As a country, we’re slowly regaining footing after a year of stay-at-home orders due to COVID. A new normal is evolving. But many Americans have been out of work for a long time, and many former employers have had to close their doors permanently. 

Whatever your reasons are for finding a job, here is how to get a job immediately. 

• Be truthful about your qualifications. 

Carefully examine your qualifications. Make a list of your experience, your education, and any training you have. Match job postings to your qualifications. The better the fit, the better your chance of getting an interview. You can also apply to positions where your skills transfer. For example, if you are a content marketer with experience writing copy for websites, you might find a position that also requires writing and marketing skills but for something other than websites. Another option is to take a job at a company you want to work for and make a lateral move within that company to a role you would rather have as the position becomes available. 

• Customize your cover letter and resume. 

When you’re looking for a job immediately, you’re likely sending a lot of resumes. Take the time to customize your resume and cover letter to the position. Don’t forget to address your cover letter to the appropriate person. 

Your cover letter and resume will first have to pass an applicant tracking system (ATS). If it passes, it will be scanned for mere seconds before determining its fate. Make your cover letter and resume stand out. Your cover letter should highlight key skills and fill in the blanks on your resume. It should have three parts: a brief introduction, why you want to work for that specific company, and how your skills match what that company is looking for in the role. Your resume should be pertinent and tailored to the job posting. 

Keeping it simple, easy to read, and customized will score huge points with recruiters. 

• Reach out to your network. 

Roughly 80% of all jobs are filled through networking. Reaching out to your network will give you the best opportunity to find a job immediately. If you are not already active on LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and other networking sites, get started. Share articles, make comments, and spruce up your profile. Use LinkedIn to announce that you’re open to new positions. 

Reach out to former professors, classmates, co-workers, and mentors. Ask if anyone knows of someone that is hiring where your skills match. Remind your network of what you’ve been doing for the past several years including any classes or certifications you’ve received. 

• Take temporary positions. 

Most major cities and a lot of rural areas have temporary employment agencies that are always looking for workers. You likely won’t land your dream job, but you might find your immediate job. 

Temporary employment agencies work for and are paid by the employer. But the good news is that they need to fill positions quickly so it’s possible to be working within a week or two. Many temp agencies offer temp-to-perm jobs provided you do a good job. 

Freelance or gigs is another source of temporary employment. There are a number of freelance sites to find work. As a word of warning, these are often very competitive, and the gigs often go to the lowest bidder. 

• Follow up. 

Roughly 68% of hiring managers say that sending a thank-you note following an interview matters. Most job seekers have little to no follow-up. You should follow-up after sending a cover letter and resume and after each interview (if the interview process requires more than one interview). Here are some tips for following up. 

• Timing is important. With a cover letter and resume, send a follow-up 3 days after sending your initial application materials. If you do not hear back, send a second follow-up 7 days after your first follow up. 
• Send thank-you notes within 24 hours of your interview. Send one thank you to each of your interviewers. Use this opportunity to address any concerns your interviewer had. Reiterate how your skills match the job requirement and why you want to work for the company. 

Following these tips to get a job immediately will help you be successful. Of course, don’t forget to proofread, be diligent, and don’t stop searching until you receive an offer letter. 

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