Job Searching in Today’s Economy The New Normal

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 40 percent of all U.S. workers are now employed as either Contractors or part-time employees. At a time where there are fewer full-time, permanent positions available, job seekers should clearly understand how to market themselves effectively in order to secure a stable position. Whether you are employed, unemployed or underemployed, looking for your next career opportunity in a shifting economy can leave you feeling overwhelmed. In order to be successful and competitive in today’s job market, you must understand how to utilize the technological process when searching for your next position.

Consider the following tips……

Job Boards: Finding a job may seem like a job in and of itself, but the internet provides advantages for the job seeker to find employment. The traditional job search of circling newspaper ads have all but disappeared. On the other hand, the internet allows you to have access to an abundance of jobs at once. Conducting your job search online gives you the opportunity to send your resume to multiple employers. There are many employment websites like Careerbuilder, Monster, or Indeed that allow you to view and respond to job postings. When you set up an account with job search websites, you can post your resume, allowing it to be viewed by thousands of employers. You also have access to receive email alerts as soon as jobs are posted. This feature allows you to respond to jobs quicker than relying on traditional newspaper advertisements. In addition, most job boards provide valuable information about interview skills and resume advice. With job boards, you can search for a position by skills, salary, tasks, location and target your search according to your personalized needs.

Applicant Tracking Systems: An Applicant Tracking System is a software application designed to help an organization recruit employees more efficiently. The days of walking into an organization without invitation and dropping off your resume is obsolete. For the last several years, applicant tracking systems have become the new “filing system” for the unsolicited resume. When applying for positions online, what most job seekers fail to realize is that applicant tracking systems are geared towards key word searches. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly read job descriptions and structure your application to gain the highest advantage when your resume is viewed electronically. As applicant tracking systems are becoming more of a first line of defense for organizations, this is a critical opportunity to disclose all of your relevant skills when presenting your qualifications online. Do not expect someone to read between the lines of your application and give you credit for skills that are not specifically mentioned.

Networking and Social Media: Social media and online networking are a great resource for anyone to access information about an individual or organization. Utilizing a Google search provides in-depth information about an organization’s culture, as well as its employees. Sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter are popular networking platforms that allow you to create an online profile to connect with more professionals directly. Blogs are also a common way to gain information and keep up-to-date about your career or industry of interest. Personal networking can still be an effective way to gain employment, but online networking provides an opportunity to place your personal brand on display.

Alternatively, online networking can be a double-edged sword. Employers are increasing the use of social networking sites to attract and recruit candidates and to accept applications for employment. While access may open doors, it is not uncommon for a prospective employer to seek out information on a potential employee. More organizations are turning to web searches to evaluate job candidates prior to an interview. Therefore, jobseekers must remember that what they do and say online are always reflected in a positive way.

The responsibility rests with the candidate to clean up their profile and use online networking responsibly. It is up to you to create and maintain social media profiles that corroborate the skills and experience stated on your resume. A professional online identity can result in career success. However, photos in bad taste, poor language, and grammatical errors can leave your chances of being contacted for an interview highly unlikely. In the end, job seekers should think strategically about presenting their skills and expertise online and building a strong network. When you learn to market yourself online, you are more likely to succeed in this new economy.