How do I say I’m actively looking for a job?

Searching for a new job can be an exciting yet challenging experience. With the right preparation and approach, you can effectively communicate to employers that you are an active, eager, and qualified job seeker.

Should I mention I’m looking for work in my resume or cover letter?

Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to state in your resume or cover letter that you are currently seeking new job opportunities. In fact, this is an advisable strategy for communicating your employment status and intentions to potential employers. Here are some quick tips:

• In your resume objective or summary, you can say “Seeking a [position] role at a [company or industry].” This clearly shows your active job search status.
• In your cover letter, you can state “As an active job seeker, I was excited to come across your opening for [position].” This reiterates you are looking.
• Avoid using passive language like “open to opportunities” or “exploring options.” Be clear that you are actively applying and interviewing for jobs.

Highlighting your active job search in your application materials allows employers to quickly grasp that you are motivated, available, and invested in pursuing new career possibilities.

How do I let my network know I’m looking?

Informing your personal and professional connections that you are seeking a new job opportunity is invaluable for unlocking job leads, referrals, and insider information. Here are some effective ways to get the word out to your network:

• On LinkedIn, update your headline and summary to say you are “Actively seeking” or “Currently looking for” a new position in your field.
• Post a status update on LinkedIn announcing your job search and inviting connections to share leads.
• Email close contacts directly about your active search and ask them to keep you in mind for any opportunities.
• Tell friends, family members, past coworkers, and acquaintances that you are looking. The more people who know, the better.
• Ask your connections to provide referrals, introductions, or recommendations wherever possible.

Spreading the word about your active job search through your personal and professional networks can connect you to “hidden” job openings before they are officially listed.

How do I communicate it during interviews?

Your interview is the perfect chance to directly show employers you are motivated and qualified. Here are some tips for emphasizing you are actively job hunting:

• If asked about your current employment status, be straightforward that you are active and engaged in a job search.
• Avoid vague or passive language – make it clear you are applying, interviewing, networking and doing outreach.
• Highlight how you are dedicating time and resources into your active search, such as updating application materials and reaching out to contacts.
• Discuss how you are excited by and committed to pursuing the right opportunities aligned with your experience and interests.
• Prepare strong examples of your work ethic, achievements and strengths to reinforce why hiring you out of an active job search is advantageous.

During interviews, you want to convince the employer that you are enthusiastic, driven and laser-focused on securing the best position possible – which could be with their organization!

What are some good ways to stay active in my search?

Persistence and consistency are key to running an effective job search. Here are some great habits for staying active:

• Set Daily Goals: Make a list each day of job search tasks – ex. apply to 5 postings, email 3 contacts, research companies to target.
• Schedule Regular Time: Dedicate set hours for your search every day or week – treat it like a part-time job.
• Expand Your Search: Look beyond job boards at professional associations, events, conferences, company career pages.
• Track Your Progress: Use a spreadsheet to monitor job search activity so you can follow up appropriately.
• Take Breaks from Applications: Reserve time for networking, informational interviews and self-care to avoid burnout.

Remaining diligent and methodical in your search will help you demonstrate to employers that you are focused and committed to finding the right position.

What if I seem overqualified for advertised roles?

It’s not uncommon for active job seekers to feel they may be overqualified for some of the available openings they see. Here are tips for handling this:

• Be open-minded about titles and compensation. Focus on finding something promising even if it seems initially below your level or pay expectations.
• Emphasize transferrable skills and abilities in your resume/interviews rather than just credentials or seniority.
• Consider contract, consulting, project-based or interim roles to get your foot in the door.
• Frame your experience as an advantage that gives you insider industry knowledge and leadership capabilities.
• Discuss how you are excited by new challenges, growth opportunities and adding value, not just bigger titles.

With the right positioning, being seemingly overqualified on paper can actually make you the perfect candidate that hiring managers have been waiting for.

Conclusion

Showcasing yourself as an eager, driven, and qualified active job seeker is instrumental for landing interviews and opportunities. By crafting a strong resume and cover letter, reaching out to your networks, preparing for interviews and persistently following up on all job prospects, you can put your best foot forward and expedite getting hired for the ideal position.