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- Just Get Hired Issue #11 | The Job Search Checklist
Just Get Hired Issue #11 | The Job Search Checklist
Ramped
February 18, 2024
Welcome to the Just Get Hired Newsletter!
We bop around to a lot of different topics in this newsletter, but today I’m going to get back to basics a little bit.
In this issue I’ll be walking you through the ultimate Job Search Checklist — an end to end overview of the steps you should take to find your next job.
When broken down like this, the job search is simple — not easy, but simple. But it does take time, effort, and perseverance.
PS — if there are any topics you’d like to see covered in future editions reply to this email or shoot me a note on Linkedin!
If you want to get more from Ramped beyond this weekly newsletter, do these things now:
And if you find value in this weekly newsletter, please share with any friends or colleagues going through a job search — you have a unique code at the bottom of this email that you can share to track your referrals (for future prizes!).
Let’s get into it.
The Job Search Checklist
Whenever I talk to job seekers 1:1 (even the best of them), there is always at least ONE of the below items that they’re neglecting.
Maybe they’re crushing applications but not networking. Maybe they’re applying to lots of jobs but their resume isn’t optimized.
Or maybe they just don’t know what they want, which means they’re not getting results.
Whatever it is, it can be fixed.
If you’re in the job search, you need to be doing all of the below. Once you are, it just becomes about time.
1) Evaluate what YOU want
Before submitting applications, understand what you're looking for.
Ask yourself what matters most in your next role:
Learning / growth
Compensation
In person vs. remote
Industry or role type
And whether you have the skills / experience needed to get that job.
Your evaluation should also include a rational review of market conditions and requirements for jobs you want.
A mistake I see a lot of people make is be either too ambitious or not ambitious enough.
Sometimes you need to make a lateral move before getting what you want.
Other times you’re selling yourself short.
2) Set your mindset
Looking for a job is HARD (particularly right now).
Mentally, you need to prepare for a potentially months-long endeavor and frequent rejection, no matter how good you are as a candidate.
Build your support system and figure out your process to stick with it.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.
3) Revamp your Resume(s)
Create a unique Resume for each type of role you want to apply for.
Focus on:
Matching your experiences to the role
Communicating impact / value
Keeping it simple
Of course, if you need some help, check out our free AI Resume builder.
4) Build your Cover Letter Template
Similar to your Resume, you'll likely want to have slightly different versions of your Cover Letter based on roles / companies.
In this case, it's best to have one standard template that you can quickly update with new information for each application.
Again, if you want some quick help to save you hours, use our free AI Cover Letter Writer.
5) Contact your close connections
By close connections, I mean literally people you can ask for a job / referral.
Former managers / colleagues, friends, family members, anyone who fits that bill.
Ask for two things:
Direct referrals / introductions to hiring managers for roles you want
Intros to people in the role / companies you're interested in (more on this soon)
6) Post on Linkedin
I know it can feel awkward, especially if you don't post frequently on here.
But there's no shame in looking for a job -- EVERYONE has gone through.
And that's what this platform is for!
Share a little about what you're looking for, relevant experience, and ask for introductions to relevant professionals.
Here is an example template of a post you can make (written from the standpoint of a layoff, but can be easily altered regardless of where you are at in your job search journey):
[Insert intro]. After an incredible [period of time] working with [XYZ company], I'm back on the job hunt due to tough market conditions and company restructuring.
I am actively seeking opportunities to [insert job role] in the [insert ideal industry sectors], ideally through:
[Insert role interest #1]
[Insert role interest #2]
[Insert role interest #3]
My preference would be to join somewhere [insert location preference if you have one], but I am open to remote or relocating for the right opportunity.
In the past, I have experience with:
[Insert experience bullet point #1]
[Insert experience bullet point #2]
[Insert experience bullet point #3]
Please comment or reach out to me if any of the resonates with you! I'm eager to find what's next and ready to join a new team. If you are hiring, I am happy to share my story, CV, and portfolio in greater detail.
7) Reach out to 50 target people
These should be relevant professionals at target companies or in the role you're interested in.
You're reaching out to 50 with the goal of actually talking to 10-15.
Start with any warm intros from your network / Linkedin post.
Meet with them for 20-30 minutes to learn about them and their recs (don't ask for anything).
8) Submit 100 job applications
Apply to companies in this order:
Any places with direct referrals
Any places from your networking
Places that fit your criteria
"Mass-applying" is ok, but try to avoid the "Easy Apply" options. At least go to the company website.
For your top targets, take the time to message the hiring manager / recruiter.
9) Repeat
Repeat steps 7-8 until you start to get interviews coming in.
If you haven't gotten any offers for referrals from networking, re-evalute how you're approaching those conversations.
If you're not getting any interviews from your blind applications, ask a friend to review your Resume / Cover Letter.
10) Create an experiences sheet
Create a document that categorizes your most important professional experiences.
This should include what common behavioral questions each experience would apply to.
It should also include relevant data points / information that help communicate value added and impact of each experience.
Here’s a link to a template you can use.
11) Interview practice with a buddy
Find someone else also going through the job search or a trusted mentor.
Conduct at least 1-2 practice interviews to shake the rust off and get candid feedback.
If you want to do more prep on your own, you can use our free AI interview prep tool.
12) Negotiate your offer
Once you get an offer (from following steps 1-11), don't panic and immediately accept.
Almost every time, you should attempt at least one round of negotiation.
Those that do get more in their careers.
Conduct some market research, define what elements of the offer are most important (salary, equity, PTO, etc.), and then counter with a fair alternative.
13) Start your new job :)
You did it! Checking this one off might feel like it will never come when you start, but you got this.
Start your new job and crush the first 90 days -- it's the most imporant time to make a great first impression.
And don't forget to pay it forward to other job seekers you see out there whose shoes you were just in.
If you do all the above, I promise you it will only be a matter of time until you find the job you’re looking for. Here’s to your search!
One of my personal goals in 2024 is to grow this newsletter. If you get value out of my content, you can help by sharing the link below and getting credit for referrals :)
I appreciate you in advance!
-Ben