Now more than ever,\u00a0things have changed dramatically with how people\u00a0are expected to\u00a0conduct their job search, from the resources they use to identify job leads, to how they pursue those leads, to tools they can leverage to assist, to systems that companies utilize to prioritize applicants, to the \u201cdigital background checks\u201d companies use to screen applicants. They say \u00abknowledge is power,\u00bb but just as important is having the knowledge around job searching tools!<\/p>\n
To help you navigate your job search effectively and confidently, we\u2019ve created a 7-step\u00a0roadmap\u00a0for success!<\/p>\n
1. Engage in Self-Assessment and Reflection.<\/strong> 2. Create a Professional Brand.\u00a0<\/strong> 3. Strategize and Take Advantage of Networking.<\/strong> One of the\u00a0areas\u00a0most candidates don\u2019t think about during their search is relevant skills development.\u00a0Conduct\u00a0research and\u00a0talk to a\u00a0recruiter\u00a0who supports your skill set frequently to get a gauge of the top hiring trends\u00a0and new trends that align with your\u00a0skills, or\u00a0give you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge in a key area.\u00a0Then, go above and beyond by investing time weekly\u00a0to increase your knowledge with those skills\u00a0and\u00a0technologies, or increase the\u00a0representation\u00a0of this information in your resume and across your professional branding efforts. There are\u00a0free online training resources you can leverage, such as Coursera and\u00a0Cybrary, and other great training providers like Pluralsight and Safari\u00a0that\u00a0offer free\u00a010-day\u00a0trials.<\/p>\n Most cities have active user group communities, and increasing your involvement at a local user group or MeetUp group is one of the best sources of knowledge and networking. Community involvement is a useful branding component to add to your resume, which is often a category missing from resumes. If you\u2019re part of a local association, add a \u2018Community Involvement\u2019 section to your resume and LinkedIn profile.<\/p>\n Prospect, prospect, prospect! What\u00a0is\u00a0prospecting and\u00a0how\u00a0could\u00a0it\u00a0be\u00a0helpful in a job search? Essentially, it\u2019s developing a list of potentials. As you conduct your search, keep a running list of all the companies you come across that have relevant jobs\u00a0that\u00a0spark your interest, companies that you\u2019ve worked at before and would like to return to for a new project, or a company that is forging ahead in innovation and you believe you could add valuable insight to their goals. Then, communicate your \u2018Company Prospect List\u2019 to the\u00a0recruiter\u00a0you work\u00a0with,\u00a0and\u00a0determine which ones they have a relationship with. Even if that company doesn\u2019t have an active opening, it\u2019s\u00a0worth mentioning to your recruiter so they\u00a0can keep your resume ready to submit once a position\u00a0becomes available.\u00a0In some instances, they\u00a0may be able to reach out to their contacts there and advocate for you\u00a0directly.<\/p>\n 4. Use Quality Resources.<\/strong> 5. Apply Effectively.\u00a0<\/strong> Another key strategy is to utilize referrals. When you identify a job you\u2019d like to pursue, see if anyone in your network has a direct line of communication with the manager. You can also do this by asking the recruiter you\u2019re working with if they have a contract with that company, or a relationship with a manager of that group.<\/p>\n A third strategy is applying the 80:20 rule to your job search. When evaluating a job, see if you meet at least 80% of the hard requirements (not including preferred qualifications), and are interested in learning and doing the remaining 20%. Too often candidates don\u2019t apply if they don\u2019t have everything on the client\u2019s requirements wish list. Rather, per the advice in #3, start to engage in skills development for those skills you\u2019re lacking prior to an interview.<\/p>\n 6. Prepare for\u00a0Each\u00a0Interview.\u00a0<\/strong>
\nA highly beneficial first step is to engage in self-reflection around your current\/past job, to help ensure you are targeting the right future for yourself! Ask yourself some open-ended questions such as\u202f\u201cwhat\u00a0client initiatives I have worked on that have really challenged\u00a0me?\u201d\u00a0Spending time flushing all\u00a0of\u00a0this out can also better help you communicate the \u201cwhy\u201d behind your interest during interviews, which can very much influence your chances of receiving an offer.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the biggest changes for job seekers 10 years ago\u00a0versus\u00a0now is the importance of \u201cintentional online branding.\u201d Platforms like LinkedIn\u00a0and\u00a0GitHub\u00a0in particular,\u00a0have\u00a0changed the game. Your resume may no longer be the most important piece of your professional portfolio.\u00a0The strength of your LinkedIn profile, including relevant and\u00a0recent\u00a0recommendations,\u00a0can\u00a0help\u00a0land you the job over an equally qualified candidate.\u00a0Consider how and where you can\u00a0virtually\u00a0show your expertise and your involvement in\u00a0your professional community\u00a0as part of your professional branding.<\/p>\n
\nBrainstorming, flushing out, and executing a SMART plan is vital to a productive and\u00a0minimally\u00a0stress-free job search! Adopt the Agile approach to your job search and set daily or weekly goals\/tasks. If you\u2019re not working, have 3-4+ items on your daily \u2018Job Hunt\u00a0To\u00a0Do List,\u2019 which span multiple categories. For example, your list could include 1) Ask for three LinkedIn recommendations, 2) Customize\u00a0a\u00a0resume for applying for ___ skill set, 3) Sign up for job alerts via four channels, and 4) Reach out to\u00a0a recruiter and local\u00a0user\u00a0group leader to get recommendations on companies who are hiring.<\/p>\n
\nAs part of your strategy, identify at least 3-4 resources you should utilize for your skill set. Sign up for job alerts via multiple channels and share your status and career preferences with the most relevant people in your network. As mentioned above, attending user groups and association meetings are a valuable source of job leads and networking.<\/p>\n
\nAnother \u201cgame changer\u201d for both companies and job seekers is the extensive adoption of systems that scan and prioritize resumes\u00a0and\u00a0applications based on\u00a0matching keywords in\u00a0the resume against the job description. As a job seeker, whenever you\u2019re applying \u201cblindly\u201d (i.e. submitting resume to job posting), use a resume optimization tool such as\u00a0JobScan.<\/p>\n
\nIn addition to overall interview preparation, such as re-reading your resume and perfecting your professional elevator pitch, you should be investing time\u00a0familiarizing yourself with\u00a0each individual company and\u00a0the specific\u00a0role. Review the company\u2019s website and social media platforms. Re-read the\u00a0project or\u00a0job description the night before\u00a0and write down why you\u2019re qualified and\u00a0interested in the role.\u00a0Role\u00a0play\u00a0with your recruiter, if helpful too.<\/p>\n