According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker will hold ten different positions before they reach the age of forty. And that number is expected to grow in the coming years. Can you identify with that?
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Currently, you may be job hunting for a variety of reasons.
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Maybe you're looking for career advancement; you would prefer a better job than the one you currently hold.
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Maybe you're tired of the job you currently have; you would give anything to move away from a boss you don't like or a job site that's driving you crazy.
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Maybe you've recently lost a job, and you need employment to keep the bills paid on time.
But finding a new job takes time. Rarely do you walk into a location and find the perfect job from the moment you start the search.
The reality is there are dozens of people right in your community, vying for the same position. Statistics show that up to 71 percent of Americans are actively looking for a job or are open to moving to a new position. So what sets you apart? What makes you different? What gets the hiring manager to notice you above all the others they may potentially meet? These are important questions to ask especially if you want to find a new job quickly.
With today's technology, you can move through the process easier than ever. Yes, it takes work. Yes, it takes efficiency on your part. But the tools are no further than on your phone or your computer. Today's technology makes finding a new job easier than ever.
But there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Make Job Boards Your Friend
If finding a new job quickly is important to you, make job boards your new best friend. Not just one. Or two. Create a list of the most beneficial job board sites for the position you are looking for.
No job board list would be complete without the biggest in the industry:
- CareerBuilder
- Indeed
Join The Break Community
- Job.com
- Monster
That's just to name a few. You can build your list of job boards quickly with a simple search in Google. A search with "job boards" will pull up the biggest. But don't forget to expand your search terms appropriately. Include your industry keywords to find relevant job boards for your industry. If you'd like a job in the restaurant industry, for example, a search "restaurant job boards" will provide you with information on finding the best places to find a job with your skill set and in your preferred field.
TIP: Discover over 1,000 job boards for every niche and state.
As you find job boards that are both relevant and practical, keep a list handy so you can check back frequently. Most job boards allow you to set up an account, add your preferences, and be notified by email or text when new positions are posted with your skill set in mind. Be sure to fill these out completely, expanding into skills and duties that meet your qualifications. This will allow you to jump at the best positions posted as quickly as possible.
As you find new boards, scroll through old postings. Be sure to check the dates, as postings remain on sites indefinitely. Wasting your time filling an application out for a job that was posted six months ago won't get you anywhere. Another great resource we recommend for checking out reviews of job sites is ConsumersAdvocate.org.
Build Your Profiles and Social Sites For An Unbeatable Resume
Your network is the key to moving quickly and getting ahead. Because technology allows us to move at warp speed, the more concrete your online network is, the more you can take advantage of the tools readily available to you.
Profiles are everything in the online world. Chances are you have a few social accounts set up, so which do you prefer? Do you have a LinkedIn account? Facebook? Instagram?
Remember, everything you put online is available for anyone to see. And many people on hiring teams use that as a way to choose the perfect person for the job. Imagine being in their shoes and think about who you would hire: the person with a complete resume or someone who doesn't even use a photograph in their profile? The person who posts about every party they attend, or the one who shares relevant content to living a balanced lifestyle? Your personal accounts are your own. Just remember that once they're online, the world can see them. It does impact the final decision.
You can also turn that around and use it to your advantage. Do you have a past boss that might give you a glowing review? A past employer that could help you move into a new company? With just a click of your finger, you can connect to a variety of people that can help you find the job you're looking for.
Don't be afraid to let friends and family know what you're searching for. They can give you a heads up if they hear of openings, or see notifications when they are attending to their daily commitments. Nothing makes a potential job easier to find than a message from an old friend that says, "my company announced a new position today, and I thought you'd be perfect for the job."
For your LinkedIn profile, make sure you fill it out completely. If you have relevant job experience, list it. Think regarding keywords, not just duties you held with your last position. Use a professional photograph, not one taken last weekend at the beach. Then ask for recommendations. If a friend or co-worker can give you positive feedback, it's a great way to add depth to your account.
Look for groups and communities that will put you in touch with people relevant to your search. Answer questions. Bring up relevant topics. Stay active to showcase your knowledge and your ambition.
Work To Keep Everything Current
Imagine the perfect job is right in front of you. You're face to face with the person that will make the hiring decision. Yet you have a big problem: your resume hasn't been updated in two years.
The average person will have as many as ten positions before they reach the age of forty. That equates to a job change every couple of years. The time for updating your resume isn't when an opportunity is right in front of you; instead, it's something that should occur on a regular basis.
A few weeks after a position change, head to LinkedIn and add your new job. Link with the company, update your job title. Then add relevant data for the job that you perform each day. Remember to focus in on keywords. As you learn and grow, continue to update on an as needed basis. Transfer this job to other relevant profiles, including your resume, Facebook, and any other platforms you may use on a regular basis. It's easy to talk about things you do every day; it's more difficult remembering the details weeks or even months after.
An updated resume and profile means you're ready when the next opportunity comes your way. And because statistics show that's every couple of years, when you do find a great lead, you can move quickly through each phase.
The faster you move, the better your chance of being noticed at the front of the line. And when it comes to finding the perfect position that puts your skills into play, gives you an advancement in career title, and offers more pay, that's a pretty exciting place to be.
Seeking help to begin crafting your resume? We've analyzed the top online resume-writing services and provided recommendations.
Author Bio : Paul Langdon is the Job Connection Program Manager. Langdon joined Goodwill Industries in 2013 and has worked tirelessly in the employment program to help people find work.
