With nearly 11 million Americans unemployed, it is important to set yourself apart from the competition and take a fresh look at your job search strategy.
First time impressions are everywhere. With 90% of employers using social media in their hiring process, your social media content will form a potential employer’s first impression of you before they’ve even communicated with you. Take the time to job-proof your social media profiles. Make sure that posts pertaining to your personal life remain personal and are not able to be viewed by the general public.
Network with your peers. Mention to friends and acquaintances that you’re currently looking for a new job. Don’t be afraid to ask if they’ve heard of any openings or if they can connect you with someone that may be able to help with your search. Join a local professional networking group. Meetup.com is a great place to find upcoming networking events.
Hire a career coach. A career coach can help you find the career that is right for you, that will make you happy. The right career coach will teach you how to utilize various job search engines, help you perfect your resume and cover letter, help build your self-esteem and much more.
Be honest and realistic with what you have to offer to a new employer. It may be tempting to apply for a more challenging role, but make sure you have the skills and commitment it takes to succeed in such a role.
Looking for a job can be a challenge and frustrating. By taking the above tips into account you can position yourself for success in this competitive job market.