There are hundreds of different online resources that have made it incredibly easy to be exposed to a ton of different jobs. From social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to online job boards like Indeed, there are a lot of different ways to find job openings. Now the question is, how do we effectively use these tools so they actually lead to a job?
- Make sure your online profile stands out: A lot of people are relatively active on social media and other online sites. Take the time to build a robust online presence that hiring managers will be interested in. From a thorough LinkedIn profile, to a great online portfolio or the use of online video content, the Internet allows you to build an interactive personal brand that can grab someone’s attention and help you stand out from the standard online resume submission. Use images, videos and text content to your advantage and make sure to keep key words in mind that can be easily identified by the online systems that collect your information.
- Don’t forget the follow up: With the prevalence of online job boards and social media sites, a key advantage for job seekers is the ease at which you can track the status of your application. Pay attention to your notifications to see if someone has looked at your resume or if a hiring manager has been looking at your LinkedIn profile. It’s a great way to track successful applications, applications that didn’t get any action, and the jobs you want to follow up with.
- Don’t forget about the offline work: Online job boards and recruiting sites can give you a good sense of the jobs that are out there, but offline networking and working with a recruiter is still the optimal way to give you an edge over the competition. With such a large number of people applying for jobs online, don’t underestimate the effectiveness of an in-person referral/network connection or being put forward for a position through a recruiter. If you can supplement an online application with an offline resource, definitely do so!
Who would have thought that we would be able to apply for jobs on our phones as we head out for a coffee? Online platforms can be a wonderful way to find your next job but keep in mind that effective, quality job searching online is key to moving forward in the job search process.
