While the war for talent is especially pronounced in the Bay Area, it is a nation-wide phenomenon. Thanks to a booming economy in the US and a healthy stock market, there are an unprecedented number of vacancies. At the same time, this state of affairs come with its own set of challenges; there are few qualified applicants for the number of roles that need to be filled. As both hiring managers and job seekers are trying to make their next move, the hiring process can be long and hard to navigate.

Having a plan or idea of your direction makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying the journey versus simply enduring it.  As ‘Mr. Electricity’ himself once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin. (Side note: did you know he had over 10 different professions in his life?)

Here are five successful job search strategies that are proven, simple,  and timeless:  

1. Increase your network

Don’t miss out on perfect-fit opportunities. Your friends, family, colleagues or even friends of friends might know about upcoming vacant roles. Let people you trust know about your transition plans; they might just be the help you need to land a job at your dream company. If you are not really reaching out to others, you’ll never find out.

2. Prepare your resume to impress

Keep your resume current. Unfortunately, most recruiters spend on average just 7.4 seconds screening a candidate's resume - not a lot of time to make a great first impression. Here’s how you can tailor your resume to stand out in those first few seconds:

• Typo Much? Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes in your resume; proofread!

• TMI? Avoid information overload on your resume.

• Clarity is key: Maintain simple layouts with clearly marked section and title headers.

• PRO TIP: Share an overview at the top of the first page. Who are you, and what can you do for your prospective employer? Think of writing this section like Cliff Notes, not an essay. By writing a compelling overview, recruiters will read on to learn more about you.

• Keep it simple: Be concise and adhere to the two-page resume limit. References can be on a separate page. Write full and complete sentences in a well-organized layout. Most importantly, make sure everything you include is relevant to the role you’re applying for. 

• Use a template:  Don’t have the design chops to create your own layout? Use Loft Resumes, Etsy, or Resume Genius. Note that Loft and Etsy offer paid services, while Resume Genius is free.

When you’re happy with your resume, make sure you proofread it one more time. Then ask someone else to take a look so that they can spot any errors you may have missed. 

3. Target your job applications

Apply to jobs that match your skills, talents, experience, but make sure you are also interested in the position. Sending mass applications will take a lot of your time. Recruiters and hiring managers will also notice if an application. is not tailored to their open role or organization. Take the time to customize your resume and cover letter for each carefully chosen job. Fewer, targeted applications will always yield better results than sending copies of the same application to many different employers. 

4. Read career advancement blogs, books and other media

After spending many years of hiring across the Bay Area and beyond, we have a wealth of career advice for those looking to further their careers. Our resources can help keep your skills up to date, as well as support you during your job search. If you are an experienced support professional, we can help match you with our open roles.

You can also find a supportive community of fellow job seekers and further advice through social media. Start by updating your LinkedIn profile and follow hashtags that promote job openings and groups that support career success.

5. Include a cover letter on your applications, when asked

If you are invited to include a cover letter with your application, include it! While it may seem like an outdated hiring strategy, some companies will ask for them to learn more about candidate's career aspirations. By not including a cover letter, a recruiter or hiring manager may think you have sent the same application to multiple employers. A tailored approach makes all the difference, as does an authentic writing style. 

By having taking these steps - even if you have not yet started looking for new opportunities - you will understand what you need to do to achieve your dream job.

READY TO RAISE YOUR STANDARDS? 

If you’re a superstar Administrative Business Partner, People Operations Manager, or Executive Assistant, reach out to us! We have incredible companies looking for support professionals across the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond.

Not yet ready for a new role? Share your resume with us and we’ll call when your dream boat role cruises in. Ahoy!