In a super competitive job world, prospective employees need everything to fall into place in order to get the position they want.
This includes having a stellar resume, being able to market oneself, and making sure your online activities are not sending out red flags to prospective employers.
That said today’s job hunting by potential employees and prospecting by employers is different than it was even a decade ago.
Much more is being done in the digital age, meaning both sides have to be cognizant of what is happening via the Internet.
So, are you marketing the best possible resumes you can for those looking to hire?
Job Hunting in an Online Age
In order for prospective employees to properly market themselves, these are some tips to keep in mind:
- Resumes – Don’t ever think that your resume does not make all that much of an impression on businesses. Yes, some employers page through a resume as quickly as they do junk mail. Others, meantime, look them over with a fine tooth comb. Since you don’t how each prospective employer will be, always pour time and effort into your resume and of course the cover letter. If you feel like your resume needs some help, don’t be afraid to work with a professional resume service. They can sit down and go over your resume from A to Z, seeing where there may be any glaring weaknesses and/or red flags to employers. In doing so, you will feel much better about sending off a polished resume, one that is sure to turn some heads;
- Skills – Your prospective job of course will determine what kind of skillset you will need. That said having online skills in 2016 and beyond is proving more and more important. Navigating your way around the Internet is important on a number of fronts, notably how you would deal with customers you service over the Internet through online transactions etc., being able to use social media to both promote your employer’s brand and engage customers, and seeing what the competition is doing online. Even though some businesses are not heavily engaged on the Internet, many more are, so coming to a potential job with little or no online skills is akin to saying you are not the person to hire;
- Profiles – Assuming you are active online, be sure to have an online profile that you are not embarrassed by. Examples of this would be your social media activities. Having questionable comments directed towards people (including former employers or co-workers) on your Facebook page, pictures of you drunk on your Instagram site, and links to groups or individuals on Twitter that may call your question into character all have the potential to gut your job prospects. Also make sure that your LinkedIn profile is always kept updated. Having a resume there that is several years outdated doesn’t say a lot about your organization skills. In today’s world, many more employers are looking at social media activities, so don’t be caught with your guard down;
- Engagement – Finally, there is a very good chance you will not get the first job you go after and/or the desired job you wanted. That said do not get discouraged. Use all the Internet has to offer to continue looking for the position you truly want. For example, spend time checking out the websites of any and all companies you might be interested in working with. Look to see what positions they may have open at this time. If there is nothing there that suits your fancy (notably your skillset), don’t hesitate to send them an online resume anyhow. You never know when a position may open up within their company that is best suited to your skills. Also follow them on their social media profiles. If you have the opportunity, engage with them on their social platforms. This can be a good way for you to get your foot in the door as far as being on their radar.
If marketing your resume online has proven to be an issue up to now, change that moving forward.