Key Job Search Tips for 2020
✨Your dream job is waiting✨
If you’re not fresh out of school chances are things have changed since your last job search. A spell-checked resume is not going to cut it anymore, we are literally battling the bots. Whether you’re currently working full-time or unemployed your time is important. If you’re ready for something new let us help you hit the ground running. We’re breaking down the key considerations you need to successfully launch a job search in 2020.
Ilustración por Ana Gómez
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Like it or not LinkedIn is your online business card and mandatory In 2020. It’s a great resource for networking, job opportunities and skill learning for even the most introverted or social media shy. Make sure to take advantage of the following free features and invest in a paid plan.
Open to Opportunities
Utilize this function to be found by recruiters searching for talent. This is a no-fail way to generate qualified leads, connect with humans and avoid wasting time on online applications.
Skills
No need to duplicate your resume but add key responsibilities under your titles and utilize the “Skills” section to help you stand out during recruiter searches. This also helps you see how you measure up against the job description and other applicants if you are a paid subscriber.
Powerful Professional Summary
Recruiters are likely to look at your LinkedIn profile before anything else. Be sure to have the most updated, accurate information, a clear photo and professional summary. Don’t leave this blank, it’s valuable real estate.
2. Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
Yes, we are battling the bots! The last few years have changed the way recruiters are conducting searches and managing applicants. There are hundreds of ATS systems available. Stats show 90% of large companies are using them. Applicant Tracking Systems or ATS weed out poor matching online resume submissions. Today, you simply can’t send out the same resume to every job. You need to prove you’re a match on paper and that involves fine tuning your resumes keywords. You also need to be mindful of fonts, images and graphics you think look cool and even the format you save the file in. A great resource for checking how well your resume matches against the job you’re applying for is Jobscan.
3. Bye, Bye, Ego, Hello New Job!
Companies can receive hundreds of online applications per day for a single role. You can’t afford to be shy! Here’s how to stand out among the crowd:
Use your network
Look at companies you’re interested in and see if you have any connections there on LinkedIn. Kindly request your connection send your resume along. Be sure to include the job title, recruiter who posted the role and job ID if applicable to make it as easy as possible for them to get your resume in front of an actual person.
Request an informational interview
with a recruiter at your dream company. You’d be surprised how receptive hiring managers and in-house recruiters are to these requests.
Plant the seed
If you’re currently unemployed, don’t be afraid to post what you’re looking for on LinkedIn. Many jobs get filled by referrals from a current employees recommendation. Your network will be happy to help.
4. Back to Basics
Clean up your resume. Be concise, list major achievements
Add key value-based metrics, such as:
Revenue generated
Time saved
Customer satisfaction or retention changes
Improved operational efficiency
Consider a summary of qualifications
If you’ve worked at a start-up wearing multiple hats or are an entrepreneur adding this section can be especially helpful. It’s an opportunity to showcase your high-level qualifications and customize them for the role you’re applying to if it’s more of a specialist role than you’ve had in the past.
Examples:
Effective communicator and problem solver who enjoys collaborating with engineering and creative teams
Startup veteran, resourceful and skilled in establishing sales, marketing operations and client services processes
Consider a technical skills section
Chances are you have unique skills that you don’t want to get lost in your resume. To make sure they are eye catching and show the job poster that you can fill their needs, try including a technical skills section. Showcase your design tools, programs, operating systems and anything else that makes you uniquely qualified for the job. This is also a great way to score higher on an ATS test.