The Evolving Job Search

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Evolve GraphicThe process of how we find a job has changed drastically over the last 10 to 15 years as there’s been a significant shift from paper to digital information. Job seekers no longer study the newspaper in the hopes of finding a job description that suits them, instead they will browse job ads digitally and submit their CVs online. The same can be said for recruiters; software filters out applicants in an initial wave by keyword scanning a resume without a real human being ever having had a look at it. Linkedin has lots more useful information on exactly how the job market has changed and what the consequences are.

Online applications – tailor your CV to fit

The digital age has truly taken over and online applications have become the norm. It’s convenient because you save time and money when submitting an application. You must however, avoid falling into the trap of just copying and pasting your CV and sending it off to as many companies as possible just because it’s easy and fast. Recruiters will notice when a CV hasn’t been written for their specific job ad and they’ll simply filter you out. Software such as HR Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) has even made it possible to automate this filtering process, so it’s important that you follow the recommendations of healthcare recruitment specialists, YourWorldHealthcare who recommend having multiple copies of your CV tailored to individual sectors.

Have your online profiles up-to-date

The job search changed with the internet having become our go-to source for information of any kind. Forbes identified 10 ways in which the job search has changed, highlighting the importance of keeping public profiles, such as Google plus or LinkedIn, up-to-date. That way possible future employers can find you based on the skills you’ve advertised on your profiles. LinkedIn also allows you to display endorsements from previous employers, which can make a great impression on a talent recruiter.

Networking

It’s not just job hunting that has changed over the last 20 years, the way that we connect with people is also different. In today’s day and age you can contact people on the other side of the planet with the click of a button. It makes it easy to find friends of friends who have the power to help you get the job you’re looking for. By reaching out to people via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a job.

Be tech-savvy

People who refuse to familiarize themselves with the digital world are going to struggle in today’s job market. Most companies expect their employees to understand how social media and emails work without having to talk them through it. For most office jobs you’re expected to be familiar with the technology used in everyday office life.

Work with recruiters

Loads of companies outsource finding suitable candidates for a position to recruitment agencies. Contact a reputable agency and let them find jobs for you. It’s important however that you understand what the company is all about before applying for a job the agency might suggest to you – this is one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make, according to Willy Franzen, founder of OneDayOneJob.com.

For the best possible chances of finding employment you need to go with the times. Paper has become largely obsolete and most of the job searching process now takes place online. However, once you have managed to secure an interview, some of the old rules still apply: be polite, be prepared and dress appropriately.

By Stephen Barnes