If you haven’t been job hunting within the last year, I think you’ll find things are a bit different. In fact, the rules of job search have changed.
These are 5 ways the rules of job search have changed and what you need to do to improve how you search for a new job.
Competition is Fierce
In many industries and pockets of the country, hiring is on the upswing. That’s good news. As a matter of fact, there has probably not been a better time to look for work in the last three years! But, and this is a huge BUT! Competition is fierce. There are tons of qualified (even over-qualified) candidates applying for every job. Why does this matter to you? Here are just three things you can do to better compete. You will want to:
- Stand out!
- Do more than just sit back and expect a call!
- Be well connected!
STAND OUT
The resume you submit has to be specifically crafted to match the job and company you are applying for
You should have a strong personal brand and online presence
You will need to understand keywords and search engine optimization
BE ASSERTIVE
Find inside connections who can give you the low-down on what is going on in the hiring process
Follow up after you apply for every job and don’t give up when you don’t hear back
Be hungry and sure about what you are looking for and the value you add
HAVE A STRONG SPHERE OF INFLUENCE
Know key people inside and outside of your industry
Build strong relationships with friends, family and past colleagues
Give as much as you get and always be paying it forward (help other people)
Timing is everything…
While your sense of urgency is quite real, the companies doing the hiring operate under a clock that moves and a much slower pace.
There are fires that need to be put out which take precedence over filling an opening.
Be patient.
Switch your approach by doing more of these things!
The bottom line here is that people hire people! Period!
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
