If you have recently joined the ranks of the unemployed, you've probably noticed that the way people find jobs these days is completely different from the way you found your last job. Even just 5 years ago, most employers didn't use social networking when trying to find new talent and no one cared about what you wrote on MySpace.
Today, it's a completely different experience. Many jobs are being found through social networks and your Facebook is sometimes used to determine what sort of employee you'll be. Cover letters are still important but resumes are used more as a marketing tool than a record of your professional career. It doesn't matter what type of job you are looking for, these days even those looking for entry-level work need to bring their best to the job search.
If you are just starting your job search, here are 5 things you should do first.
- Build a network - If you have only been using social networking sites to keep in touch with your friends and family, it's time to change all of that. Either create new accounts or clean up the one you have. Start adding work colleagues and anyone you know. Build a strong professional network and get involved in professional discussions on networking sites like Linkedin and Twitter. Let people know that you are looking for a job and tell them what you're good at. All it takes is one person who can give you information about a job opening or who can even give you a recommendation. To increase your odds, take your networking offline as well. Look for networking opportunities in your area and be sure to bring business cards that have your contact information.
- Get strategic - Think about what sort of job you want, then make a list of the companies you most want to work for. Concentrate on creating contacts at that company and stay up-to-date with any new job openings. When you apply for jobs, make sure you have a great cover letter customized to that company. You want to make it clear that you want that job, not just any job.
- Use the internet wisely - Visit the websites of the companies you want to target. Keep searching for openings in your field. In addition, you need to be sure that your internet presence is professional and presents the best image of you. Trust me, employers will do a Google search on you and you don't want them to see the pictures of you at a party having too much to drink or see the drama you had with a co-worker last year. Search yourself and read all of the results. Make sure it's what you want a future employer to see.
- Create a brand - If you haven't thought about it, creating a personal brand is one of the best ways to get your message across. There are millions of articles and books that can help you create your own. Personal branding is all about presenting a clear, concise message with everything you do. A quick idea is to use a tiny bit of color in the header of your resume and cover letter. At the interview wear a splash of the same color.
- Don't give up - Be patient. I know how hard it is, but stress and worry aren't going to help you keep the frame of mind that you need to find the best job. Years ago, it took only a couple of weeks to find a new job, but these days, the market is tough. Right now, it takes an average of three to six months to find a job, so use that time to find the job that's right for you.
What other advice would you give someone who is just entering the job market? How have things changed over the past 5-10 years? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for BusinessWorkForceBlog and Nexxt. Along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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