight to the app and easily trace your interactions with different people over time. It will also help you keep track of all your important messages without getting lost in between spam and other emails.

5. Make Yourself the Right Fit
Most online job postings would have a listed job description and role requirements. Before you submit your resume, make sure it checks all the boxes they are looking for.
Career Strategist Jenny Foss explains that your resume will likely be screened by first, an applicant tracking system, and second, a recruiter who won’t know the nuances of the job. So your resume should almost mirror the “What we are looking for” section of the company’s job post.
Once a recruiter contacts you, don’t forget to take notes about your conversation which you can refer to the next time you speak. You can easily keep records of all your interactions in the notes and timeline section of your UpHabit contact.
As simple as it sounds, searching for a job — even in the comforts of home — could be a daunting task for anyone. But don’t worry, with these tips in hand and your skills to boot, you’re sure to land that dream job soon enough. You can also check out this article by Fancy Resumes for some helpful job searching tips: Get your resume
Good luck on your search!