It’s time to find a new job. Perhaps you’ve been laid off due to pandemic closures. Maybe you hate your job and need a fresh start. Maybe your industry is feeling the brunt of economic changes and you’re looking for new possibilities.

Here are a few things to consider when beginning a job search - the pandemic edition.

Whether you’re a new college graduate or just ready for a change, it’s tempting to slap a resume together and start hitting apply on every job position you see on Indeed. But there are a few essential steps you need to take before hitting that SUBMIT button. Completing these basic steps will make your job search go more smoothly and will greatly improve your chances of landing the job you’ve always wanted

1. Google yourself. Type your name in several combinations, for example, Anita Flowers. Flowers Anita. Anita Fraley Flowers. etc. (You can guess that I get a lot of florist shops!) Recruiters and prospective employers will definitely google you, so you want to get everything cleaned up before that pic of your drunken self at your cousin’s wedding shows up on the screen of the hiring manager. Even if you’ve been pretty innocuous online, it’s best to check it out. Have a friend google you to see what shows up on a computer not linked to your accounts. Delete inappropriate tweets and posts, tighten your privacy settings, untag yourself in photos. Check all your social media profiles. Ask yourself “What kind of image do I project online?” You may want to change your profile pictures. Go for something clean, upbeat, and respectable.

2. Update and proofread your resume. The best resumes are clean and simple. Fancy fonts and colors are often off-putting and won’t make it through the computer robots in HR. Most companies now use computers to scan resumes for keywords. If the computer can’t read the version of Word or whatever you’re using, it will kick your resume out before a human even sees it. Check the website to see what format is recommended (PDF, Word, ASCII). Have 2 friends with great spelling and grammar chops proofread your resume. 57% of HR managers will immediately toss any resume with typos or misspelled words. If you’re not careful with the details of your resume, the assumption will be that you won’t be careful with details on the job. Find out 12 things to never include on your resume here.

3. Link yourself in. LinkedIn is the professional version of Facebook and recruiters and HR managers use it. I've been contacted by recruiters on Linked In and even landed a job interview. Create a clean, up-to-date profile with your work history and education. Add memberships of organizations and groups. Upload a professional picture. (Have a new one taken if necessary). This is your first impression for many employers. Make it a good one.

4. Make a network list. Write down everyone you can think of who might know someone who knows someone who can help you get a job and start contacting them. The reality is that more and more jobs are never advertised but are filled by word of mouth or personal recommendations. Begin to make phone calls, or set up a Zoom coffee with those on your list. It’s important to get the word out that you are available for work.

5. Get clear about your finances. Take a good hard look at your expenses, student loans, living needs and come up with a specific income range that will be your target. What kind of salary will you need? What salary can you accept and still make ends meet? Be realistic. If you’re not sure about salary ranges for particular jobs, use the salary finder at CareerOneStop or a site like Glass Door to research your location.

6. Order a copy of your college and graduate school transcripts to have on hand. You never know when they will be needed and it can take up to 2 weeks to receive them. When an employer says, “Can you forward a copy of your resume and transcripts?” you will be three steps ahead of your competition if you can do that immediately- even if you’re sending an “issued to student” copy. You can always follow up with the official copy if needed.

   I recently worked with a client whose potential employer asked for both undergrad and graduate school transcripts. The position was filled before the transcripts arrived. It always helps to be prepared. Things are moving especially slow during the pandemic.

7. Look in your closet and put together a professional-looking outfit for an interview. Make sure your clothes are clean, in good repair, and fit well. You don’t need to rush out and buy new clothes - unless the only things in your closet are jeans and t-shirts - but be prepared.

   Most first interviews are now completed by video chat so consider this as you choose your clothes. Your clothing choice could be even more important now. For women, a solid color top and a sweater or blazer will present a clean, professional image. For men, a suit and tie may set you apart from the competition in their tees and polo shirts. Consider the workplace culture, however, it’s always best to overdress rather than look too casual.

8. Prep your video chat equipment. Set up your Zoom and make a few practice calls. Check your background, lighting, and screen angle. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to figure out how to make yourself look great on video. Make sure you know how everything works and are ready to quickly troubleshoot any technical issues. Being prepared will help you appear calm and confident onscreen for the interview.

Go ahead and get started. You'll be 8 steps ahead of your competition and on your way to a great new job! 

An earlier version of this article appeared in the Blue Sage Career Strategies blog in August of 2016. Updated April 2021

Anita Flowers is a Board Certified career and life coach at Blue Sage Career Strategies. A little different than most life coaches, Anita’s background in clinical psychology and years of experience as a counselor gives her a rich understanding of human development and family dynamics. Her work history includes 13 years working with an international business company and 12 years doing individual and family counseling as well as career counseling. This blend of counseling and business experience gives Anita a unique perspective on the world of work and life. Anita works with people literally all over the world to help them discover a life and career they love. Contact Anita here to get started on your new career and life!