Do you feel like the past few years have changed the world, the workforce, and every aspect of the job search? JEVS Career Strategies’ senior career counselor Jackie Savoy shares her expert opinion about strategizing your job search over the next few months.
Tailor your resume to the job
Job opportunities open to the public are primarily advertised online, and big job search engines like Indeed or Glassdoor use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. The reality is your resume won’t get through the ATS and in front of a recruiter if you don’t include keywords that relate to the specific position. O*NET OnLine is a great tool with detailed job descriptions and industry information that can help you create a tailored resume. Additionally, JobScan allows you to compare your resume to the desired job description to see if you are a match.
Market yourself
An ATS-compatible resume is the foundation of your job search. Once that’s out of the way, what’s the next step? Google yourself. This is likely the first thing the hiring manager will do when your resume lands on their desk, and how you behave in virtual spaces plays a role in how you are perceived generally.
Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to have control of your online image. Flesh out your LinkedIn profile with a high-quality professional photograph, comprehensive work history, and relevant industry connections. Remaining active on LinkedIn will help you expand your network and increases the likelihood that you’ll be found by recruiters. A career counselor at JEVS Career Strategies can help you represent yourself, your unique work experiences, and strategize how to communicate if COVID-19 impacted your career.
It is not what you know, it is who knows you
No one can hire you if they don’t know you exist. A strong professional online presence is vital to finding a job, but it isn’t enough if that is your only strategy to get noticed.
Yes, you still need to network for inside information and advice so you are the most competitive version of yourself. This may seem counterintuitive given the restrictions on social interaction. Start by making a list of companies you would like to work for, recruiters you want to contact, and professionals in your desired field who might be able to give you guidance.
Social media is the perfect way to expand your network from a safe distance. Consider asking a professional contact for a virtual coffee break on Zoom to maintain the relationship and ensure you’re the first person they think of when they hear of a new opportunity.
Virtual Interviewing is just as important as in-person
Everyday life has widely adapted to a more virtual environment with virtual meeting platforms like Zoom or GoToMeeting. It’s crucial to become comfortable with video conferencing as these platforms are the gold standard for remote collaboration.
Fortunately, the best practices for acing a remote interview are largely the same in a video conference setting. Prepare thoroughly for your virtual interview as you would an in-person interview by researching the company, its mission, and how you would help them reach their goals. Practicing the best answers to common interview questions will set you up for success.
If you’ve read these tips and are still looking for guidance, schedule an appointment with a Career Strategies Career Counselor to design a personal job search action plan. Our counselors are here for you to help make a difficult situation productive and meaningful.
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Posted in Blog JEVS Program: Career Strategies