The job market has changed, and the majority of jobs are not advertised. That means as a potential job seeker, you must adapt to survive the changing market.
The Muse put together a list of job tips for the changing market. They further elaborate on how many jobs aren’t only posted online these days, and how merely submitting an application online is almost never going to be enough.
You want that job search to last and last? Well, then continue to rely solely on submitting online applications. You want to accelerate this bad boy? Don’t stop once you apply online for that position. Start finding and then endearing yourself to people working at that company of interest. Schedule informational interviews with would-be peers. Approach an internal recruiter and ask a few questions. Get on the radar of the very people who might influence you getting an interview.
By lining up with people on the inside of the companies at which you want to work, you will instantly set yourself apart. Decision makers interview people who come recommended or by way of a personal referral before they start sorting through the blob of resumes that arrives by way of the ATS.
Because of this changing job market, we’ve put together a few tips to help you find your way.
Develop a Personal Brand – Create a website that features your bio, blog content that highlights your expertise, links to your social pages, and a contact form. Be sure to include high quality professional photography to make your online presence look sharp.
© Flickr user slightly everything
Get Engaged in Social Media – When Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram are used professionally, they can significantly increase your exposure to the employment marketplace. 100% completion of your LinkedIn profile increases the chances that a recruiter or hiring manager will find you through search.
Especially LinkedIn is important. The Muse article further elaborates on this:
If You’re Not on LinkedIn, You Very Nearly Don’t Exist
Considering that more than 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool, this is not an understatement. If you’re a professional, you need to not only be on LinkedIn, you need to be using it to your full advantage. Don’t believe me? Think about it this way: If tomorrow morning, a recruiter logs onto LinkedIn looking for someone in your geography, with expertise in what you do, and you’re not there? Guess who they’re going to find and contact? Yes, that person’s name is “not you.”
Partner with Recruiters – Recruiters work hard to HUNT for hiring managers to make placements. Make friends with them, and help recruiters find new opportunities to sell you.
Network with a Purpose – Attend networking events to find other professionals who are targeting hiring managers in your industry. This could include payroll sales, HR consultants, recruiters, and employee benefits professionals. Partner with these folks, and trade leads!
While following these tips, remember that an important part of the job search is time management. Consider networking: there are so many options to network that you could literally spend your entire work week networking, solely networking. This is why it is so important to stay consistent and develop a monthly system for your networking.
In summary, the truth is that most professionals NEVER use these techniques when looking for work. That means that if you pursue them, you will be one of the few who do so. Good luck with in finding that next job and moving your career forward!
If you want more information about this, or need any tips on optimizing your business life, don’t hesitate to contact the business improvement consultants at AccelaWork. We’d love to help!
Jamar Cobb-Dennard
@@jamarspeaks
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