They say job searching is a full time job itself. To make that job a little easier for you, we’ve compiled our best advice for job searching in one spot. Here is everything you need to know about job searching in 2023.

Take Advantage of Your Network

Don’t be afraid to share with your network that you are looking for a job! Maybe that looks like a widespread message to your connections on LinkedIn, or sharing with an old friend while you are catching up over coffee. Though it may feel vulnerable, looking for a job is a universal experience that we can all relate to and referrals can make a huge difference. Think of a referral like having a built in reference, but with even more power because they create a mutual connection between you and the employer. Your network can also help to widen your net when it comes to searching, they may have seen a job posting you missed, or know of an unlisted opportunity. Remember to return the favour when one of your connections is looking for a job, too!

Research the Company

We live in a time where information is more accessible than ever. The internet and social media provide transparency that may not otherwise be available to us when considering a new company to work for. When searching for jobs, consider the companies you are applying to. Try Google “Top Organizations to work for in 2023”. Look up LinkedIn profiles of current employees, peruse the company’s social media platforms to gain insight into their culture and make use of platforms like Glassdoor that give former and current employees the opportunity to share and rate their experience. Having this extra knowledge can help inform your decision and ensure you make the right choice about opportunities to pursue in your search.

Identify Your ‘Why’

It’s not always about how far you cast your net, but rather how thoughtful you are in where you cast it. You may feel the pressure to find a job ASAP and apply, apply, apply to everything. In the beginning of your job search, take a moment to reflect on what you want and what is important to you. If it helps, create a list of non-negotiable for your next job and “nice to haves”. Identify your why, your raison d’être, and what makes you excited to get up every morning and work towards your goals.

As you begin to apply, accept interviews and eventually accept offers, return to your ‘why.’ Why do you want to work for this organization, is it the right fit, does it fulfill your greater purpose? Unless the answer is “yes”, keep looking for the right opportunity.

“Say Yes”

Open yourself up to opportunity. Go to every interview you get a call back for, even if it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you never know — you may love the company culture once you meet them. You will also get into the practice of interviewing. Taking an interview for a position that you are lukewarm on can give you the chance to practice your answers without the added stress of worrying if you got the job, or not. It’s a lot easier to exude confidence and be yourself when you have nothing to lose, with a little practice you can bring that personality to the interviews that matter to you.

In addition to the hard work you will put in to job hunting and cold emailing, you can also create space for more passive opportunity, by saying yes in other ways. Say yes to coffee chats, new LinkedIn connections, even social opportunities where you can network. Being open to opportunity changes your energy and you will be surprised how it can change your luck and even your future!

Write a Letter of Interest

Sometimes we have to make our own dreams come true. Instead of waiting for the right job to come to you, go out and create that opportunity yourself. If you have your sights set on a specific company, or industry, but you don’t see any current openings that fit your skill set, consider writing a letter of interest. This is a formal letter to introduce yourself, your set of skills and let the organization know that you are interested in a position. A letter of interest shows your value as an employee not only through the words you use to illustrate your skills and experience, but the act of sending a letter shows the company that you take initiative as well as your passion for and interest in the organization.

Consider the above a checklist of “How to Job Search in 2023”. If you’re not currently looking, bookmark this page for your next job search. And if you are currently looking, what have you done? Have you notified your network? Identified your ‘why?’ Maybe you want to start making a list of dream organizations that you’ll draft letters of interest for. And don’t forget to say “yes!”

If you’re looking for additional guidance on how to get hired in your dream job, grab our Get Hired in Your Dream Job Workbook. Or speak with our founder, Christie Lohr and book a career meeting.

Sheila O’Neill is a creative, innovative and inspiring storyteller with a background in fashion.