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How to Find a New Job in 2025: 20+ Job Search Tips
Need help finding your next job? Use these job search tips to avoid common mistakes, discover work that meets your needs, and set your career up for success.
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Finding a new job can feel like an insurmountable struggle. Between endless applications, getting ghosted after interviews, and competing with other applicants, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
In this article, we’ll show you how to find a new job effectively. Say goodbye to the chaos and hello to sustainable job search strategies that bring clarity and resilience to your search, whether you’re unhappy in your current position and seeking a better opportunity or unemployed and need to find a new job quickly.
12 Job Search Tips to Find a New Job in 2025
Looking for meaningful employment is rarely simple, but you can make it easier on yourself with the right mindset and approach. The job search tips below will help you become more focused, efficient, and effective in your search for a new opportunity.
1. Clarify Your Values and Set SMART Goals
Knowing how to find a new job starts with knowing what to look for. To make your job search more intentional (and less overwhelming), ask yourself questions to identify what’s most important to you. When you understand your values, it’s easier to spot the kinds of jobs that will offer real satisfaction, motivation, and growth.
Once you’ve defined your big-picture career goals, break them down into SMART goals, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Here are a few examples of SMART goals:
- Apply to one remote project management job every day this week.
- Spend one hour today researching jobs that pay 10% more than my current salary.
- Reach out to five people this month who work in the industry I’m aiming for.
Setting SMART goals can help you gain clarity, build momentum, stay motivated, and track your progress, especially when submitting multiple applications to different employers. Start with what you want, then use these goals to guide your next move.
Pro Tip
Set a goal to include a cover letter with every resume. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your application stand out.
2. Research Thoroughly
Once you know what you’re looking for, start exploring jobs, companies, and industries that align with your goals. Researching early can save you time in the long run and help you better understand expectations.
Scan job postings to see what roles are out there, which skills and certifications show up most often in job descriptions, and how employers describe their ideal candidates. Look for patterns across similar job listings to determine what’s most in demand.
Then, take a closer look at companies of interest. Visit company websites, browse any recent news, and read employee reviews to get a feel for each company’s values and culture. The insights you gain from your research can help you tailor your applications and focus on the opportunities that actually fit.
Remember, you’re not just searching for any job; you’re searching for the right one.
3. Target Your Search
When every job feels like an option, it’s tempting to apply to everything. But casting too wide a net often leads to more burnout and fewer results.
Instead, use your values and research to narrow your focus and simplify your search. What roles truly align with your goals? What kind of work fits your lifestyle? With more clarity on exactly what it is you’re looking for, you can use filters, keywords, and niche job boards to find better job matches.
For instance, if you’re in sales and want flexibility with reliable pay, focus your search on remote sales jobs offering a base salary, not just commission.
While a more targeted search might mean fewer applications, they’ll be stronger and more relevant, which means they’ll also be more likely to get noticed.
4. Tailor Your Applications and Make Them ATS-Friendly
Submitting the same resume and cover letter for every job rarely works. Recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS) prioritize applications that clearly match the role, so customizing your application materials is essential.
Tailor each resume and cover letter to each job you apply for to make it easier for employers to see why you’re the best fit for the job and increase your chances of getting noticed. You don’t need to rewrite every resume and cover letter from scratch, but you do need to make small, intentional edits.
Start with a base resume that you can adjust for each application. Scan the job description for keywords, skills, and priorities. Mirror the language and keywords used in the job ad when highlighting your most relevant experience and achievements.
Pro Tip
Use clean, simple formatting to help ATS tools scan your resume easily and increase your odds of getting your application into a human recruiter’s hands.
5. Stay Organized
An organized job search is crucial to remain focused, reduce stress, and follow through on opportunities without losing track of the details.
Start by creating a simple system to track:
- Which jobs you’ve applied to and when
- Login info for different platforms or portals
- Key deadlines for applications, follow-ups, or interviews
- Notes on where you are in each process
You can use a spreadsheet, a notebook, a calendar, or an AI job search tool like Sonara to streamline your job search. Being organized not only makes your search more manageable, but it also helps you notice what’s working and what’s not, so you can adjust your strategy, as needed, along the way.
