Posted

Get-Your-Job-Search-Started-With-This-Basic-Checklist

If you are currently restructuring your employment options, you face a rapidly changing job search market. Whether you are looking for your first job or you simply realize it is time for a change, it can be difficult to know where to start if you have been out of the game for a while.

Take a look at these best practices so you can shorten your search and get into your next line of gainful employment as quickly as possible.

Updating Your Resume and Cover Letter

This may seem like an obvious step, but you might be surprised by the number of applicants who do not take the time to fill in, improve or update their resumes. It is likely your cover letter needs a brushing up, too. The language you used at one point in your career is not necessarily viable for your current position. As you grow, your perspective will change. So will the way that you address potential employers.

You also need to update your resume and cover letter to correspond with the new opportunities for employment. You should also be sure your outreach materials have keywords that correspond to your preferred employment. If not, you will not make it past the automated systems that cull away the mediocre resumes before they ever make it to a human in HR.

LinkedIn

Depending on how long you have been out of the job search market, you may or may not have a LinkedIn profile. If you don’t, you need to make one immediately! If you do, this is just as important to update as your resume and cover letter.

Update your LinkedIn with new endorsements from former co-workers, links to positive reviews of your work online, and maybe even a blog or two dealing with your industry. Keep in mind that potential employers will use your LinkedIn to spy on your other social media accounts. You may want to delete those unflattering or unprofessional photos before you begin sending outreach materials.

Use Company Review Sites

The worst thing you can do is send your resume to random companies. This is a waste of time, and you may not even like the companies that give you offers. Company review sites like Glassdoor and Indeed give you a chance to check out company culture so that you can direct your efforts at the companies most likely to align with your skill set and personal values.

Learning the company culture is extremely important if you have a new work-life balance. For instance, mothers with a new baby may want to direct their focus to companies that take this into account.

Use Headhunters

Headhunters have the inside track on industries that are difficult to break into. They also have connections that can help to direct your efforts. There is no reason to take on this process alone, especially when you are facing exponentially more competition in the digital space.

Review Your Interview Etiquette

Everyone wants to see your smiling face before they give you a job these days. You may even be required to send in a personal video before you are considered for the second round. Make sure you are making a good impression on people during your interviews. Take a day or two and practice in front of a friend, so you can get tips on what may be turning people off.

Start Your Job Search With New Era HR Solutions!

The best practices above should shorten your job search. Competition is high, but if you focus your time where your skills are needed, you should find a great deal of success!

If you’re looking to get your job search started, browse our available opportunities.

New Era HR Solutions

Leave a Reply

  • (will not be published)