I. ORGANIZATION AND PREPARATION

1. Create a spreadsheet to track job applications, contacts, and follow-ups

2. Maintain a to-do list for daily job search activities

3. Save job descriptions in case they’re taken down

4. Clean up all social media profiles

5. Prepare a standout resume and cover letter

6. Identify and contact professional references early in your search

II. NETWORKING STRATEGIES

A. Social Networking

1. LinkedIn

  •     Optimize your profile
  •    Join up to 50 relevant groups
  •    Like and comment on posts
  •    Share useful information regularly
  •    Use hashtags in your posts to draw more attention to them
  •    Create a backup of your profile
  •    Set up job alerts

2. Facebook

  •    Like and follow target companies
  •    Join relevant communities
  •    Follow job-related hashtags

3. X (Twitter)

  •    Follow companies and industry leaders
  •    Engage in industry discussions

4. General Social Media Tips

  •  Use job search hashtags when searching for jobs: #Hiring, #JobListing, #JobOpening, #JobPostings
  •    Connect with recruiters and headhunters

B. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  1. Join associations in your field
  2. Participate and volunteer in committees to learn and network
  3. Access member databases for networking
  4. Check association newsletters for job postings

C. ALUMNI NETWORKS

  1. Join your school’s alumni association
  2. Attend alumni networking events
  3. Use alumni databases to find connections in target companies

D. COMMUNITY NETWORKS

  1. Engage with personal networks (friends, family, acquaintances)
  2. Participate in religious community events
  3. Join volunteer groups related to your interests or industry
  4. Engage in hobby-related groups

III. JOB SEARCH TECHNIQUES

  1. Reach out to hiring managers or recruiters for brief chats about positions
  2. Search for employee referral programs at target companies
  3. Connect with recruiters and headhunters on LinkedIn – Search: “recruiter” OR “headhunter” OR “executive search” OR “talent acquisition” + [field of interest] + [location]
  4. Use job search engines like Indeed
  5. Check Chamber of Commerce listings
  6. Research publicly traded companies using Standard & Poor’s
  7. Utilize the LinkedIn Directory
  8. Set up Google Alerts for job openings, target companies, and industry news
  9. Use advanced Google search techniques – Example: ~marketing executive “proctor and gamble”

IV. DAILY JOB SEARCH ACTIVITIES

  1. Engage in conversations with potential employers or connections
  2. Apply to relevant job postings (only when well-qualified)
  3. Follow up on previous applications and networking efforts
  4. Share industry-relevant content on social media

V. ADDITIONAL TIPS

  1. Target people 1-3 levels above your desired position for networking
  2. Create a standardized outreach email template (customize for each recipient)
  3. Consider creating a personal website or portfolio
  4. Practice interview skills regularly
  5. Stay informed about industry trends and news
  6. Consider informational interviews to learn about companies and roles
  7. Utilize the “Find Alumni” feature on LinkedIn to connect with school peers
  8. Explore professional development opportunities to enhance your skills