Finding a new job can be a hassle. Knowing where to begin if you’ve been out of the hiring-game for a while can be hard. However, there are many opportunities out there if you know where to look.
Whether you are unemployed or looking to quit a current position these 4 tips will be more than helpful in your job hunt.
1. Update your resume
Before you begin applying to different jobs touching up your resume is very important. It’s recommended to update it every 6 months to a year. When was the last time you updated your resume?
- Toss out the objective. This is old news if you still have an objective on your resume it’ll make you look stale and out of date with today’s current market. You want to have a short informative summary of yourself that catches the hiring manager’s eye.
- Add action verbs. Hiring managers spend no more than 6 seconds looking at your resume. The last thing you want is to look boring and unenthusiastic about the position you’re applying for. Spice up your resume with action words, that catch the reader’s attention, at the start of your sentences.
- Be sure your work history is up to date. You want to remove any old information that no longer relates to your expertise or position.
- The same goes for skills and making sure they are all up to date too. There is nothing worse than getting rejected from a job you can do because you left it out on your resume.
- Check your grammar and make sure everything flows. You will look even more professional if you take the time to make sure your resume is spelled correctly.
2. Create a LinkedIn profile
If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile you are missing out on huge opportunities. LinkedIn is a powerful tool to connect you to the right people. You can target employers based on your interests, qualifications, university, and industry. So, if you work as an accountant, it makes it easy to connect with employers in the same market.
The best part is hiring managers can search for people just like you. This makes LinkedIn a golden spot to get recruited. If you haven’t already gotten started on your own profile than I recommend you do now! It’ll sharpen your online presence and make it apparent how serious you are about your job search.
3. Check the web
Get connected online when searching for a job! There are many websites that offer job openings like monster.com and indeed.com. It’s as simple as entering your location and the kind of occupation you’re looking for. If there are any openings in the area, the site will notify you, and direct you easily to the application. The remarkable thing about these sites is the wide variety of jobs there is to find.
If you have a specific job in mind you can also go to the company website. Most businesses have an application process on their site. Watch for openings and you may just find the perfect fit for you.
4. Network
Networking is about building relationships and creating a broad list of important contacts.
A vast number of jobs aren’t advertised. They’re filled by networking and communication between people. It’s said that 80%, maybe more, jobs are filled through networking.
You will be surprised by how many people you know and how many people they know. You can start either via email or by phone. Call a few people at least once a day, you can be subtle or direct. If you want to start with a direct approach you can ask them about any positions right away.
Networking tips:
- Carry a business card and a pen around. Try to make your business card stand out and be remember-able.
- Always arrive early to all networking events. It will make it easier for you to find people to connect with.
- Be yourself and ask questions. The best way to make long-lasting relationships with someone is to listen.
- Keep track of all your contacts so you can be sure to follow up!