Experts: 6 Ways To Streamline Your Job Search Process
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Heather Taylor
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As ongoing layoffs continue to make headline news, former employees are working hard to streamline the job search process. For some, this may mean seeking out opportunities in their industry. Others may consider a layoff to be an opportunity to pivot to a different career.
No matter which option you choose, you want to make sure the next role, and company, you move to is the right fit for your skill set and career path. Follow these tips for streamlining your job search process.
Create a Professional Resume and Website
If you haven’t already done it, now is the time to build or rewrite your resume and create a website. Try to avoid using only keywords or sharing vague explanations about your experience. These spaces should be used to emphasize your skills and the results you’ve achieved in using them, said Ximena Hartsock, co-founder of BuildWithin.
When possible, Hartsock recommends giving tangible examples of what you do in your resume and website. It’s not enough for candidates to state they’re a “software developer” or lean on their former employer’s name to land their next job.
“Ask and answer, ‘What have you developed and why? What was the financial impact of these products for your employer or for its customers?'” Hartsock said. “Make it easy for employers to identify what you can do and why it’s valuable.”
Write an Optimistic LinkedIn Announcement
Many employees impacted by layoffs are taking to LinkedIn, and other social media platforms like TikTok, to post about it. The majority of these posts, as reported by BBC Worklife, are positive and “epic” in length and description. Many employees thank their previous employer for the experience, shout out great former coworkers and wrap up the post by announcing they are now open for work and new job opportunities.
Writing a post on LinkedIn is an effective way to get in front of a wide audience including recruiters, said Jasmine Cheng, founder and recruiter at Topknack. Just be careful to avoid writing anything that badmouths the business. Cheng recommends writing a LinkedIn post in an optimistic tone that shows appreciation.
Hartsock also said it’s OK to post on social media as long as you refrain from any bitter sentiments. “Take the first paragraph of a LinkedIn post, the part everyone sees in their feed, to highlight yourself. Funny, clever, positive posts get more of the right attention than diatribes against former employers.”
Reach Out to Recruiters and/or Hiring Managers
To streamline a job search, Cheng recommends applying online or getting an employee referral. Then, reach out to the recruiter to make yourself known.
“This is simple but is the most effective way because you know these companies are actively hiring,” Cheng said. “Reaching out to the recruiter will make you stand out from the crowd.”
What if there isn’t a recruiter to approach during your job search? Cheng said candidates can search to find the hiring manager for the position. As you conduct your outreach, offer the hiring manager an idea that will help them.
“This shows them you have something to offer and will instantly make them remember you,” Cheng said.
Regularly Network
While it helps to announce on LinkedIn that you’re looking for new job opportunities or tag your profile photo with LinkedIn’s Open To Work feature, you’ll still need to network on a regular basis.
Make it a goal to connect with at least five people in your network, said Theresa Balsiger, vice president of candidate relations at Carex Consulting Group. Depending on how quickly you want to land a new job, you might emphasize networking with these five people each week or each day. A few examples of individuals who might be able to put in a good word or introduce you to new connections may include prior colleagues, mentors, professors, friends and relatives.
Be Open to Apprenticeships
Those interested in changing careers may be considering working an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is a program where a company trains a skilled individual in one skill for a specific field. These programs are popular with those looking for new career opportunities and, as reported by CNBC, students as an alternative to attending a traditional four-year college.
If an apprenticeship is available for you, Hartsock recommends being open to this possibility and enabling your background to differentiate you from the crowd. “We all have transferable skills that can become the foundation for another great career,” Hartsock said.
Track Your Efforts
No matter how many roles you apply for, you’ll want to keep track of when and where you applied for jobs for your own personal records.
Balsiger recommends using an Excel spreadsheet. For each entry, put the date you applied for the job, the company name, the position title, contact names and any follow-up information to ensure you’re on the right track.
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