Gone are the days when job hunting means visiting one agency after another, in search of vacancy, or competing in crowded job fairs. Today’s job search, fortunately, provides easy and instant access to job listings, building solid bridges between applicants and employers. With the increase in online job postings and applications, a successful modern job search entails good use of digital tools.
Modern technology is truly a game changer in the job hunt. Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking for your first job or a seasoned employee, seeking a new opportunity elsewhere, here are 8 modern job search techniques that are bound to give you an edge.
Make use of job search engines
Job search engines are designed to make job hunting easier. Here, you can easily search through many job boards, associations, company career web pages, and other job posting sources. Other job sites focus on certain position types or match your expertise with employers. All you need to do is to sign up and spruce up your online profile
Network more
No online job seeking tool has secured more leads than a genuine face-to-face connection. Consider integrating more networking events in your job search strategy.
Reach out to your existing chain of contacts. The best jobs often come from introductions and referrals, so let your friends and contacts know you’re scouting. After making a connection, you may focus on sprucing up your resume and other online profiles.
Connect using social networking sites
Join LinkedIn, one of the best social networking sites designed for the business community. The networking site helps boost the online presence of both job seekers and employers or team of HR Solutions.
Next, to jazzing up your LinkedIn profile, you may explore other media. Even Facebook can open doors to career opportunities. You may join legitimate Facebook groups that are related to your line of work.
Step up your e-mail game
Thinking there’s no connection between your e-mail skills and your chance of landing a job? Think again. The way you send applications and interact with employers or HR via email matters.
- Make sure every e-mail sent is personalized. This shows you’ve done your research about the position and the company you’re applying for. Personalized e-mails tend to receive more responses.
- Attach your digital resume or CV, cover letter, and work samples.
- Keep your e-mail subject and content short and simple to increase your chance of getting recognized. If you don’t hear back after 2 days, follow up.
- Send a thank you note, whether or not they’ve responded to your outreach.
Utilize the best keywords
Want to get more technical? Consider utilizing specific keywords when using search engines to research companies and track down contact details. Use keywords in your resumes, cover letters, and online profiles too to ensure your application gets past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
Using keywords is the best way to narrow down job listings quickly and efficiently to find those that are a good fit for you.
Spend more time on your resume
Job search strategies change through time but one thing stays the same: the importance of your resume. Your resume can make or break your career prospects.
Here are a few tips for getting it right:
• Your resume should be as concise as possible. When listing down soft skills, technical skills, accomplishments, and employment history, keep it simple and straight to the point.
• Cancel out any unnecessary info like birthday, height, weight, marital status, and early education unless the position calls for it.
• Keep it professional. Don’t use clichés and flowery words, too much design, and inappropriate fonts.
• Proofread your resume before submitting.
Make use of multiple resumes
Resumes don’t necessarily have to be fixed and consistent. In some scenarios, using multiple resumes can come in handy. You may use them when looking for a similar position in a different industry or a different position in the same industry.
Create a website for work
Are you a graphic artist with an impressive portfolio? A small business owner with prominent clients in the past? Or a freelance web content writer, with tons of online journals written in the past? Creating a website that highlights your ability, accomplishments, ideas, and portfolio gives you an edge.
A website where you can show your previous work, as well as the companies and clients you’ve worked for, can be a ticket to securing a better job and acquiring new clients. It’s safe to say that employers are more interested in what you’re truly capable of than your college degree.
Author Bio:
Carmina Natividad is a creative writer for HR Dept Australia, a provider of affordable and pragmatic HR services and employment law advice in Australia. Writing about helpful career management solutions for both employees and employers is her cup of tea.
