Take a moment and breath

OK, this happened; you are in search of a job, and it sucks, but it will be OK. A job search is a massively time-consuming and emotional journey. Let's explore the basic strategies of searching for a new job.

How do I get a job in 2024?

• Rapid-fire: Apply to as many jobs as you can. The law of probability says this will work given time.
• Relationships: Your internal champion. It is all about who you know who can get your resume into the hiring manager's hands.
• Recruiters: Your advocate. A recruiter is often working with the hiring manager to fill the role.
• Hybrids: Mix and match the above strategies.

Let's review each one.

Rapid Fire

The law of probability says this will work given time.

Rapid fire is when you apply to as many jobs as possible. If the job more or less fits your essential criteria, you apply to it. This is a good way to get your name out there and possibly find a job quickly, but it is also very possible to get discouraged.

The rapid-fire approach can lead to a spiral of self-doubt. About 50% of the organizations you apply to will never reply to your application and ghost you. The other 40-ish percent will send you a generic rejection letter. Rapid fire is great for quick applications, but it's important to manage your expectations and keep going even if you don't hear back immediately, or not at all, or are not a good fit. It is OK. It's all about keeping the momentum going while also taking care of your mental well-being. (We will talk more about this topic in the future.)

Relationships

It is often about who you know, not what you know.

Next is relationships. This is how a lot of people get jobs. They reach out to old friends, coworkers, and acquaintances who have connections. These pulled strings can help an employer hire you over other candidates. Getting your resume into the hands of the hiring manager could be 80% of the battle. Building and maintaining relationships can be incredibly valuable in your job search.

Remember, never burn your bridges! Just because you are leaving a job doesn't mean you should leave all the people there. Reach out every month or two to stay in touch. Networking is not just about asking for favors; it's about fostering genuine connections and being there for others.

Recruiters (Head-Hunters)

Your advocate

Finally, we have recruiters. These professionals get paid by or work for companies to find new talent. They try to match you with positions that fit your skills and experience. Recruiters can be a fantastic resource because they have insider knowledge of the job market and can provide valuable feedback on your resume and interview skills. Recruiters have a relationship with the hiring manager and will act as your advocate.

Working with recruiters can increase your chances of finding a job, but it's important to stay proactive and not rely solely on them. Keep applying to jobs on your own and continue networking.

Hybrid - A Balanced Approach

This salad bar approach takes elements from some or all of the other strategies. Maybe you will only target five companies that you really want to work at, thoroughly research the organization and its employees, and work on creating or renewing relationships with someone who currently works there.

All of these methods are great ways to find jobs! Some are statistically more likely to find you a job, but none are inherently "better" than any other. If it gets you a job, it gets you a job! Keep going even if you don't hear back from the first five jobs you apply for or even the first 100. It takes time. This period is hard on anyone, so don't let it make you feel like you deserve any less than a good job. Your worth isn't how much money you make. You're awesome without that!

Maintaining Your Mental Well-being

You are more than the sum of the rejections in your life.

Job searching can be an emotional rollercoaster. It's crucial to take care of your mental well-being throughout the process. Here are some tips to help you stay positive and motivated:

• Set Realistic Goals: Always be moving forward. Aim to apply for a certain number of jobs each day or week OR reach out to contacts or recruiters. Remember to celebrate small milestones.
• Take Breaks: It's OK to take a break from job searching. Go for a walk, read a book, or do something you enjoy.
• Stay Connected: Talk to friends and family about your job search. They can provide support and encouragement.
• Keep a Journal/Notes: Track your applications, your mood, and your thoughts about each job. This can help you stay organized and reflect on your progress. Aloha Resume can help with this.

Remember, finding a job is a journey, not a race. Take it one step at a time, and be kind to yourself along the way. Whether you prefer rapid-fire, building relationships, or working with recruiters, Aloha Resume supports all three models to help you find the perfect job.

Go touch grass,
Aloha Alex