Looking for a new job can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. There are some important things you need to do and have in place in order to make the process smoother and more manageable.

If you want everything to go well, here are six things you should be doing while you’re in the process.

Get in Touch with an Employment Attorney

First of all, it’s important to understand the legal side of employment. Before you commit yourself to anything, you need to read your contract carefully and understand what you’re agreeing to.

If you’re job hunting for the first time and aren’t sure what to look for, or if you simply feel you might need assistance, an HKM employment attorney will be able to help you assess any employment contracts thoroughly before you sign them.

Know What You Want

Next, you need to know what you’re after before you even start looking. There are important things you should look for in a job, more than just a paycheck, and they’re all very individualised.

Think about what matters most to you, and how your job needs to align with your lifestyle. For example, if you’re a part-time student, you’ll need a job that allows you some time to focus on your studies too. If you find it important that you do something meaningful, then the nature of your work should align with your core values.

Study Your Own Resume

This might sound strange, but it’s important that you know your own resume back to front. When you go in for an interview, the team you’ll be speaking to will have only your CV or resume as a reference of who you are.

If you’re asked a question about a skill or some work experience on your resume, you need to know exactly what they’re talking about and be able to discuss it in more detail. This is why it’s crucial not to lie or exaggerate the truth when applying for jobs.

Brush Up on Old Skills (Or Learn a New One)

While you’re on the hunt, you can use your spare time to brush up on any skills you’ve included in your resume. You might find that your assertion that you’re “well-versed in X software” might not really apply anymore.

You might even add some of your more unusual skills to your CV, to help you stand out, but make sure you’re still as skilled as you say you are!

Become a Pro Networker

We all know that in business, contacts are everything, but networking isn’t always easy. Practice your skills by getting out of your comfort zone.

Meet up with old contacts and find ways to meet new ones. This will help you greatly on your job hunt.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Job hunting can be a long game. It can become frustrating, exhausting, and entirely demotivating when you’re not getting the results you hoped for.

Remember to take time off, and treat yourself with kindness during this journey.