The new year conjures up personal resolutions that always seem to slip from one year to the next – read more, get in shape, eat healthy, go back to school, lose weight … the list goes on and on. And then there’s career resolutions as well. For many people, getting a raise or a promotion may be high on their list. But for others, a new job may be the goal.
If you are one of those in the market for a new job, you need to be prepared and know what to expect before you begin your job search. All signs are indicating 2017 will continue to be a competitive job market. According to statistics, on average, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes. Of those candidates, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview, and only one will get the job.
With such a competitive hiring environment, you can no longer follow status qou! Here are several tips to ensure a successful job search and make sure you stand out from the crowd and get noticed in order to get the interview and hopefully land the job:
- Make sure you begin your search with the right mindset. A new job doesn’t happen overnight – the average job search can take about six months. But being proactive in your search will most likely result in a job that is a good fit and that you will love in the long run.
- Review and fine tune your resume. Updating your skills and personal information is not enough to land you the interview. These days you need to tailor your resume and customize it for each job for which you are applying. Make sure you are taking the time to read the job description to know what the recruiters are looking for. According to Adrienne Tom, an Award-Winning Executive Resume Writer, “Tailoring content will ensure that relevant details, keywords, key phrases and clear value-add are included to meet the needs of each unique reader.” She also notes the importance of presenting key content and value immediately in your resume. Remember, hundreds of resumes are being received so you need to make yourself as obvious a fit for the position as possible.
- Build up your professional social media presence. Today most recruiters use social media as a tool to research candidates with LinkedIn being the most prominent source. Remember to keep your LinkedIn information up-to-date and if you currently aren’t active on LinkedIn, start now! As a recent article on The Job Network points out, “Every person is a brand these days and that trend will continue to grow stronger in 2017.” The article offers great ways to include relevant social media links in your resume as well as a quick social media check/clean up to ensure you are increasing your visibility.
- Build your network and find a mentor. Whether you are looking for a job or not, building a solid network is one of the best things you can do for yourself professionally. And on top of a professional network, working with a mentor can also have added benefits that will help you through a job search. A recent Forbes article provides tips for both building a network and finding the right mentor.
Beginning a job search may feel daunting, but being prepared and knowing what to expect are the biggest part of a successful job search that will ensure you meet your career goals for 2017. We’d love to assist you with your job search and help you find the perfect job!
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