If you are currently in the market for a new job, you have probably noticed that there are a ton of resources online to help you find a new position. Long gone are the days where you faxed your resume to an ad you saw in the local print newspaper! Today’s sophisticated job seeker has a wealth of tools that he or she can be using to land them that next perfect job.
Here are 5 tools you can’t afford to overlook:
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the professional equivalent of Facebook. Use it to look up companies that you interest you, and then find people that work there. Do the employees have great career paths, upward mobility, and great tenure with the organization? Or do employees tend to leave after six months, and show no professional growth on their profiles? Furthermore, a savvy job seeker should find someone who works at their targeted company and message them or send them a request to connect. A personalized message from a potential candidate can really go a long way, and may just get you hired! Lastly, don’t forget to spruce up your own LinkedIn profile. Make sure all the information you have listed is accurate, spelled correctly, and shows who you are as a professional. That way, if others look at your profile, they will see a well-put-together candidate, and that speaks volumes.
2. Networking
Networking is one of the best ways people land new jobs. Sometimes it really is all about who you know! Make sure you are frequently talking to friends and family about your job search. Email your resume to as many contacts as possible. Join a local community group, sports team or religious organization, and network with those folks. You’d be pleasantly surprised how often people get jobs through their networks.
3. Resume Tweaking
Even if you have perfected your resume in your mind, it doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Have people review your resume, especially those who have strong spelling and grammar skills, and those who review resumes for a living like recruiters and other HR professionals. Or you can always hire a resume writing/review service. No matter what option you choose, your resume is usually the first impression an organization gets of you, so it’s got to be good. Even the tiniest mistake on a resume could disqualify from your dream job! Don’t get nixed before you even walk through the door for an interview – make sure you resume is the crème de la crème.
4. Use Other Social Media Outlets
Facebook and Twitter can be great tools to help find your next job. If you are unemployed, post status updates that you are on the hunt for a new role. Follow your favorite companies on Twitter and you’ll most likely receive tweets regarding job openings. “Like” pages on Facebook and you’ll see job alerts as well. In addition, you can typically check out informal company culture through pictures on social media sites, which will give you a great idea if this is the right kind of company for you.
5. Sign Up for Job Alerts
If you are a job seeker you have likely set up an account on job boards such as Indeed, Monster and CareerBuilder. Each of these sites allows you to sign up to receive job alerts based on your specialties and certain keywords that are relevant to the position you want. Take advantage of these free tools to have hot new jobs delivered to your email inbox on a daily or weekly basis!
So the next time you are thinking about moving into a new opportunity, remember to diversify your job-seeking tools. Don’t rely on any one method to find your next job. Instead try using social media, having your resume reviewed and networking, and your dream job will be just around the corner.
