If you are in the thick of a job search, it is easy to become discouraged. However, it does not have to be that way. At this time, when the use of social media and networking are at their peak, there are a few things you can do to maximize your job search immediately.
To Maximize Your Job Search Potential:
Network, Network, Network
This is the number one thing to focus on in your job search. Hiring managers seek referrals from those they trust. They ask their own network to identify anyone who would be perfect for the position they need to fill. Therefore, they often have someone in mind before the job is even posted. Thus, networking is your opportunity to be recommended to hiring managers as someone who would be perfect for a position. It is the way to stand out in a pool of candidates. It is about who you know and who your references are that will get you a leg up in your job search.
Clarify Your Expertise and Skills
Make sure your expertise and skills align with the type of job you want. Often, in order to avoid being typecast into a specific position, it is tempting to highlight your wide range of skills and knowledge. Unfortunately, this can backfire because, when looking at your resume or LinkedIn profile, it is difficult for hiring managers to place you or see that you fit for a specific position. Therefore, you want to be really clear that your expertise and skills show you are qualified for the job you want. Your versatility, which organizations value in their employees, can be highlighted on your resume and LinkedIn profile, but you want to ensure that you are clearly a specialist in the position you are targeting.
Make Sure Your Social Media is On Point
With more and more hiring managers using social media to screen their candidates, it is critical that your social media profile–even your personal profiles–are upstanding and professional. Your professional LinkedIn profile should illustrate your personal brand. Take the time to share and/or comment on articles frequently. You want to show that you are actively seeking new ideas and demonstrate your values and professional goals through your shares and comments.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Allow yourself to seek out jobs that are outside of what you know. Avoid typecasting yourself as well. You know better than anyone else what your skills are and what you can do. Therefore, research paths that are outside of your comfort zone. What is the worst that can happen? You gain valuable feedback and experience that will make you more resilient and build your interview skills.