7 Job Search Tips Everyone Should Know

The internet is rife with lists of life hacks—clever little tricks to help you save time, stay organized or otherwise solve pesky problems. But where is the definitive list of job-search tips?

Job searching, like life, could use a few shortcuts, too. Who wouldn’t want to cut time off the laborious process of trying to find your next move, and get to the cha-ching of a job offer a little faster?

Well, that’s where we come in. At Monster, we know the ins and outs of the job-search process. So without further ado, here are seven things we think everyone should be doing to shave time and stress off their job search.

7 Job Search Tips to Live By

1. Copy the Keywords

Want to make sure your resume gets past the robots—a.k.a. the applicant tracking software recruiters use—and into the hands of the hiring manager? Use appropriate keywords in your resume and cover letter.

How do you know which keywords to use? That’s easy: They’re right there in the job description. If they’re looking for someone to "manage the sales pipeline" and target "Fortune 500 companies" make sure you use those same words in your own materials. And while you’re at it, pick some lively verbs to impress the humans who, you know, actually read your resume.

2. Get an Edge with a Cover Letter

Not all job ads require a cover letter, but including one gives you an edge. Most ATS programs scan your cover letter as well as your resume. Your cover letter gives you an additional opportunity to provide those precious keywords.

Because you’ll be using a cover letter for every job you apply for, you should make a template and customize the messaging. This way you can tailor them for different employers and save time on your applications. But let’s layer a job search tip upon a job search tip: You can use Monster’s template samples to get you started.

3. Take the Resume Upload Shortcut

If you ever have to choose between filling out an online application or uploading a resume, it’s in your best interest to upload the resume. Your resume will look how you want it to instead of getting lost in the online application format, which could yield some pretty funky results—and not in a good way. Oh, and you’ll save time. Sweet.

4. Keep a Job Interview Cheat Sheet

This is one of the easy job search tips to overlook. Take 20 minutes to write down everything that you’ve accomplished during your time at different jobs. This is your job interview cheat sheet. You never know when you’ll need to hustle to the phone or computer for an interview.

Keep this bullet-point list on file, and it will be ready to go whenever you need it. It will be easier to recall your successes if they’re already typed out and ready to go.

5. Help Headhunters Find You

Not to toot our own horn, but we highly suggest setting up an account on Monster. It’s the easiest hack of the bunch. When you upload your resume and make it visible to recruiters, we can help put it in front of people who are hiring for jobs that could be a great fit for your skillset.

6. Get Relevant Job Listings Delivered to You

You know how you can fall down a rabbit hole scrolling through all those pages of job listings? Bypass that whole laborious exercise. Monster can email you job alerts according to the job titles and companies that you choose. This way, you’ll get those jobs delivered to you so that you won’t miss anything good. And just think of all the time you’ll save!

7. Check-In Regularly

One of the best job search tips we can give you is to be persistent. Know this: Job searching is a marathon, not a sprint. Could you use some help? Get the Monster app for free. See something you like? Swipe right. It's that simple. It's perfect if you've got some time to kill during lunch or a break—or, you know, if you feel like doing a little constructive procrastinating. New jobs are posted constantly, so check in often. Bonus: You can use the app to discreetly job search at your current job. After all, what's weird about you scrolling through your phone? Your co-workers and boss won't suspect a thing.