If you’ve recently been laid off, are not fulfilled at the company you are with, or are in need of a career change, you may understand the urgency of finding a new job quickly. Exploring new employment options is both an exciting and daunting task. Before you get overwhelmed, take the time to review the simple steps below to find a job fast.

Know what you want

Companies seek employees that are committed and passionate about the work they do. As a result, before you start your search, set some career goals to better help you determine the path you wish to take. Start by writing down your career and company wish list. When you know what you want up front, you’ll be more likely to find an employer who is aligned with your goals. Asking questions like “Is there growth potential?” or “Is the culture one that I am aligned with?” can better help you identify if the employer is a good fit for you.

Read also: The Secret Weapon To Job Search Success? A Job Wish List

Plan your execution

There are several job boards available to job seekers. To expedite the process, narrow down the boards that are relevant to your search and create an action plan. For many, Indeed is a well-known job board that covers a multitude of roles across a variety of industries.

Additionally, not all resumes are one-size-fits-all, and they may need to be modified to pertain to a specific company’s job description. To better prepare for quick application submittals, create a handful of resumes up-front if you are applying in various types of roles or industries.

Check out the company’s website

To find a job fast, check out a company’s website to review their mission statement and how it aligns with your goals. For instance, are you more collaborative in your work style or entrepreneurial? Does the company encourage a hybrid work model or allow you to be fully remote? Is it important for you that a company gives back to their community? Do the company perks (and benefits) meet your needs? All these points (and several others that may be a priority to you) should be factored in when making your selection on where to apply.

Network

To find a job fast, it’s important to leverage your connections. Networking can take many forms, which can all be beneficial to your job search, including the following:

• Social networks: LinkedIn is a great professional networking site to establish your profile. Be sure that your profile is up-to-date and searchable on this platform.
• Referral programs: Many companies have hiring referral programs. You can leverage your existing network to help you make introductions with important employers.
• Recruiters/HR departments: If your personal network is not very extensive, reach out to recruiters and HR departments at the companies you are most interested in working with. Showing your interest in their organization can help you stand out in a crowd of applicants.
• Niche fields: If your expertise is more niche, consider a tailored network. Behance, for instance, is great for creative-oriented careers as it allows you to display and showcase your portfolio to a network of like-minded individuals. Regardless of your industry, participating in this type of site can be key to opening up your network.

Work with recruiters

In addition to your own network, it’s beneficial to work with recruiters, who are experienced in your industry. They will work to get an understanding of what you’re looking for, which allows them to present job opportunities that match your goals—including opportunities that may not be available online. Recruiters are also skillful in resume writing, and they will likely guide you through every step of the hiring process, from interviewing to negotiating your salary.

Read company reviews

With sites like Glassdoor, you can get a glimpse of a company’s work environment by reading reviews and ratings shared by former and current employees. Glassdoor encourages employees to share their real experiences, titles, salaries, along with rating the competence of their organization’s benefits and compensation, while remaining totally anonymous. While every review should be taken with a grain of salt, this allows you to get a first-hand account of what it’s like to work at an organization.