5 Best Practices For Job Seekers
Updated: Apr 20, 2022
I often teach my clients about good habits and practices to help supercharge their job hunt. The world we live in today is so digitally entwined with everyday life, it's important to keep up to date with new technology, social media platforms and techniques so that you don't get left behind. I've compiled a list of 5 best practices that job seekers can use to supercharge their job hunt.
1. Become a LinkedIn Guru! LinkedIn currently has over 610 million members with 303 million active monthly users, 40% of which visit the site daily. 90 million senior-level influencers and 63 million decision-makers use LinkedIn. (Sources: LinkedIn, Statista). If you're a job seeker, it's imperative for you to have an optimised profile, understand how the social media platform works and use it to network, apply for jobs and build a personal brand.
2. Don't put all your eggs in one basket...
Applying for 1 job at a time and putting all your faith in 1 company/recruiter is crazy. Once you've decided on what direction and kind of positions you want to achieve, make a plan! I suggest using LinkedIn and other large job boards to search for matching open positions. Tailor your CV slightly for each application - remember it's the best fit that secures the interview. Apply for 5-10 jobs daily and make sure you use an ATS friendly format CV.
3. Use Your Network! Use LinkedIn, Facebook and any other social media platform you're using to get the word out that you are actively seeking a job. I don't suggest posting on the wall or inserting into your title or status that you are seeking employment... Believe it or not, there is a biased towards the unemployed so use the (recruiter settings on LinkedIn to share your preferences with recruiters) and direct message your updated CV to friends and colleagues in your network. Ask them if they know of any vacancies inside of their companies and if they could they refer your profile/CV to HR...
4. Engage with content! Make sure you are following / connected to professionals who work at your target companies. When someone in your 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree network posts something relevant to your expertise, engage with insightful comments and drive traffic to your profile. If your profile is optimised, you will convert that visitor into a follower / connection.
5. Become an Influencer Post regular content onto LinkedIn that is relevant to what you want to become. You want to be known as the "go-to person" in your industry for your particular expertise. If it's ITIL, post about new IT technologies and answer complex IT questions. If it's Sales, share your knowledge of sales and teach people how they can drive profitability. When someone in your network hears about an opportunity or maybe they're the decision-maker - they'll come to you because you're known as the go-to person.
Lee Woodrow is a CV & LinkedIn Optimisation Specialist and helps contractors, senior job seekers & small business owners to land interviews and opportunities fast. He is an ex-military instructor, has 14 years of corporate experience, understands advanced sales techniques and is an Accredited CV Writer.
