Hunting for jobs in northern Virginia can be overwhelming and frustrating. But, with the right help, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together this list of 14 pro tips to use when looking for jobs in northern Virginia. Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for a refresher or are scouting out your first job, these tips will help!

1. Build and Use a Network of Contacts

As with any other venture, finding the right job is often all about who you know. Keep track of people you meet, and don’t hesitate to reach out in your job search. Join networking groups where members may have a fast track to your chosen career.

2. Create an Attractive Online Profile

Building an online profile for jobs in northern Virginia is more than simply giving potential employers the basics. You need to sell yourself as the perfect candidate through this profile. That means you need to clearly know the job you want and market yourself for that specific job. LinkedIn is a great place to market yourself to potential employers. Be sure to optimize that profile for the ideal job opportunities.

3. Develop Examples Showcasing Your Skills

Storytelling is an art that sells. Develop examples and stories you can use when interviewing or networking to show you’re the best person for the job. These stories should showcase your unique skills, passion, and achievements. Make yourself memorable!

4. Be Clear About What You Want

Be clear and concise when talking about what you want and how you plan to get there. Take into account your strengths and weaknesses. What is important to you? What will give you satisfaction? Do you want money, a title, a good company culture, or promotion potential? It is vital you know what you want in order to get it.

5. Fine-Tune Your Resume

Fine-tune your resume to your desired job. Make sure you use quantifiable achievements that are relevant to your job search. Utilizing the keywords from the job listing can be vital. Many companies run resumes through programs designed to weed out those unqualified individuals. They do this by tagging keywords that are important to them. Using their same wording and keywords, in a logical manner, throughout your resume will help you get past that first round of cuts.

6. Don’t Limit Yourself

It can be easy to only focus on online applications. This can be a huge mistake as it will limit your options significantly. Networking can give you a sneak peek into jobs not yet listed on any job boards. That means you also have less competition for the same position. Always utilize your network and be open to all job opportunities.

7. Research Potential Employers

Researching your potential employers can significantly reduce your job search efforts. If your goals and values don’t align with a specific company, you won’t enjoy working there. Doing your homework can give you a good idea of what you want and don’t want.

8. Get Organized

After you’ve decided where to look for a job, being organized is the best way to get your desired position. Apply for jobs in northern VA and do your follow-up calls and emails. Be diligent.

9. Prepare for Interviews

This is where your research is going to come in handy. Use your knowledge of the company to develop interview questions and possible answers. Do mock interviews with family and friends, or hire an interview coach to help you with possible interview scenarios. You can’t be too prepared for interviews.

10. Be Kind and Patient with Yourself

Looking for jobs in northern Virginia can be frustrating and time-consuming. Above all else, be patient with yourself. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and even quit. Make sure and take care of yourself, participate in meditation exercises, eat well and reach out to friends and family. Having a support network can help you to spot potential problems with interviews and resumes.

11. Write Thank You Notes

Although this may seem “old fashioned”, writing thank-you notes as a follow-up to interviews can make you more memorable than other applicants. Be specific and personalize the message with references to your interview. Above all, be memorable!

12. Follow-up

One of the most important things to remember is to follow up with hiring managers after your interview. This shows your excitement for the potential job and appreciation for their time. Don’t forget to remind them who you are with specific examples.

13. Expect Your Job Search to Take Time

This is one of the most complex parts of any job search. Remember that finding the right job can take time and energy. Don’t be hard on yourself.

Nextaff: Find the Best Jobs in Northern Virginia Today!

At Nextaff, we believe in being the best of the best. We work with the top employers around the country to offer jobs not listed anywhere else! Our recruiters can help you fine-tune your resume, give you insights into the interview process and tips on finding the best job opportunities out there. Here are some of the benefits we offer our job seekers:

• Weekly pay
• Flexible schedules
• Mobile app
• Benefits available from day 1
• Guidance throughout the job search process
• Opportunity to expand your skills
• Temporary and direct hire placements
• Apply online at one location for multiple jobs

Work as much or as little as you like. Jobs in northern Virginia aren’t as challenging to get as you might think. There is no long-term commitment to employment. Contact Nextaff today to learn more about what we can offer you!