How to prepare for a job search: 6 top tips

Landing your dream job takes some preparation. Before you even hit ‘apply,’ there’s groundwork to be done — you want to make sure you’re presenting a clear, confident version of yourself to the professional world. 

Whether you’re getting ready to secure a summer job or considering your next big career move, here are some top tips to help you stand out in today’s job market. 

1. Build your personal brand

Before you start applying for jobs, take a moment to think about how you want to present yourself to the world. Your personal brand is what people remember about you, both online and in real life. 

You can start by asking yourself, What makes me unique? What am I proud of, and what kind of work excites me? Then make sure that everything you share — from your CV and cover letters to your LinkedIn profile — reflects that message clearly. Being consistent about your story and what you want to achieve is the first step in building a successful personal brand. 

2. Polish your social media presence

Be prepared for potential employers to screen their applicants' social media profiles. Now is a good time to take stock of your digital footprint and say goodbye to any content that doesn’t serve the next chapter of your life. Make sure your public posts pass the ‘vibe check’ and scrutinize anything you’ve posted publicly that doesn’t align with your brand.

LinkedIn will likely become your go-to professional network, so use the platform to curate a professional online presence. Take control of your privacy settings and give your name a quick Google search to see what information comes up and how your profile looks to others.

3. Create a winning CV

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is your personal highlights reel of what you’ve accomplished so far in life. It’s alright if your CV is light on work experience when you’re just starting out. If you don’t have much work experience, remember to include any volunteer experience you’ve gained, club participation, certificates, university degrees, community service, language courses, etc.

There are a lot of CV writing guides that can help you get started, but some of the best advice is to compile your CV in a way that employers can scan quickly, using language that is easy to understand. Some recruiters use software to digitally scan and automate recruitment processes, so make sure your CV is written with this in mind. 

4. Nail your cover letter 

When you apply for a job, you’ll be expected to send your CV, as well as a cover letter. Your cover letter is your chance to show who you are beyond the bullet points on your CV. Think of it as a short, professional note that connects the dots between you and the role you’re applying for. 

To write the perfect cover letter, start by explaining what role you’re applying for and why you’re excited about the company or position. Then, highlight one or two experiences or skills that make you a strong fit before closing out your letter. Tailor each cover letter to every role you apply for to ensure the letter demonstrates strong alignment with their expectations. A thoughtful, well-written cover letter can help you stand out in a sea of applications. 

5. Showcase your language skills 

In today’s global job market, learning another language can seriously boost your chances, and it shows employers that you're committed, adaptable, and open-minded. Even if a second (or third!) language isn’t listed as a job requirement, it often gives candidates an edge because there are so many benefits to being multilingual. Languages are especially valuable in fields like business, marketing, tourism, hospitality, and international relations — but honestly, they’re a superpower in any industry. Companies are looking for people who can help them connect with customers and teams around the world.

Continuously invest in your language skills so that you can confidently list languages on your CV and widen your opportunities for global employment. Being able to speak another language has endless benefits for your career beyond job opportunities: it shows you have the confidence and soft skills to take on any challenge. 

6. Cultivate your professional network

Networking is about building relationships with people in your life who you can learn from and exchange ideas and industry knowledge with. Sometimes networking involves meeting new people at events, and sometimes, it means reaching out to people you already know, like professors, classmates, family friends, or past colleagues. 

Networking should be beneficial to all parties, so when reaching out to people, do so in the spirit of reciprocity. It’s about real, human connection — not just asking for help. It can be a delicate dance, so start small, meet people for coffee, and keep the conversation flowing. Don’t wait until you need a job to start building your network. The best connections happen when there’s no pressure, and they’ll be there when you do need them.

Remember that when it comes to looking for your next big role, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Start taking small steps now to set yourself up for a successful job search when the time is right.