5 Tips to Finding your Next Job

When you’re looking for your next job, it can be hard to know where to start. Not only do you have to consider what industry and what type of job you want, but also where in the country you want to work, how much money you want to make, and if you’re willing to relocate if necessary. Follow these five tips from the experts at [industry] Review to help increase your chances of finding your next job with little effort on your part.

1) Refresh Your Resume

If you’re changing industries or roles, it might be time for a new resume. If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may need to update your resume and portfolio with some new projects. When it comes to updating your resume, one size does not fit all; different jobs will require different information in order to appear qualified for that position. Also keep in mind that many hiring managers—particularly in more competitive fields—are likely looking at hundreds of resumes a week, so choose wisely when deciding what information will help and which is best left off.

2) Update Your Listings

If you’re like most job seekers, you have a resume on job boards and your personal website, but that might not be enough. It’s helpful to start by making sure those sites are updated with current information; add any additional skills or accomplishments that may help you stand out from other candidates. You also want to make sure your profiles are tailored to each position (if there are specific qualifications or qualities listed in a posting, for example). Remember: The more you can customize, the better! As you update these sites, it’s also a good idea to check out sites similar to LinkedIn and update those accounts as well. That way, when recruiters search LinkedIn for applicants with certain skill sets, they can find you immediately.

3) Research Related Companies

Before you can tailor your resume and cover letter, you need to do some research on related companies. How many employees does it have? What is its focus? This way, when you contact them and present yourself as a viable candidate, you’ll have plenty of ideas about how your skills could help them. Researching will also help increase your networking possibilities; with a couple of inroads already in place, it’s easier to find someone who can make a personal introduction for you if you haven’t met through an event or professional association.

4) Attend Events

Networking events (or mixers) can be a great way to meet like-minded people—and, potentially, future employers. Search job boards and networking sites for upcoming events in your area. You can even set up an informational interview or two with people who work at companies you admire; if you’re lucky, they may even have open positions that might fit well with your interests and experience. Plus, it’s a good idea to check out any career fairs hosted by companies you already work for—especially if they plan on attending them themselves.

5) Get Current with Technology

According to a 2016 CareerBuilder study, more than half of hiring managers (56 percent) plan to use social media in 2018 for recruiting purposes. Social media is a big part of how people connect today, and it’s easy for potential employers or employees to get in touch with each other. Additionally, many employers are using their LinkedIn pages as virtual job boards these days, even if they don’t post all open positions there. With so much digital interaction, it’s important that you have an up-to-date presence on all your social networks – start by cleaning up any embarrassing photos or questionable content! Employers want candidates who represent their company well and having out-of-date information gives off an unprofessional vibe.