How to Tackle a Job Search When You Haven’t Had to in a While

If it's been a while since your last job search, the task may feel overwhelming. From brushing up your resume to learning how to navigate today’s job boards, a lot has likely changed. But don’t worry—this guide will help you break the process down step by step so that you can approach your job search confidently and strategically.

1. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

The first thing you'll want to do is ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile reflect your most recent roles, achievements, and skills. Keep in mind that resumes today need to be optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). That means including relevant keywords from job descriptions you're interested in, ensuring your resume is tailored to the positions you’re applying for, and keeping formatting simple. This doesn’t mean that AI is rejecting you, some ATS’s do have ranking scores based on criteria the company provides.

• Key points to focus on:

  • Showcase your most recent roles and emphasize key achievements.

  • Include any new skills or certifications, particularly in-demand technical or soft skills.

  • Use clear, concise language, and quantify results where possible.

Your LinkedIn profile should mirror your resume but provide more room to tell your professional story. Ensure your headline captures what you do and who you help, as it’s often the first thing recruiters will see. This is also how recruiters find you. Don’t make it too hard for them to find you by saying things like “Open to new opportunities.”’ This is what the green banner is for. Your LinkedIn headline/title should look something like this. “Marketing Specialist| Helping Brands Increase Their Online Presence Through Data-Driven Strategies.”

2. Revisit Your Network

If it’s been a while, reconnecting with your network is crucial. Whether through LinkedIn, old colleagues, or professional groups, your network can provide job leads, referrals, and industry insights.

How to reconnect:

• Start by liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from people in your network.

• Send a brief message to former colleagues or industry contacts—mention your career updates and express interest in learning about their recent endeavors.

• Attend industry events, webinars, or local networking groups to meet new contacts and reconnect with familiar faces.

3. Research the Current Job Market

Things may have changed since your last search, and it’s essential to understand what the current market looks like for your industry. This will help you set realistic expectations and fine-tune your search.

• Key insights to gather:

  • Popular roles and titles in your field

  • Salary trends and benefits packages

  • Key skills or technologies that have become more prominent

Use resources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary Insights, or Payscale to gauge where you stand in the current job market and what roles you might want to explore.

4. Explore Job Boards

Today, job boards are more specialized, and finding the right ones for your industry can help you zero in on roles that match your qualifications. Here are some suggestions for widely-used and niche job boards:

• General Job Boards:

  • LinkedIn Jobs: A top choice for professional roles and networking opportunities.

  • Indeed: One of the largest aggregators, with jobs from a variety of industries. Always apply via the company website, not Indeed; there is quite a bit of spam on there)

  • ZipRecruiter: Known for its easy-to-use platform and smart matching technology.

• Niche Job Boards:

  • WellFound: For those interested in startups or tech companies.

  • The Muse: Offers a combination of job listings and company profiles to help you understand a company’s culture.

  • Remote.co: Perfect for remote work opportunities across various sectors.

  • FlexJobs: Focuses on remote, part-time, freelance, and flexible roles.

If you're in a specific industry like tech, marketing, or nonprofit work, research job boards that cater to your field to find more targeted opportunities.

5. Stay Organized

A job search can quickly get overwhelming if you’re not organized. Create a system to track where you’ve applied, your progress with each company, and follow-up tasks.

• Suggestions:

  • Use a simple spreadsheet to track job applications, including dates, job titles, contact information, and application status.

  • Set reminders for following up on applications or reaching out to contacts.

  • Organize your resume and cover letter templates by job type, so they’re easy to customize for each position.

6. Prepare for the Modern Job Search Process

Today’s job search is not just about submitting a resume and waiting. Employers use multiple tools to evaluate candidates, and the interview process might look different than you remember.

• Be ready for:

  • Virtual interviews: Familiarize yourself with platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.

  • Pre-employment assessments: These can range from personality tests to technical skill evaluations.

  • Behavioral interviews: Expect questions that focus on how you handled specific situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

7. Brush Up on Your Skills

If it’s been a while since you were in the job market, certain skills may need a refresh. Consider taking an online course or attending a workshop to stay current.

• Skill-building resources:

  • Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning: Platforms that offer a wide range of courses in everything from project management to software skills.

  • Free coding or tech skill classes: Websites like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp are great for brushing up on tech skills.

8. Get Support

It’s okay to ask for help. A career coach, like myself, can provide personalized guidance, help you optimize your resume, and coach you through interviews. Reverse recruiters can also take on much of the legwork of the job search, giving you more time to focus on preparation.

Consider joining online communities or LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry. These can be great places to ask for advice, share experiences, and even discover job leads.

9. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Finally, job searching can be stressful, especially if it’s been a while. Make sure to take breaks, stay connected with supportive people, and maintain a routine that includes physical activity and relaxation.

Final Thoughts

Re-entering the job market after a long time can be intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity to reassess what you want from your career. By taking a strategic and organized approach, you'll be ready to face the modern job search with confidence. Remember, finding a job today might take time, but with the right tools and mindset, you can land a role that aligns with your career goals.

Looking for more tips on navigating today’s job market? Reach out for a personalized consultation! Whether it’s help with resume writing, interview prep, or a full reverse recruiting service, I’m here to support you on your career journey.