How to Get a Better Job

Step One: Pinpoint what it is about your job that you don't like. 

"There is a light at the end of the tunnel."

We all apply and interview for jobs that match our skill set and background. Sometimes we may even take a step further and research what the job is all about by doing an informative interview with the hiring manager or reading the job description online. Once we think we understand what are position will be, we take the job happily thinking that it matches everything that we want and that it will be a perfect fit. This is not always the case. Even if you feel you understand the job completely, hiring managers will often leave out some of the negatives about the job in order to get someone hired. As a hiring manager myself, I try to be honest with those that I employ because I'd rather they stuck around and didn't just quit because I wasn't honest with them. However, I have also experienced management that have left parts of the job out of the explanation, in order to get me hired. 

Now the unfair part of this situation for the employee is that you won't find out about these negatives until after you have quit your other job and have started working there. You may not even find out about these negatives until after a few months of being on the job. So, what do you do then?? You are feeling like you are feeling stuck with the job that was handed to you on a not so silver platter. Well, you are not stuck. It will just take some extra effort to find something better. 

First, take a piece of paper and a pen and create a pros and cons list. What do you love about this job, and what do you hate? 

Step Two: Take your list and start searching for a job that has more of the qualities that you like and/or need and less of the qualities that you don't like or don't need. 

Now it is time to start your search. You can do this in a number of ways. 

* If you want out of your job right away, I would suggest signing on with a temp agency that will help you find a job that is a good fit for you. Research the companies first and make sure they are committed to finding you a good fit and that the types of jobs they have available fit with what you want to be doing. If you take this route, someone else will do the work for you and the best part is, if you hate the job or the place of work, you don't have to stay. 

* You could do an internet search. Search for jobs that you think might have the qualities you are looking for. Do the research, read the job descriptions in detail and ask the hiring manager or someone else doing that same job if they'd be willing to talk do you about what the job entails. Get as much information as you can before you even apply. 

* Hire a Career Counselor or a Recruiter. This option costs money, but if you've been having trouble finding a job that fits your needs, it might be find to hire a professional. 

Step Three: Pick 5 jobs to apply for, write or have a resume created for all five jobs separately.

Once you have done your research and found a few jobs to apply for, it is time to get your resumes and cover letters ready. You will want to create a resume that caters to each job separately as well as a new cover letter for each. Even if you are applying for similar jobs, companies are often looking for different things in a new employee so catering the resume and cover letter to show that you can take care of that specific company's needs will go a long way.

Step Four: Send out your resume to the hiring manager or human resources department.

Pinpoint who the contact person is for the job. Often times you are just sending your resume to Human Resources, but other times they will list an actual hiring manager. Figure out who to contact and follow their instructions. 

Step Five: Follow up and Repeat. 

Haven't heard anything for a few days, contact human resources and ask about the status of your application. This can often get your foot in the door. If you don't hear a thing from any of the resumes that you sent out. Start over again and keep doing this until you find a job that is better suited for you. Just don't give up. You can also send out emails or messages over social media to reach out to friends and family who may have some connections for you. Maybe a friend of yours has worked with a great career counselor and is now happily placed with a job they love or maybe a family member can be a reference for you for their company. You never know what kinds of connections you can make through social media.