New Job Search Techniques

Searching for a job is changing and if you haven’t searched for a new job in a while, you're probably going to be surprised at how the process has changed over the last few years.  It’s no longer as easy as sending your resume around and getting invited to a bunch of interviews.

Searching for a new job today requires you to develop a familiarity with modern job search techniques. Here are a few tips to help you search for your next job in a changing market.

Have an Online Presence - having a professional online identity is critical to any job search.  It’s more than likely that someone is going to search for your name online before you get a phone call, interview or job offer.

Check by searching for your name online and see what appears on the first page of search results.  If you do not have a LinkedIn profile yet, then you should create one.  A LinkedIn profile will most likely be listed first and it should be complete and professional.   

Although LinkedIn isn't the only place a potential employer will look. It’s also important have a professional social media presence – be sure to set your security setting accordingly, so that a potential employer only can see what you want them to see.  Anything about you on-line is fair game for an employer to check out.

The key to a positive online identity is to know what someone will find when searching for your name online and making sure that these results positively reflect who you are professionally.

Be in the Know – always try to reach out and talk with people who work inside the companies you want to work for. Don’t wait to see a job posting before taking this important step. Research the company as much as possible.  The information you gain from your research and conversations will provide you with more insight which will result in revisions and updates to your resume.

Customize Your Resume - every resume you send and every cover letter you write must specifically address the requirements of the job you are applying to. In many cases, Human Resources and recruiters use applicant tracking systems to search for critical skills and experience. If your resume doesn’t contain the key words a recruiter is looking for, your application won’t show up, and you’ll be overlooked. 

Get Referred - referred candidates are the top source of external hires for most companies. One of the most important steps you can take before you apply to any job is to talk with someone who works for the company.  The purpose in making contact with an employee is to get a referral.

Ask if you can use their name when applying or if they would be willing to forward your resume to the hiring manager. Many companies offer their employees referral bonuses, which means referring you could potentially result in extra money for them.

Be Professionally Persistent – don’t always assume your application or resume was received. If you haven’t heard from the employer after applying, contact the appropriate person to find out the timeline for filling the role and the status of your application.

It’s important to read communication from employers carefully, and follow instructions. If you had an interview, be sure to ask about the timeframe and next steps in the interview process to help you gauge the timing of your follow-up. When you professionally follow-up, you let the company know you are interested in the opportunity.

Best of luck in your job search.