6. Spend Your Time and Energy Wisely
You don’t need to spend eight hours a day on job applications to make real progress. On the contrary, trying to “grind it out” or “power through” often leads to burnout. What matters most is consistency.
Set aside focused, manageable chunks of time for different tasks, such as dedicating one hour to researching new roles or spending 30 minutes updating your resume. Leave room for breaks, rest, and activities that recharge you.
A job search isn’t just about effort—it’s about pacing. You’ll make better decisions when you’re not overwhelmed, and quality beats quantity when it comes to job applications.
Pro Tip
Use timers and daily benchmarks to keep your job search sessions focused and finite. Short bursts of effort are more effective (and easier to maintain) than long, unfocused slogs.
7. Use and Expand Your Network
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to find a new job. Many great opportunities are discovered through personal connections and referrals, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your network of friends, family, former coworkers, classmates, and other connections to ask if they can help.
When reaching out to new or existing connections, keep your communication low-pressure and focus on what you can learn, such as whether they know about open positions or someone who does. You can also inquire about the profession, industry, or company you’re interested in.
Most people are more willing to help than you might think and can provide unique insight into how to find a new job. Even a short conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities and grow your network.
Also, consider joining professional associations, attending industry events (even virtually), or using platforms like LinkedIn to reach out to people in roles or companies you admire. It doesn’t hurt to ask around, especially if you maintain a respectful curiosity.
8. Go Beyond Popular Job Boards
General job boards can be helpful, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Many positions are filled through niche job sites or opportunities shared directly on company websites and social media. If you’re only checking the same handful of listings every day, you might be missing out.
Expand your reach by following companies you’re interested in on social media. You can also attend virtual job fairs to connect with companies directly, subscribe to newsletters in your field, and keep an eye on local and community job boards.
The more diverse your sources, the better your chances of spotting the right role, especially one that hasn’t already attracted hundreds of applicants.
Pro Tip
Sign up for job alerts to get notified when a company of interest posts a new opportunity, so you can be among the first to apply.
9. Build Your Qualifications
By improving your qualifications as you search, you can make yourself more hireable.
Consider taking a short online course, pursuing a professional certificate, or starting a personal project to build skills and credibility. Upskilling while job searching has multiple benefits, from professional development and growth to demonstrating to employers that you’re proactive, resourceful, and committed to your goals.
Even a few hours a week of intentional learning or creative effort can go a long way to helping you stand out as a uniquely exceptional applicant.
10. Find an Internship, Freelance, or Volunteer Opportunity
If you’re struggling to land full-time work or want to test out a new career, consider freelance jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities while you look for a permanent position. Even temporary work, side gigs, and part-time jobs can help you meet new people and gain valuable firsthand experience, which will strengthen your resume.
You can search online, check out community job boards, and reach out to local organizations to find opportunities. Let them know you’d like to help and how you can. Many nonprofit organizations, in particular, rely heavily on volunteers and would likely be happy to get a conversation going and take you up on your offer.
Don’t underestimate the power of initiative. Showing that you’re willing to learn and contribute is a key professional skill employers love to see.
11. Find an Accountability Partner
Job searching can be emotionally exhausting, especially if you feel like you’re doing it alone. Finding someone to check in with, whether it’s a friend, family member, or fellow job seeker, can make a huge difference in the success of your job search.
You don’t need to meet daily or report every detail; a simple weekly check-in can help you stay grounded, track your progress, and keep your spirits up. It can also give you a chance to talk through any challenges, reset your goals, or celebrate small wins along the way. Plus, just knowing someone else is cheering you on can keep you accountable and motivated.
12. Use AI Job Search Tools
If your job search feels chaotic or time-consuming, consider using an AI-powered tool to stay focused and productive. Tools like Sonara can match you with jobs that fit your goals, automate repetitive tasks, and organize your progress.
Keep in mind, however, that using AI in your job search doesn’t mean replacing your effort or instincts; it means supporting them. The right tool can take care of the busywork (like searching listings or tracking applications), so you can spend more time tailoring your resume, prepping for interviews, and taking care of yourself.
