Experts agree that one of the most popular times for job hunting is the first month of any new year. With 2017 just around the corner, read up on these tips for how to nail the job hunt from start to finish. Happy (job) hunting!

Stage 1: While searching for jobs

Use your network

The age old saying “It’s not what you know but who you know” turns out to have more than a little sense behind it. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of jobs are found through networking. If you’re not in the practice of actively networking, now is a good time to get started. In the digital age, it’s as easy as researching some networking events in your city that are focused on or attended by people in your industry of choice. To make things go more smoothly, think about inviting along a past coworker to come network with you. Make sure you have business cards before you go. (Resume Yeti provides these with your own personal brand to match your resume and cover letter when you complete your order!).

Keep a job search notebook

During the job hunt, it’s important to stay organized. Try keeping a notebook or a spreadsheet of all the jobs you’re applying to. Make note of the company name, website, important contacts at the company, and the status of your application, as well as any other fields you feel are relevant.

Be meticulous about how you project yourself

Some of the biggest mistakes people make on their job applications are misspelled words, sloppy formatting, and bad grammar. Have someone proofread and provide general feedback about your resume and cover letters. Another big mistake is having an unprofessional email address. If your email address is anything other than your name or initials, think about creating one specifically for the job hunt. This might also help to keep track of your applications and materials.

Follow up on your applications

Following up is key. After sending your application, send an email to the contact listed in HR confirming they received your application and asking if they need any additional materials from you. Employers love to hire people who are on top of things. Plus it shows that you are really interested in working for them!

Analyze your past job searches

Make a list of your past job hunts. What patterns do you notice? What were your most successful interviews and why do you think they were successful? Where could you have done more or better? This will help you prepare yourself and put your best foot forward in your current job hunt.

Stage 2: Got an interview? Great! Here’s how to prepare:

Prepare yourself for that interview.

Thoroughly research the companies that have requested an interview. Read over their website and make notes of things that stick out to you, and questions that you may have about the work they do there (as you know the interviewer almost always asks if you have any questions at the end of your discussion). Review commonly asked interview questions, and conduct practice interviews with people who can give you constructive criticism to improve your skills.

Dress the part.

As shallow as it may sound, what you’re wearing and how you present yourself  on the day of your interview largely contributes to an employer’s first impression of you. For women, check out Refinery 29’s tips for interview outfits you already have. For men, check out GQ’s interview style tips.

Pay attention to your body language.

Body language speaks volumes about your self confidence and influences the way people perceive you. Practice good posture, a firm handshake and eye contact if those things are a struggle for you.

Stage 3: Post Interview

Follow up with your interviewer if possible.

Send an email saying it was nice to meet them and learn about the company, thank them for their time, and say you look forward to hearing from them. If directly contacting your interviewer is impossible, then send an email to HR saying it was nice to interview with [insert interviewer’s name], etc.

Don’t stop applying to jobs

As we say here Resume Yeti, the job hunt is never over. There is always something new on the horizon, a career switch, better job, or promotion. Even if you have a job, keep your options open.

Join the 20,000+ who have found jobs with Resume Yeti’s help!!! Resume Yeti provides clients with a 65% greater chance of making it through an applicant tracking system.*

Our clients:

• Are regularly complimented on their resumes by hiring managers
• Typically land interviews to 1 out of every 3 jobs they apply for
• And frequently accept higher-level, higher paying roles.*

As you build a resume you will receive pro tips and keyword suggestions to help guide you. You will be able to create a matching cover letter and business card. Additionally, with a professional and lifetime membership, you can create an online professional portfolio – a place to download and share other documents with hiring managers. You will have the ability to make your profile public or private depending on where you are in the job search process.

Head on over to Resume Yeti from a laptop, desktop or tablet to see what all the buzz is about!

*Statements are based on pre-launch research and are not a guarantee. Results may vary.