Best Job Search Practices: Get Hired Faster with These 5 Tips
It’s 2022, and a lot has changed. For those job seekers re-entering the scene, you’ll likely notice differences in the job market since you last put out applications.
As a result of the Great Resignation, companies worldwide found themselves with vacant positions but no way to fill them. Simply put, there are more jobs available than there are job seekers. Remote work, flexible schedules, increased wages, unlimited PTO, and sign-on bonuses are being offered now more than ever to attract and retain employees.
Skilled candidates are in demand This leaves applicants with much stronger bargaining power during their search. For the first time in years, job seekers have an advantage. Hooray for you, right? While yes, candidates are in a great spot, maximizing your appeal will be critical in reaping the benefits of today’s candidate-focused labor market.
Despite the high demand for workers, it’s important to note that not all organizations will have this same approach to the shortage. Eventually, many of those who quit during the COVID-19 era will go back to work. Get ahead of the competition by employing these 5 best job search practices of 2022.
1. Establish Non-Negotiables
With big commitments like relationships or purchasing a home, you’ll likely have a good idea of your wants and needs prior to an agreement. This same concept should be applied as you begin your job search. Give thought to what is considered an absolute must in your next position. This could be salary requirements, health insurance, remote work, etc. Being flexible is helpful but be clear about what’s considered a deal breaker and what you can live with. This helps avoid wasting both your time and that of the employers.
2. Optimize Your Resume
First and foremost, you’ll want to be sure that your resume is up to date with no discrepancies in grammar or your timeline. For increased success, it’s vital you tailor your resume to the position you’re applying to. For those employers with large amounts of applicants, automated tracking systems (ATS) are a great tool used by hiring managers to identify prospective employees. Incorporate specific industry-related buzzwords when you can to increase your chances of passing the screening process.
3. Manage Your Brand and Online Presence
Today, everything we post online contributes to our digital impression as professionals. You are your brand. This is especially important for those applying to a remote position. With the decline in in-person interviews, social media has become a valuable resource in the screening process. And while an impressive personal brand can’t replace required knowledge, skill, or experience, it still provides employers with useful insight into a candidate’s professionalism and marketability.
4. Leverage Your Relationships
Remember the old saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know”? Well, we suggest taking this into consideration as you begin your job search. Though an online presence is paramount, building and maintaining relationships still hold significant value. Make sure to leverage your professional networks as their knowledge and connections serve as valuable resources during the process. Engaging with established professionals can open many doors if handled the right way. Should you have a specific job or company in mind, find common connections through networking sites like LinkedIn, and work your way up to an introduction.
5. Use the Expertise of Recruiters
If you’ve applied all of the above with less than satisfactory results, it may be time to turn to the pros. Recruiters can help you find jobs that are not advertised to the general public. There is a variety of recruiters that specialize in different industries so we urge you to do your research. For example, if you’re a healthcare worker, consider employing the services of a healthcare recruiter, rather than a non-specialized firm. Recruiters have the knowledge, experience, and connections to provide candidates with insider opportunities, landing job seekers a position that exceeds their expectations. Read more on how recruiters help with your job search here.
The Bottom Line
Deciding to re-enter the hiring scene can be an exciting yet daunting venture. And while the process of finding a job has changed in recent years, there are a handful of best job search practices you can use to your advantage.
Our passion at Glades Talent is to help people discover what’s next in their professional lives. Our recruiters understand that behind the resumes are people just like us, with needs, wants, and a genuine desire for success. Allow our team to guide you through today’s evolving job search by providing you with insight, strategy, and access to a powerful network. Speak with an expert today to discover more ways Glades Talent helps to achieve your career goals.
