10.06.20
By Shannon Moore
There is no question about it – looking for a job is a job in and of itself. Searching for and finding a job is a serious, time-consuming affair that requires effort.
Rather than focusing on factors that you have zero control over, like the job market, the economy, and unemployment rates, take action on what you do have control over.
The more effort you put into your job search, the more opportunities will present themselves. Responding to publicly listed job ads is just the beginning. Research shows that as much as 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections. Opening up your job search to include some serious professional and social networking could up your chances of landing a job.
Before submitting your information and credentials to the hiring company, take the time to research them. Uncover a unique company attribute or a success story that you can include in your initial outreach. In doing so, you demonstrate to the employer that you have taken the time to learn about the company.
You should also review the job description and customize your resume to highlight any experience and skills that you have that relate to the job description. Another great personalization tip is to state the hiring manager’s name (if you know it) in your cover letter or introduction.
Edit and update all of your credentials (resume, cover letter, references list, LinkedIn profile) regularly. By doing so, you’re preparing yourself to act quickly and professionally if and when an opportunity presents itself.
It is not uncommon for employers to review social media profiles for potential hires. With that said, if you don’t want employers to see what you have posted, button up your social media privacy settings, and remove inappropriate or unsuitable content.
As a professional, it’s good practice to never post anything on social media that could negatively affect your life or your future life – a digital footprint lasts forever, and it can damage your reputation if you’re not careful.
Maximize your time and target opportunities that are of interest to you and that you qualify for.
Although it is hard to do, try to remain patient during your job search. The last thing you want to do is rush into an opportunity that is not right for you.
Shift your perspective to the factors and actions that you can control. This will allow you to move forward and be more productive with your job search. Most importantly, have patience, put in the effort, and never give up.
Check out our blog for even more tips related to networking and job hunting during COVID-19!
Visit our job board to view all of the latest event jobs that we are hiring for!
