How to Get a Job Fast

Finding a new job can be a lengthy process, from the time that you apply until you are actually hired for a new role. Learning about key steps you can take to speed up the hiring process and find a job more quickly can help you feel more confident and empowered. You can use these 15 strategies to get hired for a job fast.

How to get a job fast

Here are 15 strategies you can try when you want to find a job quickly:

1. First, use advanced search options on job boards

Major job boards always have an advanced search feature that allows you to search for open positions by keywords, job title, company, job type, the radius of a location and other factors. This can help you more quickly identify the exact job you’re most qualified for and that best fits your needs.

2. Second, utilize your professional network

Let people in your personal and professional network know that you’re looking for a job and exactly what you’re looking for. Use LinkedIn to see who your personal contacts are connected to and who they may be able to put you in touch with. When you have multiple people thinking about how they can help you find a job, you can significantly shorten the amount of time it takes to find the right position.

3. Third, ask for referrals

If you see a position is open at a company, find out if anyone you personally know works there or knows someone who does. A referral will automatically increase the trust that a company has in a candidate, which will significantly increase your likelihood of getting an interview.

4. Fourth, focus on jobs you’re qualified for

Because it’s always best to tailor your resume and cover letter for every position you apply for, it’s a good idea to focus your search for jobs that you’re most qualified for. This will allow you make the best use of your time while searching and applying for jobs.

5. Fifth, keep applying to other jobs while you wait for offers

Even if you’re interviewing for jobs and expecting offers, keep applying for other open positions until you receive an offer you’re happy with. You may even find that you have multiple offers at the same time, which can put you in a good position to negotiate for exactly what you want.

6. Sixth, customize your cover letter for every position

Each time you apply for a new job, customize your cover letter. The first paragraph, in particular, should tell the hiring manager exactly what you can do for that specific company and why you are the best candidate for that role.

7. Seventh, customize your resume for every position

For every position you want to apply for, review the job description carefully. Write down the keywords that the company is using and the key skills and experiences they’re looking for in candidates. If applicable, add those keywords and highlight those experiences on your resume.

8. Eighth, include only relevant experiences on your resume

Review the qualifications and preferred experiences for specific roles. You may want to review a number of job descriptions in order to determine which are most preferred by employers hiring for that position. Identify the positions and experiences that are relevant to those roles. Remove older, less relevant experiences and positions from your resume so you’ll have more room to highlight the relevant experience that the employer will be interested in.

9. Ninth, feature volunteer work or projects to fill any gaps in employment

If there are periods of time when you didn’t have a job, you should consider adding volunteer work or any projects you worked on during the gap. This can be helpful if you were a stay-at-home mom for a number of years. Use your resume to show how you enhanced your skills when you weren’t working.

10. Tenth, dress for the job you want

First impressions matter when you’re meeting with someone about joining their team. Make sure you’ve dressed appropriately for the company and the type of job you are applying for.

11. Eleventh, share stories during the interview

Back up your skills and experiences by sharing stories that give examples of how you used those skills in previous positions. Use specific examples and talk about quantifiable results you were able to achieve.

12. Twelfth, speak positively about past employers

Always speak positively about previous experiences and employers, regardless of how you parted ways with the companies, as it will reflect positively on you as a candidate. Focus on how the experiences allowed you to grow professionally and what you were able to take away from them.

13. Thirteenth, follow up after the interview

Follow up with the hiring manager soon after the interview. Within 24 hours, you can either send them an email or a thank-you note letting them know you appreciated the opportunity to interview for the position. This is a great time to reiterate why you believe you would be a good candidate. Include your contact information and let them know they can follow up with you if they have any additional questions.

14. Fourteenth, find references in advance

Before you begin applying for positions, create a list of past coworkers, previous supervisors and others who can speak to your skills, experience level and work ethic. Reach out to them and ask if you could include them on a list of references. Let them know that they may be contacted by companies with whom you’re interviewing.

15. Fifteenth, focus on accomplishments

Focus on the impact you have had on companies you have worked for. Even if you are less experienced than other candidates, if you have achieved impressive accomplishments during your time with an employer, that can have a big impact on whether you’re hired. Highlight your accomplishments on your resume as well as during the interview.

If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder.