You don’t have to experience job loss to be exposed to the immense stress and anxiety job search causes. Fresh graduates, underpaid employees, and future entrepreneurs, nearly everyone experiences the pure frustration of it, and the extreme amount of durability, resilience, and perseverance it takes to overcome it.

The actual situation always determines the importance and urgency of the search, but most professionals in the recruitment and HR industry agree that in case one has no current workplace, looking for a job itself should be considered a full-time position, with adequate hours and effort, put into it. Unless one has a skill set that is highly in demand, unique or rare, applying to just one or even a handful of jobs may result in lengthy unemployment.

With a decade of experience in mediating between candidates and companies, we can safely say that we have experienced the ups and downs of job search in the of revoked offers, turned down positions and the lack of opportunities. Our best advice for job seekers is to have a detailed plan and consistent execution. We recommend you follow the steps listed below.

Research and update your resume

Dedicate sufficient time to understand the market, sync your knowledge to meet its needs, and find out what your dream position’s requirements and responsibilities are. If your resume needs some updating, make sure to tailor it to the specific positions you apply to. Include all the necessary information, your most relevant skills and experience, and send it to multiple employers to have a greater chance of scoring an interview.

Put yourself out there

Self-branding has become really important in recent years. You’ll have a much greater chance of getting through the first round of background checks and selections with a well-curated LinkedIn profile. Like a resume, it should contain current work information, along with endorsements or recommendations. It goes without saying that all social media profiles should be cleaned up and any offensive or controversial content, because they are most probably going to be reviewed by future employers.

Send your application to several companies you are interested in

Applications mean more than just shooting an email with your CV. Plan your words, write cover letters (even if they are not listed as an expectation) and customize your documents to match the requirements of a given company. This seems like a lot of work and effort, but it never goes unnoticed. Try to think of small, creative details that might make you stand out from the crowds, like a video-format introduction letter or a coded resume.

Build your (online) network

Online networking includes joining relevant groups on social media sites while interacting with current content based on the interests of a company or the requirements of a position. You should also try connecting with your dream employers. In-person networking should have a place as well. This is the time to pick up contact with ex-colleagues, friends and relatives you may have forgotten about. Conferences, meetups, career fairs and volunteering events are also great opportunities to make new connections. Never underestimate the power of elevator talks and coffee tables!

Go on interviews and gain practice

Interviewing is the necessary step between a job application and employment, but as simple as they sound, they are the greatest challenge of it. Make sure to always be prepared, be calm, show a nice attitude, and your determination to work. However, never lie. It may be tempting to form sentences like “it was my ultimate dream to work for you”, but recruiters and HR managers are trained to see through them. Tell the truth, be yourself, and don’t forget to take the opportunity to interview the company you’re interviewing for. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend your time working for an employer that doesn’t appreciate you, or in a position, you don’t feel comfortable in.

These steps are meant to be repeated all over until you get an offer you’re planning to accept. Those who treat the job search as an actual quest or project will likely see better results in a shorter period of time than those who lack the discipline and determination to the process. Still, in all seriousness, never forget to keep a positive attitude, and always trust your instincts. IseeQ wishes you the best of luck!