Job search 101
No one needs to hear more about how bad the job situation is in today's economy. You can pick up any newspaper (if they are still in print) or read any reputable online resource to see that our economy is in a pinch and the ability to create jobs in America is greatly compromised. Knowing this, every job seeker, whether they are currently employed or not, needs to understand some of the basics of the job search in today's world versus yesterday.
Here are three essentials in today's job market:
1. Targeted resumes for each role or market being pursued
2. Presence on the major social network sites
3. Active networking schedule to complement your research
I'll talk about each of these to cover the essentials.
The resume is the key selling document that each job seeker has to convey what their value proposition is to a hiring manager. If you cannot fully explain what makes you valuable and desirable to a hiring manager, you are sunk. Even more so, just having one resume is not going to cut it in this world, especially if you have a track record of experience that you are trying to leverage in a new way.
Let me be direct: your resume needs to be targeted like a rifle shot to the role you are pursuing. Gone are the days when you could have one resume and blanket it around the job market. If you do not tailor your resume to each specific role you apply to, you will be looking for a MUCH longer time than you should.
Social networks are commonplace for college students and those in their early 30s. They can be a source of great discomfort and stress for those over the age of 40. The challenge is that you HAVE to be on networks such as LinkedIn in order to be fully competitive with all other job seekers in the market. Your LinkedIn profile should closely replicate your core resume and you should be making updates, either on status or in content on a regular basis to keep "ripples" going through your network. Over 90% of recruiters are using LinkedIn and if you are not there you will be passed over.
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