Strategies for an Effective Job Search

Approaching your job search using a combination of strategies is a great way to maximize your efforts. Mixing up your strategies and activities can also help to avoid burnout and becoming overly frustrated with your search. Try some of these recommended strategies to stay on top of your search, and to keep it active and moving forward.

• Be aware of recruitment cycles - Though positions are posted throughout the year, the time of year that you are applying can impact your job search. Stay on top of when your industries are most likely to be hiring. 
  • Accounting, financial, and consulting firms - summer through fall 
  • Government and technology organizations - summer through fall
  • Leadership development and rotational programs - early fall
  • Healthcare (except pre-health) - fall through spring
  • Non-profit and NGOs - late fall through the spring
  • Arts, entertainment, and media organizations - spring
  • Education - spring through summer
• Networking in-person and through social media - Reach out to people you know and develop new contacts with people who are working in the organizations or fields that you're interested in. Use social media sites including LinkedIn and PeppConnect to find alumni and others to connect with. Be sure to clean up your Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites.
• The hidden job market - Historically, the hidden job market has represented a large number of positions that are never posted, but are found through networking. Even though many more jobs are posted today, it's helpful to find out about those opportunities before others do and get into the process early.
• Informational interviewing - Scheduling time to meet with industry professionals to gather information about companies, job functions, skills, etc., is a great way to get in the door without the expectation of getting a job. You may discover new career paths or gain industry insight and direction for your search.
• Tracking your job search - Using a tracker can help you to stay organized as you search and apply for jobs. You can use a spreadsheet or another document to keep track of the important details for each position you apply for. It's also recommended to keep a copy of the job descriptions so that you can refer back to them at any time, even if the position is no longer posted.

Job Search Academy by Indeed + Pepperdine University