Image courtesy of Graphics Mouse at FreeDigitalPhotos.net To quickly land your next opportunity, career experts suggest that job seekers set aside time to:
1. Tailor your résumé towards specific job postings. Whenever possible your resume should be customized for a specific job, however if this is not possible, your resume should be targeted for a specific “type” of position. Also, if you’ve absorbed additional responsibilities in your current or previous positions, or you’ve completed new training or educational requirements, share this information with your resume writer for inclusion in your final draft.
2. Develop — or update — your LinkedIn profile. A LinkedIn profile should complement your resume...not duplicate it. A recruiter or hiring manager looking for a candidate with your background may conduct a search on LinkedIn and find your profile. Or, a friend may forward your LinkedIn profile URL to someone they know interested in your particular skill set. So make sure you have an updated LinkedIn profile.
3. Know what you’re worth: conduct salary research. One of the most often-cited reasons to consider a job search is to increase your salary. But how do you know what you’re worth? There is more salary research data available than ever before. Websites like Glassdoor.com and Salary.com can help you see how your current salary and benefits package stacks up.
4. Build your network. It’s estimated that 40-80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Networking effectiveness is not just about quality — although that’s important. It’s also about quantity. It’s not just about who you know. It’s about who your contacts know. Many times, it’s the friend-of-a-friend who can help you land your dream job. Grow your network both professionally and personally. You never know who will be the one to introduce you to your next job opportunity.
5. Manage your online reputation. What will hiring managers and recruiters find when they conduct an online search for you? Do you have a social media presence established? How does it align with the professional image you wish to convey?
6. Define your ideal job. What does your dream job look like? What types of companies employ this position? What job title and responsibilities are you interested in? Do you want to work independently, as part of a team, or both? Do you like short-term or long-term projects? Who would you report to? Who reports to you? Answers to these these questions help define your ideal position and job functions.
7. Create a target list of companies you’d like to work for. Like your ideal role, you probably have a preference for the type of organization you want as your employer. Things to consider include: company size, industry, culture, location, and structure (public, private, family-owned, franchise, nonprofit, etc.). Once you’ve identified your preferences, generate a list of companies that fit your criteria.
We invite you to partner with our team to develop an intentional campaign by scheduling a complementary discovery session with one of our certified career development practitioners or transition specialists. You may also visit the Help Center, call 866.827.7302, email us, or use the "Feedback & Support" link located on bottom right side of the page. We also invite you to continue the conversation by sharing your suggestions for advancing in the selection process by adding a comment below.
1. Tailor your résumé towards specific job postings. Whenever possible your resume should be customized for a specific job, however if this is not possible, your resume should be targeted for a specific “type” of position. Also, if you’ve absorbed additional responsibilities in your current or previous positions, or you’ve completed new training or educational requirements, share this information with your resume writer for inclusion in your final draft.
2. Develop — or update — your LinkedIn profile. A LinkedIn profile should complement your resume...not duplicate it. A recruiter or hiring manager looking for a candidate with your background may conduct a search on LinkedIn and find your profile. Or, a friend may forward your LinkedIn profile URL to someone they know interested in your particular skill set. So make sure you have an updated LinkedIn profile.
3. Know what you’re worth: conduct salary research. One of the most often-cited reasons to consider a job search is to increase your salary. But how do you know what you’re worth? There is more salary research data available than ever before. Websites like Glassdoor.com and Salary.com can help you see how your current salary and benefits package stacks up.
4. Build your network. It’s estimated that 40-80 percent of jobs are found through networking. Networking effectiveness is not just about quality — although that’s important. It’s also about quantity. It’s not just about who you know. It’s about who your contacts know. Many times, it’s the friend-of-a-friend who can help you land your dream job. Grow your network both professionally and personally. You never know who will be the one to introduce you to your next job opportunity.
5. Manage your online reputation. What will hiring managers and recruiters find when they conduct an online search for you? Do you have a social media presence established? How does it align with the professional image you wish to convey?
6. Define your ideal job. What does your dream job look like? What types of companies employ this position? What job title and responsibilities are you interested in? Do you want to work independently, as part of a team, or both? Do you like short-term or long-term projects? Who would you report to? Who reports to you? Answers to these these questions help define your ideal position and job functions.
7. Create a target list of companies you’d like to work for. Like your ideal role, you probably have a preference for the type of organization you want as your employer. Things to consider include: company size, industry, culture, location, and structure (public, private, family-owned, franchise, nonprofit, etc.). Once you’ve identified your preferences, generate a list of companies that fit your criteria.
We invite you to partner with our team to develop an intentional campaign by scheduling a complementary discovery session with one of our certified career development practitioners or transition specialists. You may also visit the Help Center, call 866.827.7302, email us, or use the "Feedback & Support" link located on bottom right side of the page. We also invite you to continue the conversation by sharing your suggestions for advancing in the selection process by adding a comment below.
