Job Search Strategies for Different Career Levels: Entry-Level to Executive

Searching for a job can be a daunting task. Whether you’re just starting out in the professional world or aiming for executive positions, having a well-defined job search strategy is the key to finding your dream job. 

At Collar, we’re here to help you land your dream job. In our blog, we’ll explore effective job search strategies tailored to different career levels, ranging from entry-level to executive positions. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities at each stage, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the job market and find the perfect role for you. 

Entry-Level

When starting your professional journey, it’s crucial to build a strong foundation. Here are some key strategies for entry-level job seekers:

Craft an attention-grabbing resume and cover letter for entry-level positions.

• Don’t overcomplicate your resume – short and sharp dot points are key 

• Include a small photo of yourself on the resume 

• Less is more – instead of explaining exactly what you did in a previous role, be concise, i.e. ‘asset management’ 

• Keep your resume template simple and clean

• Be honest

Check out our blog post for more tips on how to write a standout resume. 

Leverage internships, volunteer work, and part-time jobs to gain relevant experience

• Look for internships or volunteer opportunities in industries or fields that you are interested in.

• Seek out part-time jobs that offer relevant experience and skills that are transferable to your dream job. 

• Be proactive and take initiative in your internship, volunteer work, or part-time job by asking questions, taking on new tasks, and showing enthusiasm for learning. 

• Keep an open mind and be willing to take on new challenges and opportunities that may arise during your internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs as they could lead to your dream job. 

• Use these opportunities to learn new skills, gain hands-on experience, and make connections in your desired field. 

Utilising online professional platforms to find entry-level job openings. A great way to do this is through optimising your LinkedIn profile:

• Use a professional profile photo 

• Write a summary that showcases your achievements, skills, and career goals. 

• Highlight your work experience with strong action verbs, metrics, and achievements. 

• Add relevant skills to your profile to increase your visibility in LinkedIn searches. 

• Connect with people in your industry, colleagues, and alumni to expand your network. 

• Share relevant industry news, insights, or projects to demonstrate your thought leadership. 

• Engage with other LinkedIn users by commenting, sharing, or liking their posts to increase your visibility and credibility.
   

Mid-Level

As you progress in your career, mid-level positions offer new challenges and opportunities. To maximize your career growth, consider the following strategies:

Showcase your accomplishments and professional growth on your resume

• Use strong action verbs 

A simple but effective way to make your resume read well to highlight your skills and accomplishments! Your resume should be action-oriented and use strong verbs to describe your accomplishments. Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb, such as “managed,” “led,” or “created.”   

Quantify your achievements 

• Quantify your achievements with specific numbers and data, don’t just list your job duties;. For example, “Increased sales by 20% in Q1” or “Managed a team of 10 employees.” This will show the employer how you can help to improve their organisation. 

Expand your professional network through industry associations and online platforms

• A great way to achieve this is through optimising your LinkedIn profile and connecting with people within your industry

Pursue professional certifications

• It’s never a bad idea to equip yourself with more knowledge, in fact, this can be what sets you apart from other candidates and helps you to find your own niche in your industry

• Knowledge is power, and we highly recommend that you gain new certifications that interest you and can help you in advancing your career. This will help you not only in your job search with newfound skills, but also in your job application process by making sure you stand out as a candidate with unique selling points. 

Utilising targeted job search techniques, such as reaching out to recruiters and attending industry-specific job events

• This will help you to connect with industry professionals and recruiters who can provide valuable insights and job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
   

Senior-Level and Executive

For those aiming for senior-level and executive positions, the job search process requires a different approach. Consider these strategies:

Developing a strong personal brand through thought leadership and industry visibility

• Publish articles, or research papers in relevant industry publications or conferences to establish yourself as a thought leader. 

• Apply for industry specific awards. 

• Engage with industry peers by attending conferences, webinars, or industry events to increase your visibility and credibility. 

• Develop a clear and consistent personal brand that represents your values, expertise, and leadership style. 

Leveraging executive recruiters and industry contacts for exclusive job opportunities

• Utilise LinkedIn to connect with industry peers, former colleagues, and mentors who can provide job referrals or introductions to decision-makers. 

• Stay in touch with your professional network through regular communication and updates to keep yourself top of mind. 

Highlighting leadership and strategic achievements on your resume and during interviews

• Use specific examples and metrics to showcase your leadership skills and accomplishments, including revenue growth, team performance, process improvements, and more! 

• Highlight how you have solved complex problems and made strategic decisions that impacted the business positively.

• Focus on your soft skills such as communication, team building, and mentorship to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others and lead by example.

Conducting thorough research on target companies and industries to demonstrate expertise

• Use industry reports, company websites, and social media to gain insights into the target company’s culture, values, and challenges. 

• Research company’s leadership team and industry trends in your search to see which companies align best with you, and when applying for the role, be sure to align yourself with the company. 

• Use this information to tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Strategies for All Career Levels

Certain job search strategies apply to all career levels and should be implemented throughout your professional journey. These include: 

• Building and maintaining a strong professional network

• Developing and updating your skills to stay competitive in the job market, check out our blog for the top 10 skills employers are looking for.

• Customising your resume for your job application

• Leveraging LinkedIn to showcase your skills and connect with recruiters

• Preparing thoroughly for job interviews, including researching the company and practicing common interview questions, check out our blog posts for some tips on how to prepare for a job interview and interview questions you should be asking employers.

No matter where you are in your career, finding your dream job requires a little work and strategy. By understanding the specific challenges and opportunities at each career level, you can focus your efforts effectively and increase your chances of success. 

Don’t forget, the journey to your dream job may have its ups and downs, at Collar, we’re here to help you find your dream job.