Are you looking for a new job this year? What you need to do to get a job in 2018 and beyond is a little different than what you did even 5-10 years ago. Here’s what to do to get hired now.
Strategically Create a Smart LinkedIn Profile
If you’re not on LinkedIn, start a profile. It’s the best online place to be for your job search. If you’re already there, take a critical look at your headline, summary, and profile. Your headline should have specific keywords for your job, like, ‘Forensic Accountant,’ ‘Retail Clothing Store Manager,’ or ‘Medical Devices Sales Rep.’ Avoid generic titles like ‘Account Executive for ABC Company’ that don’t communicate what you actually do. Use similar strategies with your summary that sell you as a product or a solution to a potential hiring manager.
(Need help with your LinkedIn Profile? Use our LinkedIn Profile Tutorial.)
Curate Your Online Presence
Everyone has some kind of online presence (or online personal brand). You’re probably on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook (or all 3). If someone Googles your name, they’ll find something. What will they find about you? You have a lot of control over that, and you should take it.
If your comments or status updates could be viewed negatively by a potential employer, remove them. Generally, controversial things would include statements of religious or political views. In some cases, these would even include hobbies that some could take issue with.
If others can see negative things about you that you can’t remove, start adding positive things to push them further into the past. Focus on posting career-relevant articles, positive comments, and value-add thoughts about your industry. When hiring managers and recruiters look you up online, make sure they find positive, career-relevant information about you.
Get Used to Communicating in Video Chats
Video communications are becoming more and more important in business and in job searching. Some companies like to see video resumes or similar introductions to candidates. Many others use Skype, Zoom, and other programs for video interviews because they’re easy and inexpensive. Because of that, it’s reasonably likely that you’ll have at least one in your job search. Learn how to have a great Skype interview here.
Use Smart Job Search Strategies to Get a Job in 2018
No matter what year it is, some job search strategies always work. First, create a resume that communicates your value, is easy to read, and markets you. Then, use your network to uncover job leads and gain introductions to contacts at great companies. And above all, don’t bother applying for jobs online. Online applications get lost in cyberspace way too often, even if you’re qualified for the job. Instead, do a little legwork to uncover the names and email addresses of hiring managers and contact them directly. This is the best way to get multiple interviews.