10 Things You Need To Know If You Are Job Hunting in 2018 -2019
If it has been a few years since the last time you went out job hunting, you need to know that things have changed. Sure, some of the old advice from 2000 definitely still applies today – such as , networking or cold calling. But like it or not,there is no way around it, you’ll need to brush up on the latest job search strategies if you want to land a role in 2018 – 2019
One particularly important new development you should know about: Using social media to stay connected, visible, and engaged in your network is critical to job search success today. And here are 10 more.
# 1 It will take 4 – 6 months if you want to earn $100K+
The new financial year is always a great time to look for a new job. But that doesn’t always mean success especially when you’re job searching for 2018 to 2019. It’s a lot different. Worst case, every $10K you wish to earn will mean an extra month of searching so expect that ahead of time.
Applying to dozens of jobs online is a huge time waster. Studies show only 3 percent of the applicants ever get called for an interview. If you’ve applied for hundreds of jobs online and gotten only a few calls, that’s why. You need a strategy and you need a plan. Don’t do what everyone else is doing if you want faster results.
# 2 It Will Go Faster Once You’ve Made a “Connection.”
Referrals are the fastest ticket to a new job. Over 80 percent of all jobs are gotten this way. But, what do you do if you don’t have a connection to facilitate this process? Learn, smarten up, network, or get professional help.
# 3 You Insist on Personalisation? So Do Employers!
Everyone expects to have choices, and the opportunity to tailor products and services to fit our needs. In fact, 99% of successful companies build brands that tell stories personalize their marketing just for us.
The same applies to job hunting. You must invest time personalising across your resume, cover letter, interview, voice message on your mobile, your business cards and even LinkedIn. The list goes on and on.
# 4 Hiring Has Become “Increasingly Social”
More and more employers are starting to realise that reactive recruitment is not the way to go. Increasingly, companies are spending time to build a network of potential candidates they can tap into when the right job comes along. And, the most switched on employers groom talent to get to know them – so they get to know you. Often, they use LinkedIn to contact you. But, there are other tools and channel.
Other common ways of engaging with future talent are via newsletters, social media pages, apps, and blogs. Followers are often first to know when new opportunities come up.
# 5 Don’t Underestimate the Power of LinkedIn
LinkedIn has over 400 million users and is set to remain the most powerful professional social network of the future. Most hiring managers and recruiters still check out LinkedIn as their first port of call when they have new roles to fill, vetting candidates using keywords or specific qualifications tied to job requirements. Don’t miss the boat, get with it if you want the hiring professionals to find you.
# 6 Cross Checks and Employee Tests are Back
Get ready and expect tougher social media screening and personality tests.
Hiring Managers are fed up dealing with inflated or fake resumes and falsified credentials and increasingly take preventive measures to screen and check candidates.
Cross-checking a candidate’s LinkedIn profile against their resume and conducting social media checks across digital footprints – such as Twitter, blogs and even dating apps has become the standard protocol for recruiters and hiring managers who have to hire for top end positions.
“It’s crucial the details on your CV and your online profile are synced – because if they aren’t, you’ll appear untrustworthy,” Google yourself to see what your online footprint looks like and clean up if necessary.
# 7 You Only Get 90 seconds – Don’t Waste Them.
Research by US company Classes & Careers found that a third of all hiring managers make up their minds about a candidate within the first 90 seconds of an interview.
“The power of that first impression is trendier than ever; make sure you look the part at every step of the process, from your application documents to your personal online branding to your dress and appearance when you interview.”
Technology and more rigorous selection methods look set to be the key trends in 2018, so potential recruits need to be consistent in how they appear online, on paper, and in person.
# 8 Highlight These Skills
LinkedIn recently identified this list of the most promising jobs. So, if you want to make your pitch believable, check the skills that are required to succeed in those roles. Project and account management, communication, software development and coding languages such as Java, SQL and Python, sales, customer service and relationship management, design and product development, marketing, manufacturing, engineering, data analysis, machine learning and an ability to train others.
If you have these skills in your background, highlight them in your resume, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, or wherever you get the opportunity.
# 9 Proof That You Are Job Ready
No one likes wasting their time, so show that you are ‘Job Ready.’ How? Check out the list of abilities you need to showcase below to be as classed ‘job ready.’
Clear communication
Prospective employers need to see that you are confident in your own communication style and that you have the maturity to verbally communicate at a professional level, as well as in writing.
Professional presentation
The way professionals present themselves to the business, both online and offline, will be key to identifying whether they will meet the expectations and culture of the business.
Time management
Time managements skills are best demonstrated by the ability to work part-time whilst committing to studies, attending sporting events, or even juggling with volunteering. Most of all, effective time management is clearly demonstrated when you turn up at the interview on time and actually come prepared.
Collaboration skills
Not everyone is a leader and that is okay. However, the need to work with others is imperative throughout your career so being able to demonstrate the ability to work in a team and collaborate is crucial.
# 10 Give Two – Before You ask One Back
Hiring professionals are increasingly tired of dealing with candidates who show signs of the “entitlement syndrome”. So, be sure to demonstrate that you are honest with yourself, that you have taken time to self-analyse, and that you are not wasting their time.
Good Luck and always remember to hunt wisely!
Uli
