7 Job Hunting Tips To Find Your Dream Job

Whether you are looking for a new job because you're ready to move on in your career or you've been recently laid off because of the economy, here are some fantastic job hunting tips that will open doors and land you the new job of your dreams.

1. Update your resume

Updating your resume is a great time to reflect on where you've been and decide on where you want to go. I've found that the times that I've had to look for a new job it has been the time of a lot of personal and professional growth. It gives you the time to really focus on what you want and create short and long term goals for your career.  Also, when updating your resume, make sure to review job interview questions and answers so you'll be fully prepared for any interview.

2. Call your family and friends

Start making your calls to all of your family and friends to see if they have any positions open at the company where they work. Your family and friends know you best and they will know better if the company is right for you.

3. Make contact with old colleagues

Old colleges can be a great source of information about careers in your industry. Since they have a different network of friends and colleagues, they will have an intimate knowledge about other positions open in your field of work. This is also a good reason why you never want to burn bridges at work. You never know when you might need someone else's help. Your colleges may have some job hunting tips and advice as well.

4. Contact recruiters

Recruiters can be a valuable source of jobs that aren't listed on on employment websites. You will want to find a recruiter that works in your industry. Keeping in contact with a couple of recruiters over the years will give you the best opportunity to find a new job when the time comes. The recruiter will already have a relationship with you and know your history which will make it easier for him to find you the job that's best for you.

5. Attend networking events

Networking events will give you the opportunity to meet with others in your field and others in different industries. You never know when your skill set might be just right for a job in a different industry. It might be a fun and challenging position that can really help you grow professionally. If you don't ask, you'll never know.

6. Be creative

This is a great time to be creative. How are you going to stand out of the crowd? Being creative will give you the edge on the hundreds of other people seeking the same job. On another post I'll go into some top creative ideas to land your new job that I've seen from others and have personally used myself.

Being creative will attract more interest from hiring managers because they have to view and sort throughhundreds of cookie cutter resumes. When they see something different, it certainly makes an impression.

7. Don't settle

I know, it can be hard at times to not settle. If you've been unemployed for a while you may have to settle on a job just to make ends meet. Even when you do get that job, don't quit looking for your dream position.

If you have the luxury of taking your time to find a new job, you have more leverage over the hiring manager. You can usually get a higher salary and better benefits when you don't have to settle on a job. Use this to your advantage!

With so many people out of work, you'll have to be more creative and work harder than others to get the job that you want. It's not that much harder, but it does take a lot more persistence and determination to get there. If you use these job hunting tips, you'll be well on your way to finding your dream job.

Happy job hunting!