How to level up your job hunting

With a little grit and the right strategies, your dream job is just around the corner!

Job hunting? Think of it as a real-life role-playing game (RPG), where you’re the main character on a mission to unlock the ultimate quest. Along the way, you’ll face obstacles like automated tracking systems (ATS) acting as gatekeepers, nerve-wracking interviews testing your skills and the dreaded cover letter that feels like a mini-boss fight in itself.

But don’t worry, we’ve got the cheat codes to help you navigate this adventure. With the right strategy, preparation and mindset, you can power through the job market and secure your dream job.

Ready to level up? Let’s do this!

Define your quest

An old lady asking, "What's your mission statement?" — *Via GIPHY*

Before charging into the battlefield of job applications, take a strategic pause to outline your mission. Just like in any game, knowing your goals, strengths and weaknesses will make all the difference. Ask yourself:

What do you actually want? Identify your dream industry, ideal job title, preferred work environment and company culture. Are you looking for a fast-paced startup, a stable corporate job or a creative agency that encourages innovation?
What are your non-negotiables? Think about key factors like remote work options, salary expectations, growth opportunities and benefits such as health insurance or professional development support. Prioritizing these elements helps you avoid settling for less than what you deserve.
What are the red flags? Watch out for warning signs like a toxic work culture, unclear job descriptions, high turnover rates or unrealistic job expectations. Recognizing these early on will save you from future frustration.

Think of this as your character’s skill tree. Each choice you make refines your path and gets you closer to your perfect job. The more precisely you define your quest, the quicker you’ll find the right fit, which eliminates aimless grinding and wasted effort.

Power up your resume and LinkedIn

A woman saying, "I'm doing everything different this time." — *Via GIPHY*

Your resume and LinkedIn profile act as your digital armour, which are essential tools that must be polished and optimized. A generic and outdated resume won’t get past the ATS and a lacklustre LinkedIn profile won’t attract recruiters. Follow these steps to make both shine:

Resume boost checklist:

Keep it clean, concise and customized for each job. Tailoring your resume to match the job description increases your chances of passing ATS filters.
Replace generic job duties with impactful and results-driven achievements. Use metrics when possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 30 per cent in six months” instead of “Responsible for sales”).
Incorporate powerful words like “coordinated,” “optimized,” “launched” and “boosted” to make your experience stand out.
Highlight skills that align with the job posting to improve ATS compatibility and catch a hiring manager’s attention.

LinkedIn optimization guide:

Use a high-quality and professional profile picture (the first impression does matter!).
Craft a compelling headline and summary that tell your career story and showcase your unique value proposition.
Fill out the skills section with relevant keywords. Recruiters filter candidates based on these.
Engage with your network by commenting, sharing insights and connecting with professionals in your industry. Visibility leads to opportunities.

Network like a hero

Two women excitedly walking in the lobby with text "Create new lives, make those connections!" — *Via GIPHY*

Over 70 per cent of jobs are landed through networking, which proves that it’s not just about what you know but also who you know. Instead of blindly applying to job postings, take a proactive approach to building connections:

Slide into LinkedIn DMs with a genuine message: “Hey [Name], I admire your work in [industry]! I’d love to hear about your journey and any advice you have for someone looking to break into this field.” A thoughtful approach can open doors.
Attend industry events and virtual meetups. Webinars, conferences and graduates’ networking sessions are excellent ways to meet key players in your field.
Stay active in online communities like X (formerly known as Twitter), Discord, Reddit and professional Facebook groups. Engaging in discussions and offering insights can help you get noticed.

Networking isn’t about begging for a job; it’s about building relationships. Play the long game and when an opportunity arises, you’ll already have people in your corner rooting for you.

Tap into campus resources

Three adults looking toward three children to extend their help. — *Via GIPHY*

If you’re studying at Humber Polytechnic or the University of Guelph Humber, you have built-in career support systems like the Humber Career Advancement services to power up your job-hunting game. You can also enjoy the free resources below:

Resume and cover letter reviews. Get professional feedback to refine your application materials.
Career coaching and strategy sessions. Develop a game plan for landing your ideal job.
Networking events and Job fairs. Meet potential employers and industry professionals. Plus, don’t miss the upcoming IGNITE Job Fair [HYPERLINK EVENT PAGE], where even more career opportunities await!
Mock interviews. Practice your responses and improve your confidence before the real thing.
Exclusive job listings. Access hidden opportunities not available to the general public at Humber’s Career Connect and UofGH GHWorks websites.

Leveraging these resources can give you a significant competitive edge in your job search.

Interview like a final boss

A man in a suit describing his weaknesses. — *Via GIPHY*

You’ve made it to the big battle. Now it’s time to prove your skills. Here’s how to ace your interview:

Research common interview questions and practice your answers in advance.
Use the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses with clarity.
Prepare insightful questions for the interviewer. This shows genuine interest in the role and company.
Confidence is key. If you feel nervous, remember: you’ve made it this far because they see potential in you!

Final boss battle: landing the job

A woman celebrating with arms wide open as confetti falls. — *Via GIPHY*

Job hunting is an adventure. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes exhilarating and always unpredictable. But with determination, resilience and the right strategies, you can conquer this quest. Keep pushing forward, stay positive and never stop improving. Your dream role is out there, waiting for you to claim it.

Do you have a unique job-hunting strategy? Whether it’s a creative resume, a bold networking move or a job-hunting hack that worked, we want to hear it! Share your tips @shareignite and help the next wave of job seekers level up their game.

And don’t forget the upcoming IGNITE Job Fair ! Bring your friends and learn more about the opportunities available at IGNITE on Tuesday, March 25, in the IGNITE Student Centre at the North campus and on Thursday, March 27, in the Student Centre of the K building at the Lakeshore campus. It’s your chance to network, explore job opportunities at your student onion and step into your future with confidence.

Now go forth and conquer, hero!

Feature image courtesy of Mapbox via Unsplash.

Planning on applying to work with us? Check out what IGNITE managers love to see in interviews!