Job Search 101

It’s that time of year.  The 4th quarter can be a bit tricky.  Some companies might have a hiring freeze while others might want to fill their headcount before they lose it.  Then there are the people who want a new role in the New Year! So guess what?  Now, is the time to prepare for that search.  As with everything else, the internet has altered the job search drastically.  So, those who may not have conducted a search in quite some time, may be a bit overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.  Don’t despair, here are some tips that have worked for me. 

1. Update your résumé.  Before you can start any successful job search, you have to have your résumé up-to-date to ensure that you are prepared when the right job or lead comes your way.  If you despise writing a résumé, hire a professional résumé writer to help you polish yours up to meet the scrutiny of the online job applications.
2. Tell your network.  Email your family, friends, former colleagues, and civic organizations.  Tell everyone that will listen.  Let them all know that you are looking and what you are looking for.  However, if this is a ‘confidential’ search share that with them too and limit who you tell about your aspirations.  And, don’t forget to blind copy your distribution list. 
3. Sign-up for email blasts. Websites like indeed.com and simplyhired.com allow you to register for email blasts.  You can sign up for daily or weekly emails.  This will keep you abreast of positions that fit your interests and profile, when they are posted.  Therefore, you won’t miss out on your dream job.
4. Update your LinkedIn profile.  Corporate recruiters scour LinkedIn for qualified candidates based on your profile.  Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and has information that will help them better understand your background, work history and aspirations.  Be clear and concise.
5. Upload your résumé on career sites. If you’re not conducting a ‘confidential’ search, post your current résumé on monster.com and careerbuilder.com.  Recruiters are always sourcing resumes from those sites for positions that they are trying to fill.  As with anything, you will have to filter through the positions and companies that are of interest.
6.  Search for job on sites.   Indeed.com and Simplyhired.com both syndicate open positions from across the internet.  Either or both allow you to streamline your online job search without having to scan each and every company’s career portal.  Additionally, companies post openings on LinkedIn and, in some cases, these positions are not posted anywhere else. 
7. Social media is your friend.   Tell your social media networks that you are looking.  Become a fan or follow companies like LinkedIn, Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com on Facebook and Twitter.   Many of them will post openings on their social media pages for you.
8. Download smartphone apps.  LinkedIn, Indeed, Facebook, Twitter and many more have smartphone applications.  This allows you too have your job search at your fingertips.  Many of them will host your resume and if the company allows it, you can use that resume to apply for positions.

These are just a few steps that you can do easily to search for new positions.  Once you set up the email blasts and download the apps, you can conduct your search from anywhere at anytime.

New Leaf Career Solutions is a career consulting boutique that redefines individuals and small businesses professional brands.  New Leaf partners with each client to provide quality résumés, cover letters, bios, brochures and much more.  Visit newleafcareersolutions.com to schedule an appointment.  Follow on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips.  Call today to turn over a New Leaf !!