Searching for a job can be a frustrating task, especially if you “shoot everywhere” without much planning. With a little organization and strategy, however, you increase your chances of finding the dream job, saving time and even more control over your career path.

Here are five tips for finding a job more efficiently.

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1- Set your target

Before you start distributing your resume around, take some time to think about what you want in terms of career. Try to list all the characteristics of what the “dream job” would be like: growth opportunity, home office, benefits, flexible working hours, good working environment, interesting challenges…

Knowing what you want for your working life helps to lower anxiety and break down those companies you'd like to work for. Make a list of at least 20 organizations with the characteristics you are looking for that could benefit from your experience. They will be your target!

2- Update your CV

Enjoy that you've set your goals to reflect on your path so far. What are the most relevant experiences you had? What can you highlight in your resume to stand out in the selection process?

Redo your CV and, if possible, show it to someone you trust. Remember to revise the Portuguese and the formatting.

Take the opportunity to update your profile on professional social networks, such as Linkedin. More and more companies are using this tool to recruit new professionals.

3 - Activate your contacts

Now that you have a clear view of your career goals and your resume is up to date, start activating your contacts. Have you ever heard the phrase "unseen is not remembered"? This maxim applies to job hunting as well. Talk to close friends, acquaintances, former co-workers, and from school or college telling you exactly what you're looking for and why you're ready for a new position.

And be very careful at this time! Networking is not synonymous with being self-interested, let alone asking for a referral. Get in the habit of cultivating your professional relationships regularly, even when you don't need help.

If you are already working and want to change jobs, caution should be exercised: be discreet when disclosing your interest and never use company structure (email, phone) or working hours to consult job sites, send resumes or contact recruiters. Leave your personal mobile phone as your contact phone number and, if possible, indicate that you prefer to be called at lunch or after business hours. If you get a call from a potential contractor, pick up at a discreet location or ask if you can call later.


4 - Keep an eye on opportunities (visible and invisible)

Does the job you want usually appear in newspaper classifieds? In the “work with us” section of companies? On job sites? How nice! Make a habit of consulting these sources. But be aware that many interesting opportunities never appear on the Internet and are filled in internal recruitment processes, by referral from head hunters or even other professionals from the company itself.

Remember the previous tip? Cultivate your professional contacts and ask them to let you know if they know of a vacancy with the profile you are looking for.

The economics sections of newspapers and magazines can also provide good clues about new opportunities. A new company in the market, or a company that will open an office in your city are indications of possible hiring.

And now, a golden tip: when selecting resumes from their databases, many recruitment sites and companies pick only the latest ones. Create a routine to update your data frequently, at least once a month. So your resume will always appear in searches for the last entries saved in the system and you increase the chance of being called!

5 - Get ready

Be prepared to face the next step: the job interview. Here in the Career Guide we have several tips on how to prepare for this moment.