How to Start Looking for a New Job

It might have started with that feeling of fatigue and burnout at your current job. Or perhaps you caught a case of the Sunday scaries because you dreaded having to go to work the following morning.

Whatever the case may be, acknowledging that you want a new job is the first step toward getting one you really want. The next step is knowing how to start looking for a new job. Let’s explore how you can do that and make the job hunt feel less daunting overall.

Step 1: Get Clear About What You Want

Before you start the job hunt, take some time to reflect on what you’re looking for, plus your needs and wants. Consider:

• What skills do you need to have for the type of job you want?
• What are the types of work that interest you?
• How will your lifestyle needs affect the types of jobs that are best for you?
• Do you have the flexibility or willingness to change your lifestyle, should you need to?

It can also be helpful to use tools like our Work Styles Quiz so you can see where your interests lie and find a job that matches them.

Step 2: Update (or Create) Your Resume

Firstly, if you don’t have a resume, start by making one. There are plenty of free AI-based tools you can use to make a beautiful resume!

The requirements for resumes aren’t what they were 20 years ago. When you’re creating or updating your resume, be sure to emphasize and demonstrate your skills rather than relying solely on your work history.

Also, review the keywords that are included in job postings for the positions you want and use them in your resume where relevant. This will help your application get noticed more easily, especially with the applicant tracking systems (ATS) and other AI filtering tools HR specialists use to help manage the hundreds of applications they receive.

Step 3: Update (or Create) Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is one of the first places employers will look after they receive your resume. Before you start job hunting, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, highlights your skills, and gives the same first impression you’d want to give in an in-person interview.

An important caveat: Do not treat your LinkedIn profile like your Facebook timeline.

Your tagline should be a reflection of your skill set rather than something cutesy or clever. For example, even if you’re currently between jobs, “Full-Stack Developer” is a better tagline to use than, “Working on working.” Similarly, your profile picture and background photo should show your level of professionalism.

That isn’t to say your LinkedIn profile has to be completely devoid of personality. However, it should act as an introduction to who you are and the parts of your personality that you’d show during an interview.

Step 4: Research the Job Market

This goes hand-in-hand with crafting your resume. Research the types of work available for the job you want to do using job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn—or even regional or industry-specific sites.

You may notice some common threads with the job postings you see. For example, some may skew more toward being only part-time, gig, or contract work, especially in fields like software development. Others might be more likely to be fully remote or hybrid work models.

Search based on your preferences, and be realistic about the jobs available to you with the lifestyle you have. This will help you narrow your job search and determine your standards.

SkillUp’s platform can help you narrow down your search based on your preferences. Use your profile and the results from your work styles quiz to narrow your search and find the perfect job to start your career.

Step 5: Start Networking (Even If You Don’t Think You Have One)

If you’ve maintained a relationship with at least one other human in your lifetime, you have a network.

Networking is one of the most important things to do when looking for a job because it helps you build the connections you need. Along the way, you’ll also get more opportunities to sharpen your skills and meet people who can help you get the job you want.

Connect with professional groups on LinkedIn and be an active participant in them. Attend industry events and seminars in your area—this will help you meet more professionals in your field and show them you care about growing with organizations like theirs.

Step 6: Apply Smarter, Not Harder

Take the approach of focusing on quality instead of quantity when you start the job search. This will help you find jobs that are the right fit for your skill set and goals so you can build your experience in ways that matter.

Ideally, you should also customize your resume and cover letter for every application you submit—and add relevant personal touches. While AI tools can help you write your resume and cover letter, writing it yourself or adding notes about your personal experiences shows the hiring manager that you’re a human who cares.

Lastly, track your applications. You could use tools through job board sites like Indeed and SkillUp to track statuses and interview progress, but it’s also helpful to have a spreadsheet you can use to track the status of each application so you can keep your job hunt organized.

Step 7: Prepare for Interviews

The job interview is your chance to show a potential employer why you’d be a good fit for their open position and learn why the company may be right for you. It’s a two-way conversation that supplements your research and helps you see first-hand if you and the company are right for each other—kind of like a first date, but with none of the romance.

Here are some tips that will help you get invited back for another interview and potentially get the job offer you want:

• Review the job description carefully—it’s likely been a while since you’ve looked at it.
• Research the company so you can learn about what they do and how the role contributes to their overall mission.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions—and no, “Because I need to pay my bills,” should not be the only reason you’re interested in working for them.
• Practice speaking confidently and with friendly, open body language so you’re less likely to rely on verbal or physical tics you might not otherwise be aware of.
• Always have questions prepared for the interviewer! This shows you’re interested in the role and can help you emphasize your confidence and curiosity.

Step 8: Keep Learning & Improving

The job hunt isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. You may find yourself losing steam as the hunt goes on, so it’s important to keep yourself motivated and celebrate each win as it happens. Also, have realistic expectations—you might not land your dream job in a single day or week, but keeping a steady pace will help you get there.

Chances are, you might also receive a few rejections during the job hunt—don’t lose hope when it happens. Just keep your eyes on the prize, and you’ll receive an offer before you know it!

In the meantime, it’s also helpful to keep upskilling and training so your skills stay polished. SkillUp has an entire network of resources you can use to upskill for the job or industry where you want to be. We also work with career coaches who will be in your corner every step of the way to help you master the job hunt until you reach your goal!

Step 9: Don’t Burn Bridges at Your Current Job

Remember—jobs may be temporary, but networking is forever. If you’re hunting for a job while you’re still employed, continue approaching your current role and coworkers with professionalism. Be discreet with your job hunt, and only look for work after you’re done working for the day.

Lastly, since we’ve heard of horror stories like this before: Do not use your email address from your current job to apply for new jobs outside of your current company. This can be a major setback if your current employer catches wind of it.