Job Hunting in 2018

New Year, New You?

So, 2018 is around the corner and you’re trying to find a new job. What are your options? Indeed? Workopolis? Update that resume from 4 years ago, add in a few new responsibilities (Because obviously you’ve leveled up your PowerPoint skills now:/) and click 'Send'. Right?

WRONG! That method of finding a new job might have worked 5-7 years go. But not today, that said if you do follow those steps and it works out for you…Congratulations! I’m happy for you!

But this blog post is not going to be about the usual way- with this post I’m hoping to give you a few new tips. So let’s get started!

1. Friends and Family- Speaking to your friends/family and letting them know that you are in the market for a new position, is probably the fastest and easiest method to land that new job. The goal here is to use the people you already know, because as much talk as there is about the importance of “networking” it isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do. And if you happen to be one of the introverts out there, “networking” can seem like a nightmare situation. But calling a friend or a family member, is an easier, less daunting approach and with possibly significantly better results.

2. LinkedIn- Most people create their LinkedIn profile, add a few connections and forget about their page. However, I recently had a client, who saw a posting on Indeed and then asked me if it was appropriate to message the recruiter on LinkedIn? I said “Yes, absolutely!” besides you have nothing to lose, really. My client messaged the recruiter and heard back in about an hour (P.S. he got the job after going through the interview process) My point here is feel free to reach out to recruiters on LinkedIn and I don’t mean sending 1 recruiter 5 messages and then getting upset over the fact that you haven’t heard back. You need to ensure 1) that you possess some or most of the required skills and qualifications 2) draft a professionally written, polite and error-free message 3) hit the send button. Yes, it can be nerve wrecking for some people to message a complete stranger, but it could mean your name is now at the top of the list of potential candidates. You would be surprised how receptive people are when you just email them or message them on LinkedIn.

3. A pro-tip here people (which you deserve if you’ve read this far down), befriend your recruiter!! Be nice, be very very nice! When you are first contacted for an interview, you will most likely be speaking with a recruiter, prior to meeting the hiring manager. The recruiter is the gatekeeper, if you make a good impression on him/her and have them in your corner, it could be that extra little push the hiring manager needs to pick you. I once had a client who was unsuccessful in his first interview with the hiring manager but was remembered by the recruiter for a different role.

4. If you’re in University/ College seek out the help of the career centre that you more than likely have FREE access to. This is how I found my first job out of university. A lot of organizations have agreements with various Universities whereby students are chosen prior to all other candidates.

5. Create a personalized website that details your career, shows off your personality and showcases your work. I have seen a few of these websites and I do recommend them to clients who have portfolios or vast amounts of experience that can't be fully elaborated upon in a resume. (PS we can help with creating your website)

Yes, it’s almost 2018, yes this is the digital age… the age of Animojis and CryptoKitties, a world where face to face contact is annoying and everyone prefers an email, text or whatsapp to a phone call.

But do you notice a trend with most of the points we have listed out? Human contact, in some way, shape or form is what is necessary. Reaching out and connecting to people is still the key.

Still hesitant? Try to remember that they’re just people just like you and me. Have questions? We can help- email us today.

#jobsearch #jobhunt #findingajob