8 Tips for Being Smart in Your Job Hunt

1. Evaluate your finances: If you’re currently searching for a job or are about to start looking for a job, immediately look at your finances to see where you can curb costs and expenses. 

2. Perform an honest self analysis and take stock: Take time to understand who you are and what you can bring to the job table. Really understand your strengths and weaknesses.

3. Create realistic and achievable goals that you review daily: Make your time count when it comes to finding the right job. Make a specific to-do or checklist each day to make sure your job search is productive. Set goals such as “I need to make at least five calls today” or “I’m going to reach out / network with four people today.”

4. Think of your job search like a job: Finding the right job requires the same commitment as one would commit to a full-time job. 

5. Network to build relationships, not to find a job: Networking is about building relationships with people who can connect you with people who can help you find a job. 

6. Focus on self improvement: For those who are currently unemployed, dedicate time during your job search to acquire new skills and to improve your candidacy. Use this time as an opportunity to build on your existing skills and experience. Make your time fruitful.

7. Seek professional help: if you can afford it, hire a professional who can offer objective advice and help anchor you so that you’d avoid making common job search mistakes (ie. take the first job offer that comes through, start interviewing with any company that shows interest even if it is the not right fit, etc.) .

8. Stay positive – Interviewers can read negativity pretty quickly, and nobody wants to hire a negative person. By following the first seven tips, you will be a more confident job seeker with more focus, and with a clear picture of the right job that’s the right fit.

Guest Post by Ivyexec.com - the first online community created exclusively for top tier professionals conducting an executive job search of prescreened executive jobs. Ivy Exec helps highly qualified professionals find exclusive 100K jobs, MBA jobs, consulting jobs and jobs in finance, with leading companies. 

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