Searching for a new job is much different now than it was just a few years ago. Applicants must make themselves stand apart from other applicants without making themselves look odd or aggressive. To do this effectively, many job seekers need to change some of their “old school” job seeking habits and approach job seeking in a new manner. By changing some of your methods, you may find that landing the perfect new job has become quite simple.
Follow Application Instructions
Many employers have devised specific routines for accepting applications. They most likely want the applications sent online with your resume attached. They may also give specific information about how to check the status of your application. Many people believe that this is done to make interviewing less personal. However, many companies are doing it this way to see if you can follow simple instructions. Follow all the instructions on their application and their follow up instructions. If the company wants you to check the status online, do not call their HR department. It is a sure way to be overlooked.
Update Your Resume to Current Standards
You need to update your resume so that they are easy to scan and have what the HR rep is looking for in an easy to find manner. For example, eliminate the Objective at the beginning of your resume, everyone knows you are looking for a career position, and change it to Summary. Make your summary a quick overview of your talents and experience so the HR rep knows who you are and what you offer right from the start. Other changes to your resume can include eliminating the References Upon Request Section. Again, if the potential employer wants references, you are going to provide them if you want the job. Stating this fact just wastes space and makes your resume look crowded.
Clean Up Your Social Media
If you want to increase your chances of being considered for a job, make sure that your social media accounts are not filled with things that may be offensive to your potential new employer. Over 70 percent of businesses now complete social media searches on potential candidates before deciding whether or not to bring them in for an interview. This also applies to personal blogs as well as all forms of social media.
Relying On Only One Job Seeking Technique
If you are looking for a job, you cannot simply rely on the classified ads in your local newspaper or one job site on the Internet. You need to broaden your job search to include online classified ads, state employment agencies, social media postings, and multiple online job search sites. There are many employers out there and they are not limited to posting to just one place as they were in the past. Broaden your search so that you have more jobs to choose from during your search.
By changing these simple things when you are looking for a job, you will find that your chances of landing the perfect position are significantly increased.