6 Tips for a Successful Job Search

The workplace landscape in 2020 looks vastly different than in previous years. COVID-19 has resulted in the loss of jobs, as well as entire companies. It has also shined the light on a number of opportunities in some sectors, including healthacre, supply chain management, and more.

These changes have spurred people to switch careers or seek jobs with different employers. If you’re considering a new position, or are a recent graduate entering or re-entering the job market, there are a few important steps that will help you find success.

Do Your Research. Research your industry extensively, from trends to the lingo commonly used to the thought leaders, associations, and conferences in the field. Look into graduate degrees, certificates, and short courses that could give you a leg up on others in the job market.

Reverse Engineer Job Descriptions. Read as many job descriptions as you can and look at the common themes. You may be surprised! Look for gaps in your own experience or skillset and figure out creative ways to address them.

Tailor Every Application. Maximize your chances of an interview by tailoring every job application using keywords from the job description. Your career narrative should be presented in a way that makes sense to someone who has never met you before. Quality over quantity!

Make Professional Friends. The only way to get an accurate picture of what a job looks like from the inside is from someone who has been in that specific role. The way to do this is through an informational interview, which is an intentional and professional conversation with someone to learn more about a job, career, or industry.

Be Patient. It often takes time to switch careers or job positions. Be realistic and patient with yourself in the transition.

Use Career Resources. Megan Pritchett, a career advisor at the University of Denver through the Career and Professional Development Office recently hosted several Job Search Bootcamp webinars to help those in the DU community get a leg up on the competition. You can check out the webinars at the links below:

• Bootcamp #1: Finding Jobs, https://ducareers.wistia.com/medias/juuugi3r11
• Bootcamp #2: Writing Strong Resumes and Cover Letters, https://ducareers.wistia.com/medias/pizu2ylh7c
• Bootcamp #3: Interviewing with Confidence, https://ducareers.wistia.com/medias/5wckzv8v8r

University College students can also make an appointment to meet one-on-one with Pritchett by emailing career@du.edu or calling 303-871-2150.