Searching for a job may be a challenge as you try to figure out how to start the process. It takes effort to get started, along with continued motivation throughout the journey of securing an internship or job. Below is some advice to ease your job search to get you hired.

Do Your Research

Before applying to roles, research which jobs or positions interest you. In the job search process, there’s no such thing as being over prepared. Take the opportunity to talk to people you know and learn about their job or jobs they think might interest you.

Ask a few questions such as:

• What do they enjoy about their job?
• What do they wish they had known when they were looking for jobs?
• How did they get to where they are today?

While researching, try to get a full picture of a job/company. Keep in mind, salary is important, but so are benefits and company culture. Think about everything you might want in a job and keep that in mind as you identify roles that interest you.

Cast a Wide Net

Don’t limit yourself to just one company or job position! Consider pursuing things outside of your comfort zone and remember it’s okay to apply to a role even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. Many skills can be taught on the job. Maybe you do meet the qualifications for a job, but aren’t sure it sounds like the right fit- consider applying anyway. The interview process, learning more about the team, and getting to know the company better might increase your interest.

Utilize Resources & People Around You

The worst someone can say is no. Consider asking for introductions to those in your field with mutual connections. Put yourself out there and pay attention to who might be able to support you in your job search. Use various job boards, attend networking & professional development events, and take advantage of the resources available for you – like the Career Mentor team at Ascend Indiana. If you’re in college, you might also have a free career services office to help you with your job search.

Networking doesn’t have to be complicated and structured. Have conversations, grab coffee, or ask a few quick questions with relevant peers and professionals to learn about what they do.

Prepare Your Materials

Your resume is the first impression a company has of you. Ensure it is updated, concise, and paints a clear picture of who you are and what experience you have. If requested by the company, a cover letter can make or break your application – be sure to customize a cover letter for every job.

Along with physical or in-person materials and preparation, ensure you are prepared for virtual interviews:

• Wi-Fi is connected before a virtual interview
• Clean and professional background – or put a filter on
• Dress comfortably & professionally in something you feel confident in

Following any steps in the interview process, be sure to send thank you notes. You don’t have to write a formal letter, but a quick thank you email with a callback to the conversation will help you stand out in the job hiring process.

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you apply for roles and go through interviews, the more confident you’ll feel in future conversations. Remember the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Prepare some examples ahead of time and consider how you’ll share them in the STAR format during your interview.

Pro tip: Consider recording yourself or practicing interview questions in front of a mirror. It might feel weird, but listening to it can help you know what you sound like and give you a better idea of how you come across in the interview.

Visit Ascend’s Job Seeker Resources page to learn more about these strategies and other helpful tips.