ESSENTIAL TOOLS JOB SEEKERS NEED TO KNOW
Searching for a new job is a ‘nerve-wracking’ experience.
In an overcrowded, hypercompetitive marketplace where competition for coveted jobs is getting fiercer and more intense, job seekers need to search smarter, not harder. Job seekers have to be more savvy and adept in locating new job opportunities. Traditional tactics like looking at newspapers for want-ads to find dream jobs are fast losing applicability. Leverage on leading-edge technology innovation to boost and increase chances of winning crucial interview invites. As a matter of fact, use new smartphone apps or old-fashioned methods and anything in between if any of these can help move your career forward.
When planning a career move or upgrading your ongoing jobsearch, consider these tools and apps. These can systematically boost your chances of success in finding your next opportunity.
1. Networking
According to a very recent “ABC News” (US) report, 80% of today’s jobs are landed through networking. Outplacement and alumni career services survey concur with the ABC News report – up to 65% to 85% of jobseekers found jobs through networking. This is extremely high indeed and all jobseekers must pay attention to and take heed of this platform. This group represents smart jobseekers. They fully understand that looking for and finding work require effort and work.
The majority of job vacancies is not advertised. This is the “hidden job market”. Smart jobseekers know how to find a way to get a foot in the door. They are fully aware that social networking, be it personal or online, yields far better results than spending hours and hours scanning job boards or newspaper want-ads.
To secure maximum benefits from networking, seriously consider:
· Attending networking events and meetups consisting of jobseekers, business owners, professional associations
· Utilizing rich network of former workmates, friends, relatives, neighbours, college chums
· Participating as an active member of your professional association, social and community clubs
· Maintaining contacts with employees of companies willing to pass on job vacancy information before the job is “officially posted”
Networking is simple but it’s not easy and it can be daunting especially for introverts.
Today’s and tomorrow’s economy is a social economy with collaboration and networking at its centre.
2. Referrals
Every jobseeker should know by now that the right connections at the right time can help you land a good job. Who you know and who knows you really matter. Surveys by career management support agencies have reported that the greatest number of external hires came from employee referrals. Professional accounting firms Ernest & Young and Deloitte, for example, reported that close to 50% of their external hires comes from employee referrals. More and more employers offer incentives to their sitting employees for referring successful candidates. Do your research and get in touch with employees in these companies. You may get an invite to an interview without applying for the job. It is a win-win situation – you get the job and your contact gets a finder’s fee.
Apart from employee referrals, others who can recommend and refer you to hiring professionals include your alma mater, professional associations, community clubs, government agencies, friends, relatives and even your Member of Parliament (MP). Don’t be intimidated. It’s OK to ask someone you know for a job referral.
3. Jobsearch Apps
Job searching has gone mobile. For the busy executive leading a hectic life with little or no time for job searching, don’t fret. You can search for your ideal job while on the go. Most jobsearch apps can be done with your mobile or tablet, though it can be somewhat cumbersome at times. Some advanced apps will match you with open jobs and this can certainly save you a lot of time. Surveys indicate that some 43% of jobseekers use apps on their mobile devices during their jobsearch.
Many apps are available for download for both iOS and Android devices such as JobsDB, Singapore Jobs Apps, Monster, Indeed, Glassdoor, Switch, Good.Co, and Simply Hired.
4. Active and Robust Social Media Presence
The internet is home to some 115 social media networks and employing organizations. Both MNCs and SMEs use these platforms, especially LinkedIn, as a go-to source to seek out talent. LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network of 433 million members across 200 countries. It has acquired more than one million members in Singapore alone – representing 20% of her 5 million population. LinkedIn is an active and robust social network where members share information.
Other robust networks such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Instagram are excellent for connecting with employers and recruiting people. Apart from having a profile (which resembles a resume) rich in content and media, you should also share newsworthy articles regularly to help build your online reputation, presence, and connectedness within your network.
5. Résumé Accessibility
Accessibility to the latest edition of your résumé anywhere is critical. Save and share your résumé document using iCloud, Google Cloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox and mobile devices. You never know when you will be asked for one. Be prepared always. It is recommended that you carry hard/printed copies of your résumé in your executive briefcase. Imagine the great first impression you can create when you are able to hand over a copy immediately when requested for during a networking meetup. However, you need to ensure that the confidentiality of your résumé is not compromised.
6. Business Cards.
Business cards are one of the earliest forms of networking tools used by the business community. This may seem old-fashioned but business cards, bearing information about the company and the individual office holder, are powerful and important communication tools. Make cards available in every situation. Be prepared to hand your contact your card at the start or end of the conversation.
In addition to the usual information you want to share, include an email address and links to any social media profiles, like your LinkedIn URL. You can share your card from your mobile using CardDrop.
7. Blog and Online Portfolio
Create and have your own blog or online portfolio to showcase your talent, expertise, experience, contributions, and achievements. If your blog or online portfolio is smartly and creatively designed and professionally managed, it can certainly make you stand out and get noticed by employers and recruiters. You can access easy-to-use tools such as WordPress, Blogger, Wix and Weebly to create a professional blog.
8. Effective Email Signature
First great impressions count and your email signature is no different. Your email signature is possibly one of the most important branding tools you've not taken advantage of. With more than five billion emails sent daily, you need to put in effort to ensure your email signature stand out from the crowd. An effective email signature must include your name, role, business name, and educational qualifications, and best contact details. Use small, non-distracting images or logos and subtle highlights to make them stand out. Promote your social network pages as well.
9. Company Websites
Career sections of company websites are among the best sources where you can finding targeted job listings especially if you know the dream organizations you are interested in working for. You can go directly to the source, search and apply for job positions online without going through a third party. Success rate in securing a job via this tool is far greater.
While you are at the company’s website, you should also check out the “About Us” section where you can find details about the company’s history, financial standing, products and services, HR policy and work culture. Such background information is extremely useful leading up to the job interview. Employers ranging from MNCs, SMEs, government agencies, universities and colleges to non-profit organizations post job listings on their websites.
10. Temping or Internships
Temping or internships can help you with your long-term career goals. Such temporary roles can lead to permanent positions as long as you show up with the right attitude and play your cards right. If you are without work, finding a temping position or unpaid internship with a great organization is a great way to get your foot in the door. If not or if you are not upbeat about working for that organization, you will be poised for a great reference elsewhere. You can gain real work experience and a chance to see a company for its good and bad. Volunteering is also another great method for gaining much-needed, valuable experience and industry contacts.
As jobseekers, eager to find the best job opportunities, you often need to use a combination of tools including traditional ones such as job boards, newspaper and journal want-ads, job fairs and recruiting agencies. Each of these has its own strengths and weaknesses and you have nothing to lose by experimenting with some of them. Always bear in mind that in the midst of a very challenging jobsearch environment, first impressions count. You only have one chance to make a great first impression. Don’t blow it. Stand out from the crowd. Have the confidence to be unique, different and the strength to let your individual personality shine.
Article by Lim Larry, M Phil (Management), Chief Executive, Co-Founder and Consulting Principal of Successful Resumes Singapore Pte Ltd and Career Management Institute. He is an avid writer, blogger and conference/seminar speaker. Keep up with the latest resume and branding profile writing, and jobsearch trends and social networking strategies by connecting with and following Larry on Facebook, Linkedin, and Blogger.
Successful Resumes Singapore Pte Ltd and Career Management Institute
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