Why is job searching so challenging? Because the skills that help you succeed at work aren’t the same ones you need to search for a job effectively. 

While there’s no single guaranteed way to get a job, being proactive and using a variety of strategies, including networking, can help you find work more quickly and better matched for your career goals. A strong job search strategy reflects current hiring trends and gives you a clear action plan. This may include checking job boards, staying active on social media, and following up with hiring managers. 

This article outlines five key parts of an effective job search strategy.  

  • Identify your career aspirations and goals 
  • Assess your skills 
  • Identify target companies and job roles 
  • Leverage networking opportunities 
  • Actively apply for jobs 

Identify your career aspirations and goals

Career aspirations are the long-term hopes for your work life: What kind of work motivates you? What skills do you want to build and develop? What environments do you thrive in?  

You might want to become an expert in your field, move into leadership, or start your own business. Aspirations can shift depending on your circumstances, growth, or changes in the labour market. 

Career goals are the specific steps you take to reach those aspirations. These might include achieving a salary level, earning a credential, or gaining experience at a particular company. Setting clear goals keeps you focused and motivated. 

A popular way for setting goals is the SMART method: 

  • Specific – Clearly defined and detailed  
  • Measurable – Quantifiable or observable with a clear definition of success 
  • Achievable – Realistic and within reach 
  • Relevant – Aligned with your overall career direction 
  • Timely – With a set due date 

The SMART method helps you turn your goal into a concise statement, often in one to three sentences.  

Example SMART goal:  

I will land a job as a Data Analyst at a large financial institution by December 31, 20__, with a minimum salary of $__________. To accomplish this goal, I will improve my skills in Excel and Power Query and connect with data analysts in my network to learn from their job search experiences. 

Assess your skills

Once you’ve identified your goals, think about your skills. This step will help you identify jobs you’re qualified for and the skills you will need to further develop or acquire.  

There are two types of skills to consider:  

  • Hard skills are the technical skills you learn through training or education, like coding, project management, language skills, software proficiency and UX design. Think of your certifications, designations, degrees and diplomas.  
  • Soft skills are your interpersonal and communication skills, like teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability and leadership. 
  • Transferable skills are those skills you can apply to different roles and industries. They can be hard skills (e.g., Excel, data analysis, project management, budgeting, research and technical writing) or soft skills (e.g., time management, problem-solving, negotiation).  

Knowing what skills you have — and how you’ve used them — will help when you tailor your résumé, update LinkedIn, prepare for interviews and review job postings. It’s also important if you’re looking for work in a new country or planning to switch jobs, industries or careers. 

Identify target companies and job roles

Next, research industries and companies that fit your skills and goals.  

Start with industries: 

  • Focus on those industries ones that match your interests and strengths and are experiencing growth or innovation. 
  • Learn about trends, challenges, and opportunities through news articles, podcasts, professional associations and industry reports. 
  • Study the paths of senior leaders and top performers. What do they focus on? How do they think and operate? What roles exist in the industry — from entry level to leadership? If you’re a senior individual contributor, what roles are suitable whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or to move into a people management role? If you’re switching careers, which role can you transition to given your skills and experience?  

Then, look into companies: 

  • Use LinkedIn, Glassdoor, industry-specific job boards, and company websites to learn about employers. 
  • Talk to current or former employees to get a sense of company values, leadership, and culture (including how work gets done).  
  • Create a list of target employers aligned with your interests and goals. 

Job postings on company sites or job boards also help you understand what roles are available and what skills employers value. 

Leverage networking opportunities

Networking helps you get interviews and job offers. It is useful at all stages of your career, and it becomes more strategic as you progress to mid-level and senior-level roles, where trust and reputation matter most. 

Yet many people avoid networking. Putting yourself out there, talking to decision-makers, and managing the pressure to make strong first impressions can be uncomfortable. But networking is about building relationships and exchanging information.  

Good networking leads to the following benefits:  

  • Increased referrals: Employers trust recommendations from their teams, especially when those staff members are top performers. A referral can greatly improve your chances of getting an interview. 
  • More informed insights: Talking to people in the field helps you better understand roles and company cultures. Going into interviews, you feel better prepared to ask more relevant questions and to highlight your best qualifications for the role.  
  • Practice and better opportunities: Sharing your story helps you prepare for interviews and build confidence. The more people know about what you can do, the more you open yourself up to more fulfilling opportunities.  

A few strategies for networking:   

Industry-specific events: Attend online and in-person events like conferences, workshops, social/community events, and hiring events where you can connect directly with employers. Join a professional association and either volunteer at their events or attend as a member.  

Online networks: Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn, university or college alumni and former coworkers. Engage with their content and participate in relevant events.  

Informational interviews: Ask professionals in your field about their roles, companies, and career advice. 

Existing contacts: Don’t forget about the people who know you and can vouch for your work, like former coworkers. Friends, family, and personal acquaintances may also know people they can introduce you to. 

Follow up: After conversations, send a thank-you note to express your appreciation. Keep in touch with your network and share useful information when relevant. 

Think about all the ways you can meet people and increase contact with other industry professionals. There is no one way to do it, so choose what works best for you given your personality, goals and career stage level.  

Actively apply for jobs

While networking is powerful, applying directly is also essential.  

For most opportunities, this will be applying online, either through job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn Jobs or Job Bank, or on company websites. There are also more specialized websites like:  

  • Equitek – for Canadian employers looking for diverse talent 
  • CharityVillage  – for jobs in charities and nonprofit organizations 

Also check if your target companies post jobs only on their own websites. Some do not list openings elsewhere. 

Professional associations, like the Project Management Institute (PMI), may host member-exclusive job boards. Some post-secondary institutions also have a career portal available to their alumni.  

A thoughtful, intentional job search strategy helps you find roles that match your skills, values and career goals. It increases your chances of finding fulfilling work, better pay, and stronger opportunities for growth. Developing strong job search skills is an investment in your long-term career success.