Maximize Your Reach: How to Optimize Your Job Search

Maximize Your Reach: How to Optimize Your Job Search

Landing a great job requires much more than just writing out a few generic application letters and sending them away in the mail. Today, the job market is highly competitive which means that there are likely numerous others applying for the same job you have your eye on. It's therefore important that you go above and beyond when seeking out your dream job, especially for real estate jobs, so that you can find the best position that suits you. Here are a few tips we've put together which can help bring success to your job search.

Have a Career in Mind

It's important that you define your long-term career goals when applying for any job. While this may sound trivial, most employers are very much interested in where you see yourself in five, ten
or twenty years.

If you don't have any idea how to define your career path, ask yourself what top fields or industries you'd like to be working in. Jot down your top two or three interests along with any matching skills you may have. For instance, if you want to work in customer service, your skills may include being good with people, having the ability to organize documents and possessing good communication skills.

Next, make use of a few leading online job search websites that are designed to help you find a job. When you find positions that are in your chosen fields/industries, read the job descriptions
with care to see if you can match your skill set with what the employers are looking for. Then apply to those jobs that you qualify for.

You may very well run across jobs you like but which you do not qualify for. If this is the case and you don't have the time or financial means to gain new qualifications now, you can at least begin to plan for achieving those qualifications so that you can apply for similar jobs in the future.

Make Use of Social Media

A great way to find a job and work your networks is to become active on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. LinkedIn in particular is ideal for finding open positions. Take the time to create a
complete LinkedIn profile using a professional-looking photo before you start interacting with potential employers. This social network for professionals allows you to list your employment history, education and skills so that you can connect with companies and hiring managers who are seeking employees.

You could very well find companies on Facebook that are hiring new employees, so make a point of becoming fans of businesses you wish to work for. You can also use Facebook to let others know about your career search by updating your status. Someone in your network may have some relevant information, advice or even a job to offer you. Be sure your Facebook is setup as professionally as possible. Many companies will go through your page and timeline during the vetting process.

On Twitter you can search for companies and keywords related to the industries you are interested in. When you find a company on Twitter, follow them, reply to their tweets and ask questions about any job openings they may be promoting.

Follow-Up with Potential Employers

Applying for a job doesn't end with sending out a letter or email. If you do not get a response from a potential employer after the time frame the employer stated in the job description or after about one week, send a follow up email or give them a call to ask about the status of your application. This shows the employer that you are very much interested in working for them. If you are told that you were not considered for an interview, ask why so that you can address the issue when applying for other jobs.

Tip–In your cover letter state a date and time a few days out where you will call to follow up, then mark your calendar and follow up accordingly!

Be Prepared for Interviews

Don't let a lack of preparation sabotage your interviews. Now is the time to start brushing up on your interview techniques and industry knowledge. While job interviews are almost always stressful, if you are well prepared the stress will be greatly lessened. Take the time to review potential interview questions that you are likely to be asked and have good answers ready. Research the company and be ready to explain why you want to work there and what you can contribute.

Make sure to wear clean, professional attire that's appropriate for the type of company you are interviewing with–read more about professional attire on our post Dressing for Success. When discussing your skills and experience, match them to what the company is looking for. Have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer about the company, job, requirements, etc. Always follow up an interview with a handwritten thank-you letter reiterating your interest in the position.

Start Your Real Estate Job Search with Us!

If you are looking for a job in the real estate industry, look no further than JWilliams Staffing. We are a full-service real estate recruitment & staffing agency, and are eager to help you find the real estate job you are looking for. Please visit our job opportunities page to start your job search today!