Searching for a new job isn't always easy, whether you already have one or are currently
unemployed. But before you even start your search in earnest or send out applications, it's important to ensure you’re fully prepared for the rigors of the process. Below are six must-do tips to help you ensure your job search goes as smoothly and quickly as possible:

(1) Clean up your social media
- When you apply for a job, one of the first thing hiring managers do is look you up on
social media, according to Glassdoor. While some people might think it's advisable to set
all your accounts to private and be done with it, there are some companies that might
frown on that, fearing you're hiding something. Instead, you should have at least a few
public, professional accounts - including on LinkedIn - that show off a bit of your
personality, but also your expertise in your chosen field.

(2) Do your research
- When your'e thinking about applying to any given company, it makes sense to research
further. This will not only help you write your cover letter and provide more informed
answers in interviews, but often that effort will help you determine whether this is a
company you would even want to work for in the first place.

(3) Think about what you’re looking for
- It can be tempting to apply to just about every job that’s in an area of interest for you, but
it often pays to really consider what you want to do in both the short and long term,
according to The Muse. For instance, if you’re applying to a lot of companies that
demand collaborative work, and you prefer to pursue goals on your own, that might allow
you to scratch a bunch of companies off the list straightaway.

(4) Consider your strategy
- There are many ways to do your job search, but not all of them are going to be right for you,
The Muse added. If you already have a job, your current employer may frown upon you actively looking for other work, so you might need to do more to keep your job search confidential.

(5) Write and edit pertinent documents
- While you should always strive to customize your cover letter and resume to the specific jobs you are applying for, it helps to at least have a well-done template in place, according to The Balance Careers. Of course, making sure whatever you send reads well and is free of any types or grammatical errors is a must.

(6) Contact your contacts
-One of the most effective ways of getting your application moved to the top of the pile, or find
out about positions you may be perfect for, is to get in touch with other people you know in your industry, The Balance noted. If you’ve been in your field for even a year or two, you’ve likely made connections with others in it, and they might be more than happy to help you through the job search process.