The Electronic Desk of Kimberly Manchester

Bored at work? Is it time to move up or move on? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you need to continue reading; job search advice that is both good and free is as rare as agreement between AOC and Ted Cruz.

The first step in finding a new and better job? Audit yourself. Check the power of your SEO by googling yourself. How far did you have to scroll before your information appeared? If you are not among the top three results - and you do not share your name with a celebrity - it's time to put yourself out there. Control your narrative. Review all your social media accounts (potential employers will) and delete those that may hurt your career. If you can’t bring yourself to delete or temporarily deactivate the account, remove any questionable content. Those pictures from college parties may have seemed cool 10 years ago, but now that you are a responsible adult it's time to remove tags and, where possible, delete posts altogether. Once you’ve cleared the cache, build your brand by positing positive media about yourself – a portfolio of your work, news stories about your volunteer work in the community, a photo of you at a fundraiser for a cause you value. Your reputation is your brand; it will speak for you in your absence.

The next step in finding that great new job is to think creatively. It is said that most new jobs are not listed on job sites, so save those for last. Start with a list of companies where you'd want to work and go to their websites, check out their blogs and social media accounts. Chances are, that is where they will first be advertising positions for hire, before shelling out cash for a paid post. The creative thinker finds the Easter egg, and this method will also be helpful to you in writing your cover letter and interviewing: when the Hiring Manager asks you why you want to work for that particular company, you will not have to struggle to find an answer; when asked what you know about the company, they will see that you are sincere in your desire to work there.

Network, network, network. I know you have all heard this before, but are you aware that networking goes beyond talking to the people you know and connecting with your coworkers on LinkedIn? You have the potential to build your network every time you interact with someone. The Walmart Greeter you see on your weekly shopping trip may be a retired Salesperson with contacts you need to meet in order to find your dream job. That nice young person your Grandma keeps trying to set you up with may be your next hiring manager. Tell Grandma you'd like to get to know them (just don't tell her why!). Talk to your hairdresser - hairdressers know everyone. Tell people with a wide and trusted network that you are looking – and tell them about the type of work you want. Invest in a personal calling card with your name, preferred job title, contact information, and LinkedIn address; distribute them with a handshake and a smile.

Finding a full-time job can be a full-time job; these steps will prove that you are qualified to do the job of finding a job and show employers that you mean business.