3 Steps to a Better Job
Every job search needs to start with what you want in your next job. It is the old Steven Covey adage, begin with the end in mind. Use this mindset to decide the parameters for your new role. Are you OK commuting? If so how long will you drive? What hours can you work. What is your Salary range? Window it down to your top two or three priorities. Next list the skills you have and the skills that you are most interested in using to get your next position. Finally select jobs and even companies that fit within your ideal career space.
Now you are ready to start working on your job search. Use your decisions to target companies and jobs. Forget the job boards initially. Skip the posting of resumes. Most of those are black holes and a bit of a long shot to even get contacted.
Taking Action on Your Job Search
Instead, start with what you want to do and find the companies that hire those people. Use sites like LinkedIn and resources like ReferenceUSA found in many local libraries to research companies in your area. You can often search by zip code and radius to find companies in your commute range. Use the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)to find companies in the industry you select. If you limit those by zip and radius, you are now narrowing your target company search.
Next research those companies online at places like Glassdoor and Vault.com. Learn what current and past employees have said. Caution that some of these sites tend to attract more negative reviews but look for trends and indications and consider the information as data points.
Closing the Deal
Finally go to LinkedIn. Find people who work there and what their job titles are. Reach out and connect to them. In you link request, let them know you are researching their company and want to understand more about their job and what it is like to work at the company. Join groups in LI associated with the work. Develop relationships with people doing the work you want to do. See if you can find a common bond, like you went to the same school or are a member of the same club/group.
If you develop a relationship, ask them how they were hired and if they can give you any tips on getting hired at the company.