Is Your Job Search Out-of-Date?
If it has been a few years since your last job hunt, you are probably unaware of how much recruiting and hiring practices have changed recently – particularly with the growth of social media. We want to help ease your concerns, so here are few simple steps you can take to revamp your job search and become more “up-to-date.”
Be Visible (In a positive way!)
Recruiters use search engines for the majority of candidates we work with for new openings. Generally we are looking for proof that you are who you say you are and that your experiences fit well with our client’s needs for a particular role. If we do not find anything online we certainly will not write you off, but being visible in a positive light through LinkedIn, Google searches, Facebook, Twitter, etc., is always a bonus as these tools act agents for informal “background checks” today.
Join LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an excellent resource for managing professional/work visibility. Share all of your relevant accomplishments in your profile and use it to complete the picture of who you are and what your experience entails.
LinkedIn can help you reconnect with those former colleagues, co-workers, bosses, and gives you the opportunity to connect with new professionals who may be able to get you the inside scoop for a job opening. It is also one of the primary social media resources that recruiting agencies like ours uses on a daily basis to search for and verify applicants!
Show Your Stuff!
Take the time to craft your best response rather than simply attaching your resume to a generic email or online application with a subject that simply says, “Resume Attached” or “Applying.” Standing out from the crowd by tailoring your resume and application to each job you are applying to and use the technology currently available to get your resume out on a variety of different platforms from LinkedIn and CareerBuilder, to Monster and Indeed.com.
Follow the News
The fact is we live in a fast-paced and ever changing world. Set up Google Alerts for news about your target industries, profession, locations, technologies, competitors, and anything else relevant to your job search and career. Staying up-to-date is essential today and can help you to stay ahead of the competition in the job market.
Looking Forward
By becoming more comfortable with current search practices, you’ll in turn better yourself for your new job! Staying relevant and “in-the-know” makes you a more viable candidate, which optimizes your job search. You’re never too old or experienced to learn something new, especially in the job market where practices and methods are always shifting!
Positive vibes, positive mind, live a positive life,
Laufer and Associates Team