7 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Job Search

7 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Job Search 7 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Job Search 4Taking the plunge into a new job search should not be taken blindly. Although it is nearly impossible to prepare for everything you may face, it is important to have some foundation to build upon. To get that foundation started, there are a few questions to ask yourself about your job search. Before taking off full speed in your job search, you should make sure you have everything you need to provide employers with your best you. From making sure your resume is polished to updating your social media accounts, you won’t want to overlook even the tiniest of details. To get a plan started, the below seven questions will help you to learn more about your job search and how to be successful. Here are seven questions to ask yourself to learn more about your job search. What are my career goals? Knowing what you want out of your career will help you lay the foundation for where you need to begin. Think about your hobbies, your dream job, and what you are good at. Then, do a little research and explore different companies, industries, and jobs that would meet your needs. What kind of company culture do I want to be a part of? Sometimes this can be overlooked in a job search, especially when you begin to feel desperate to find a job. However, knowing the type of culture you want to work in will help to narrow your search based on companies that match your needs. While this doesn’t mean you can’t explore different company cultures, knowing the type you work best in will help to foster a long-term relationship. What is my personal brand? Your personal brand is what you are going to need to sell to employers. If you don’t know what they are, try to sit down a take stock of what your skills and experiences are, as well as what you have to offer employers. Once you feel confident with your brand, you’ll be able to use it to relate to employers and show them why your brand is best for their company. Is my cover letter, resume, and portfolio polished and up to date? In a time when mountains of resumes arrive for each job opening, having yours polished and nearly perfect will help to keep you from easily disqualifying yourself. Don’t forget to also customize each of these documents for every job application, as well as incorporate your personal brand. What goals and plans do I need to make for my job search? Most people are motivated when they have deadlines or goals to meet. Your job search should be no different. Set job search goals and then set timelines. It’s also important to make plans for how you will tackle the job search, such as setting times for sending resumes and reminders so that you follow up in a timely manner. Am I, or how will I, network and use social media? Networking and social media are some of the most important tools in any job search. With recruiters using social media to find candidates, and employers depending more on referral programs, a strong network and social media plan can make all the difference in your results. What job search resources will I use? Outside of social media and your network, there are thousands of resources to help you be successful. Check out   various resume writing services and professional organizations, and decide which job search services you should pay for to make sure you get the most support in your search. By answering a few questions, you can begin to formulate your job search plan and set off on solid footing. The more prepared you are in a job search, and the more attention to detail you afford, the better your chance for success. Readers, what questions do you ask yourself about your job search? Share your tips with us and other readers in the comment section below.