The 7 Most Overlooked Job Search Tips

Wide Impact
Dr. Salam Slim Saad
By Dr. Salam Slim Saad

According to Forbes, a great job search takes up to six months on average, but I’ve also heard many job seekers say they spend a year or more looking. It’s no wonder — it can be very difficult to get your dream job, especially in this 6.5% unemployment world.  

Job searching is an exhausting process. You have to tirelessly scour job postings, tailor your resume for each application, and spin your experiences into a compelling narrative. But even with all that effort, you may still be missing some crucial steps to ensure that you get the job you deserve. With so much information out there, it’s easy to overlook the little things that could make a big difference. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 6 of the most overlooked job search tips. From leveraging social media to perfecting your elevator pitch, these tips can give you the competitive edge you need in today’s crowded job market.

1- Use the Hidden Job Market.

The hidden job market is a term used to describe the vacancies that are not advertised or published anywhere. This includes jobs that are filled through employee referrals, networking, and other personal connections.

While it may seem like the hidden job market is out of reach, there are actually a number of ways to tap into it. Employee referral programs are one of the most effective ways to access the hidden job market. Many companies offer referral bonuses to employees who refer successful candidates, so it’s in your best interest to let your network know that you’re looking for a new opportunity.

In addition to employee referrals, networking is another great way to access the hidden job market. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and make sure your resume is up-to-date so you’re ready when an opportunity comes knocking.

2- Network, Network, Network

When it comes to job searching, networking is key. This means talking to people you know, people you don’t know, and anyone who might be able to help you find your next job. Get connected with as many people as possible in your industry or field. Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences. Get involved with professional organizations. The more people you know, the more likely you are to hear about job openings that fit your skills and background.

In order for networking to work, though, it has to be genuine—you can’t just approach someone with an empty sales pitch asking for a job. Make sure that you’re genuinely interested in the person before approaching them about anything business-related.

3- Don’t overlook your online presence.

In today’s job market, your online presence is more important than ever. Many employers will research candidates online before even considering them for an interview, so it’s vital that your online presence is professional and polished.

Here are some tips for improving your online presence:

  • Start by creating or claiming your profile on major job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn. Include a professional headshot, and make sure your resume and contact information are up to date.
  • Be active on social media, but remember to keep your posts respectful and appropriate. Employers will be looking at your social media accounts to get a sense of who you are as a person.
  • If you have a personal website or blog, make sure the content is professional and relevant to the industry you’re interested in pursuing.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your online presence will make a positive impression on potential employers.

4- Utilize Your Personal Brand

In order to make yourself stand out in the job market, it is essential to develop and utilize your personal brand. Your personal brand is what makes you unique and differentiates you from other candidates. It is important to take some time to think about what your personal brand is and how you can communicate it effectively to potential employers.

Some questions you may want to ask yourself when thinking about your personal brand are: What are my unique strengths and talents? How can I communicate these strengths and talents in a way that will appeal to employers? What are the values that I want to portray through my personal brand? How can I ensure that my personal brand aligns with the culture of the organization I am interested in?

Once you have answers to these questions, you can begin developing your personal brand. There are many ways to do this, but some tips include: creating a professional social media presence, writing a blog or articles related to your industry, developing a strong network of professionals, and participating in professional organizations or events. By taking the time to develop your personal brand, you will be setting yourself up for success in the job market.

5- Know What You Want.
When you’re job hunting, it’s important to know what you want in a position. Do your research ahead of time and figure out the must-haves in your next role. This will help you stay focused during your search and prevent you from getting sidetracked by jobs that aren’t a good fit.

To start, make a list of your non-negotiables. What are the absolute must-haves in your next role? Once you have your list, refer to it often as you conduct your job search. This will help keep you on track and ensure that you don’t waste time applying for positions that don’t meet your needs.

In addition to knowing what you want, it’s also important to be clear about what you don’t want. Make a list of dealbreakers and red flags that would cause you to walk away from a job. This could include things like an unreasonable commute, unrealistic expectations, or a toxic work environment. Having this list will help you avoid wasting time on jobs that are not a good fit.

6- Make Sure You’re Job Searching Full-Time.

If you want to find a job, you need to be searching for one full-time. That means making job search your number one priority and devoting as many hours as possible to it.

Some people treat job search like a part-time hobby. They might spend a few hours per week looking at job postings and sending out the occasional resume. But this isn’t enough to find a job.

To be successful in your job search, you need to treat it like a full-time job. Dedicate at least 40 hours per week to searching for jobs, networking, and interviewing. The more time you can devote to your job search, the better your chances of finding employment.

7- Keep Learning While You Search.


Just because you’ve been looking for a while doesn’t mean you should stop learning about the latest trends in your field or developing new skills. In fact, keeping your mind fresh and active will not only help you stay sane during your job search, but will also make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. So don’t forget to keep learning even as you’re searching for that perfect job!

Job searching can be an intimidating process, but with the proper tips and tricks you’ll get closer to landing a job. Employers are hiring from multiple sources, so if you want to be recognized as a top candidate then it is essential that you give them something worth noticing.

The seven most overlooked job search tips listed in this article have proven themselves time and time again in helping those looking for employment find success. By researching the company culture, maintaining professionalism on all platforms, following up after interviews, networking effectively with peers, mastering your elevator pitch and being proactive when necessary were some of our best advice to help you land your dream job. Good luck!

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