Pro Tip
Use Sonara to apply smarter, not harder. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on what matters most: finding and landing the right opportunity.
4 Additional Tips for Unemployed Job Seekers
Knowing how to land a job is one thing, but doing it while unemployed? That can add a whole new set of challenges. You may feel crunched for time from financial stress or anxious about explaining your unemployment to hiring managers.
Whatever your situation may be, it’s important to acknowledge that looking for a new job can feel even harder when you’re out of work. We understand this, so along with the tips we’ve already provided, here are a few more to help you stay grounded, focused, and kind to yourself through the process:
1 Clarify Your Current Finances and Budget
When you’re worried about money, it’s hard to think clearly. That’s why one of the best first steps to take when you’re between jobs is to assess your financial situation.
Ask yourself:
- How much runway do I have?
- What’s the minimum salary I need?
- Are there ways to cut costs or find short-term income if needed?
Clarity gives you power and helps you plan with intention, whether that means picking up a side gig, adjusting your expectations, or establishing a realistic timeline to find a new job.
2 Fill Your Days With Meaningful Structure
Job searching is important, but it shouldn’t take over your entire life. Spending all day looking for work can quickly lead to burnout.
To maintain your job search momentum while supporting your well-being, create a flexible daily routine that blends job search tasks with wellness activities. That might mean setting aside time for movement, creative pursuits, hobbies, or rest.
Building breaks into your schedule can also improve your mood, boost mental clarity, and provide a helpful reminder that your worth isn’t tied to your employment status.
3 Reframe Your Story
Being unemployed doesn’t mean you’re behind; it just means you’re in transition. When talking to potential employers, frame your current situation as one of reflection, learning, or recalibration.
You might say, “I’ve been using this time to refocus on what I want in my next role and to build new skills in [area].” This isn’t about spinning the truth; it’s about recognizing that your career is a journey, not a static timeline.
4 Look Into Local Support Services
You don’t have to do everything alone. Many online and community organizations provide resources for job seekers, such as career centers, resume review programs, training stipends, and mental health services.
A quick online search or phone call could open doors you didn’t know were there, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. You deserve support while you work toward what’s next in your career.
6 Common Job Search Mistakes
Nobody is perfect, but learning from mistakes (yours and others!) is one of the best job hunting tips to remember. Here are some common errors to avoid while looking and applying for jobs, with solutions to help you optimize your search:
1. Applying Only to Popular Roles or Companies
It’s tempting to aim for the most recognizable employers, but those roles often come with the highest competition. Consider exploring niche industries or lesser-known companies with strong cultures and growth potential. You might find a better fit and a clearer path to getting hired.
2. Forgetting About the ATS
If your resume isn’t optimized for an ATS, it might never be seen by a person. Stick with clear headings, standard fonts, and keywords pulled from the job description. Avoid overly designed templates or graphics.
3. Not Addressing Burnout
Job searching is emotionally and mentally draining, especially if it stretches on. Instead of powering through, take breaks when you need to. Celebrate small wins and set daily or weekly goals that feel realistic, not exhausting.
4. Assuming the Worst When You Get No Response
Silence doesn’t always mean rejection. Hiring can take weeks, and many companies don’t send updates unless you advance. If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, follow up with a short, polite message. It’s always worth asking.
5. Losing Track of Your Progress
Without a system, it’s easy to forget where and when you applied, or miss your chance to follow up. Use a simple spreadsheet or a job search tool like Sonara to keep everything in one place.
6. Underestimating Your Network
You don’t need an inside connection to benefit from networking. Casual conversations with friends, classmates, or former coworkers can open doors. Don’t underestimate who you know—they might know someone who can help.
Use Sonara to Find a New Job
So, you now know how to find a job, but you can make it a lot easier on yourself with Sonara’s AI job search and ExpertApply resources, which are designed to cut down on busywork while keeping you in control of the process.
With Sonara’s auto-apply features at your disposal, you can organize your job search in one place, match with roles that align with your values, and apply faster without sacrificing quality. In the meantime, you can reserve that energy to customize your resume, prepare for interviews, or simply take care of yourself.
Use AI to find a job and start your search with Sonara today!
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