This is the second post of the “Starting the Job Search” three-part series. Part I can be found here. Part III can be found here.

Once you’ve made your list, think about any gaps in your knowledge. Are there new things that you want to learn? Are there new fields about which you would like to learn? When I did career advising, one of the most common questions I received was “What can I do?” It’s time to explore!

    1. Read, read, read. Scour the internet for articles and other resources about jobs or careers in the fields that interest you.
    2. Keep up to date with the news about the sector in which you’re interested. This will help you keep your finger on the pulse of everything that’s happening. Write down the names of organizations and companies that you read about. Create Google alerts for keywords and names so that you can stay up to date. Understanding trends and learning about the environment in your current or sought after field will make you even more aware of potential opportunities. Moreover, this knowledge will make you even more prepared for all of the exciting interviews that await you in the future!
    3. Network and meet others aka hang out, be normal, and make some awesome new friends. I could spend a day talking about this. Honestly. Networking is one of the most universally loathed words, but why? I get it — it sounds creepy, fake, and disingenuous. This does the notion a disservice though. Meeting others is one of the BEST ways to find a new job or opportunity. Especially as you progress in your career, the majority of jobs aren’t going to be posted (and when they are posted, it’s sometimes too late, but more on that at another time). Rather, someone is going to create something tailored to you OR you’re going to learn about the job through someone in your circle, often mutual friends. For more on networking, take a look at our Networking Tips blog post.