Job Search Tips From Real Life Job Seekers

Posted on July 22, 2021

There’s a lot of great job search advice out there, but not all of it is written by people who have recently looked for work themselves.

In fact, a big portion of the tips you’ll find online were given by employers or recruiting platforms.

And while that advice (coming from professionals) is often helpful, it can be nice to get real insight from people who have gone through the process recently.

That’s why we’ve compiled some great tips from job seekers just like you who partnered with TERRA to help create their success story. These individuals went through their job search recently and landed the perfect job for them.

5 job search tips from recent job seekers:

Connect with a reputable Staffing Agency.

“Learn what a staffing agency can do for you. Instead of having to apply to 15 different jobs without support, it’s good to have a place that centralizes the search and helps you find a good fit.”

According to Jason Del Biondo, who found a great job after relocating from Florida to Washington, contacting a staffing firm is the best way to simplify your job search.

Staffing agencies help connect employers and job seekers. They work hard to make it as easy as possible for employers to find qualified candidates and for job seekers to get jobs they love.

One of the advantages of working with a staffing agency is that they likely have multiple jobs that could be a good fit for you. With one application, you get exposure to multiple opportunities. Your recruiter should take time to get to know you, what you want, and what your qualifications are. And since their goal is to place you in a position that’s a good match, they shouldn’t waste your time on jobs you won’t enjoy.

Also, many companies hire exclusively through staffing agencies, so if you don’t include staffing firms in your employment search strategy, you are eliminating your access to some jobs altogether.

If you work with a reputable staffing agency, you can expect to receive on-going support once you start your job. They’ll also help you prep for job interviews and help you put your best foot forward. So if you want your job search to be as streamlined and easy as possible, a staffing agency could be a great resource.

Try new things.

“Don’t be afraid to try new things. Remember you’re worth attempting something new. This is a great time to break out of what you’ve been doing and try what you want to do.”

After leaving an unsatisfying job to find a position she actually wanted, Deborah Mitchell realized that sometimes, the initial jump is the hardest.

Change is scary and there are always a million reasons to stick with what’s convenient or familiar. However, getting a little uncomfortable and trying something new might be the only way to find true job satisfaction.

So if you’re dissatisfied with your current employment situation, start making moves that scare you a little. For example, reach out to someone for an informational interview, or take a look at jobs that might be a bit of a stretch.

If you’re not ready to apply to jobs yet, research steps to get the position you actually want. Look into job openings and their requirements. Think of what you may be able to do to make yourself more appealing to an employer.

Who knows, once you begin reaching for something new, you might realize that you’re getting exactly what you’ve always wanted — or at least getting closer.

Be open-minded.

“Be open-minded. Especially if you are interested in change. Most of us are now in a situation where we have to get out of our comfort zone. You might learn something completely new and make a career out of it.”

When Torique Bond started looking for work, he had no idea he would end up in a completely different industry than the one he had initially been looking for. He took a chance on a new role — and he loves it!

The truth is, opportunities that come your way are often not going to be the ones you were looking for. Sometimes, they’re clearly not right, but sometimes, they’re worth considering.

So take some time to think about any job that comes your way. If someone suggested it to you, ask them why they think you would enjoy the role. Make a pro and con list and reflect on how your skills and needs might align with the position.

The point is, don’t automatically dismiss something that doesn’t sound like what you originally wanted. While you may not have thought about a particular job as an option, it might be a great fit.

This is especially relevant if you choose to partner with a staffing agency. That’s because recruiters are likely to see how you would enjoy a specific industry or position you hadn’t previously thought of. It won’t hurt to hear them out. They want to place you in a job that you’ll love.

Check job opportunities before relocating.

“Decide where you want to live first and then, before you make a decision, see if there are opportunities available. Reach out to staffing agencies even before then and see what your opportunities are. You could easily move somewhere where there is nothing for your profession.”

Christopher Lessley quit his job and relocated without having another position lined up. While it ended up working out amazingly well for him, he reflected that he might do things a little differently were he to move again.

Depending on what types of job you’re aiming for, especially if they’re in a niche industry, you might want to spend some time thinking about what opportunities will be available where you are relocating.

Take aerospace manufacturing for example. In some regions, there are many job openings in that field, but in others the industry is virtually nonexistent.

A good way to figure out what jobs might be available in a location is to reach out to a staffing agency in that area. They’ll be able to tell you what kinds of jobs are hiring. And if they don’t have the opportunities you want, they might be able to redirect you to a place that does.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should move somewhere simply based on job openings. However, if you decide to move to a place with limited opportunities in your profession, you may have to adjust your expectations and be a little more flexible in your job search.

Don’t give up!

“Don’t give up! Something good will eventually come around.”

When Stephanie Kirby began looking for work, she struggled to find something that would be a good match. She kept a positive attitude and, eventually, she found a job that’s the perfect fit.

So if you don’t find a job right away, don’t lose hope and remember that the job search is a process. While some people find jobs instantly, for most, it can take a while to get the right job offer.

Rather than focusing only on the ultimate goal of getting a job, try to pay attention to the progress you’re making. Every time you update your resume, write a cover letter, reach out to someone for an informational interview, or apply to a job, you’re closer to getting what you want.

And if it ever feels like there are no jobs that feel right, don’t forget that new positions open up every day. Just because you’re not finding the right opportunity today, doesn’t mean it won’t be available tomorrow.

At the end of the day, there’s no perfect recipe for a successful job search. But it helps to get advice from real people who were recently in the same spot as you.

Keep these 5 tips in mind and remember that this is all for a good cause. You’re on your way to finding a job that’s just right!

If you need more support in your job search, here are some great articles to help you get ahead:

How TERRA Can Be a Resource

Looking to find your perfect fit? TERRA can help!

TERRA Staffing Group is a leading staffing agency with offices in the Seattle-Puget Sound, Portland, Phoenix, and Denver-Metro areas.

We work with many companies across a variety of industries and specialize in temp, temp-to-hire, contract, and permanent staffing. Our recruiters are the best at what they do and are committed to helping people find the Right Fit.

To see some of the jobs we offer, check out our current job openings. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Call us today. We’d love to help you find the right fit.

Categories: Career Tips

Tags: career advice, job search advice, job search tips, success stories

Job Search Tips From Real Life Job Seekers

5 job search tips from recent job seekers: