The Best Job Search Tips You Need to Know in 2019
Have you been searching for a new job this year? You’re not the only one. Half of U.S. employees are actively seeking a new opportunity. Without a doubt, the competition is fierce amongst job seekers to land their dream role.
With so many people looking for jobs, it’s important for you to know the best job search tips. Fortunately, as recruiters we have an inside scoop.
This advice is especially critical for people who’ve been at their company for a number of years. Job hunting strategies that worked five years ago may not be as effective or relevant today. To get the best results (and hopefully a new role), take a look at our most recommended job search tips:
Write your resume to pass an Applicant Tracking System
Most recruiting agencies and companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) during their hiring processes. You might not realize it at first, but when you apply to a job online, your job application often goes through what’s called an ATS.
An ATS scans resumes for keywords, skills and qualifications to shortlist the best-matched candidates for a job. This helps recruiters immensely in reviewing and finding the most qualified candidates to contact. For you, this means you must format and write your resume in a way that the ATS can “read”. This matters because ATSs eliminate more than half of candidates from the running.
While you might want to stand out with a unique resume, it’s ideal to use a standard resume format with a common font. Make sure you customize your resume to reflect the job you’re applying to—mention relevant skills and responsibilities that are listed in the job (bonus if these are listed in recent work experience). Following this strategy will likely help you and your resume pass the algorithm of an ATS, and be that much closer to landing your dream job!
Be prepared for varying types of job interviews
It’s 2019 and job interviews have evolved beyond the traditional face-to-face meeting. With better technology and apps today, you might be meeting your interviewer in person or, just as likely, online. Research shows that more than 60% of recruiters and hiring managers use video for interviews at one point or another.
Depending on the industry and role you’re applying for, there’s a chance you’ll have to complete an assignment before, during and/or after your interview in order to showcase your technical skills pertaining to the position. Knowing this, it’s in your favor to know the best practices for each type of interview.
Let’s take Skype interviews for example. To ensure you have a smooth experience where your interviewer can truly learn about you, make sure you have a strong internet connection. Suffering from a lagging or disconnecting Wi-Fi connection is something that can easily be prevented. Even though it’s an online interview, you still need to make a strong first impression. Wear a polished and professional outfit to feel and look like the right fit for the job—even if it’s just your face and upper body that’ll be seen.
Use social media as one of your sources to look for jobs
More recruiting agencies are actively using social media to advertise current openings these days. In fact, 94% of recruiters use, or plan to use, social media as part of their recruitment efforts! It’s worthwhile to use social media for professional purposes, especially if you’re already actively using the same platforms on a regular basis.
Search and follow the companies you’re interested in working for and keep tabs on their updates. Many companies and recruiting agencies share updates of new roles they need to fill. You can then get in touch with them by contacting the company or person directly to express your interest in the role. Here at Dunhill, we share content about the workforce and new job opportunities on all of our social accounts. Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date!
Stay in the know of your industry’s latest news and trends
Regardless of the field that you specialize in, you should prioritize staying on top of the latest news and trends within it. While employers love having hardworking people on their team, they also like to have employees who are informed about their industry’s latest developments. In job interviews, it’s not uncommon for employers to ask people how they stay up-to-date on industry news and happenings. Having something interesting to chat about is a great way to establish some rapport with your potential future employer.
One of the best ways to stay current is to learn more about your industry whenever you can. This means reading the news, magazines and blog articles. If you’re a more visual person, you can watch videos and documentaries. There are endless publishers that share content on specific niches like finance, engineering or marketing. Having deep knowledge about your industry will set you apart, and it is hopefully a topic you are interested in anyways! Not only will you know all of the ins-and-outs, you’ll be sure to impress your potential future boss.
Thank your interviewer
Some people may think this is an old school job search tip – but it still stands the test of time. Taking a few moments to send a simple and effective thank-you e-mail could make all the difference. Sending a warm and timely thank-you note can add a positive impression to an already positive meeting, according to this article by the Balanced Careers.
This small gesture shows interviewers how grateful you are for the chance to learn more about the company and the job. It’s also the perfect time to reiterate your interest and skills for the role. This follow-up message doesn’t have to be very long—keep it short and concise. Thank the interviewer for their time and explain why the company interested you and what makes you the right fit. This quick note will help you and your qualifications stand out in your interviewer’s eyes.
Follow these job search tips to find your dream job
We hope these job search tips can assist you in landing the job of your dreams! If you’d like more assistance with your job hunt, we’re here to help. At Dunhill, we help people find jobs in fields like engineering, accounting, marketing and administration. Browse through our current opportunities or contact us at jobs@dunhillstaff.com.
