What are the best tips for using job boards to find your next role?

I always tell clients that your resume is you when you're not there! Be sure you make it pointive, yet expensive in the choice of words used to define your skill sets. Also be sure to post your resume where you WANT to be. Oftentimes we shortchange our options thinking that we need to stick to employment we know. Remember, skills are transferable so you can broaden your horizons and look for opportunities in areas you want to expand your career into along with those that you have great expertise.

Your profile is the representation of your professional life. It can also broadcast what you want it to broadcast and highlight important parts of your career, when used wisely. The keywords you focus can be used to gain attention that you require for your job search endeavors, and you'll customize your keywords by researching the needs of the industry you're aiming for. Sell the value that you're bringing, and remember that you're doing that for yourself.

An updated online profile acts as your digital first impression. Use strategic keywords. List accomplishments. Share your journey. Your profile isn't just a list of past roles; it's your unique professional journey and shows the impact you can make.

Ensure your profile on the job board is complete and up-to-date, including a professional photo, a well-crafted headline, and a comprehensive summary highlighting your skills and experiences. Job boards often use algorithms to match candidates with job listings. Use keywords related to your desired role, skills, and industry to enhance your visibility. Don't limit yourself to one job board. Explore multiple job platforms that cater to your industry or job preferences to cast a wider net. Leverage your professional network to discover hidden job opportunities. Connect with industry peers and join relevant groups on job boards to stay informed. Keep track of the jobs you've applied for, deadlines, and follow-ups regarding the position.

Here are two actionable tips: 1. Tailor Your Profile: Customize your LinkedIn profile and resumes on job boards to align with the roles you're targeting. Use keywords and phrases from job descriptions in your industry to increase the chances of your profile being noticed by recruiters. 2. Set Up Alerts: Utilize job alerts on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. This ensures you're promptly informed about new openings in your field, allowing you to apply early and stand out. Remember, your online presence is your 24/7 digital handshake—make it count!

Bear in mind that job boards are a passive form of job search and are not the most effective job search strategy. That said insure you have a multi-faceted job search strategy as it is key in helping you secure a job that meets your criteria. Use your time on them wisely. Create and use job search widgets to notify you of postings that meet your search criteria.

Remember to look for specific keywords in the search bar. Traditionally, job boards only suggest jobs that have some inter-linkage to your profile. While it is important to update your profile, it is also crucial to venture out into the job board by looking for relevant keywords.

Imagine two applications for a Project Manager role: Candidate A simply states they're an 'experienced professional,' while Candidate B specifies being a 'Project Manager with 5 years in tech product launches.' Candidate B's résumé highlights 'Agile methodology' in their core competencies, echoing the job description, and lists 'SCRUM' in the skills section. Such customization directly aligns with the employer's needs, making Candidate B stand out. A tailored application showcases your attention to detail and positions you prominently amidst numerous applicants.

Be strategic when job hunting. Recruiters and hiring managers can quickly spot a generic application, which may imply a lack of genuine interest or effort. Whenever possible, tailor your application and outreach to demonstrate that you've taken the time to understand the company and role. With concrete examples of past achievements that mirror the potential employer's needs, you're effectively marketing yourself as a candidate and as a solution to their challenges.

It might almost be impossible to change your resume, every time you have to apply to a new role. Instead, having a couple of resumes tailored for your dream role could be helpful. Additionally, adding missing keywords from the job application can also help you in making a more ATS-Friendly resume.

The best person to follow up w is the hiring manager (the person you’ll report to when you land the job). The second best person (if you can’t find the hiring manager) is the Recruiter. To find the hiring manager, go to the company’s LinkedIn page, click ‘people’, & search for individuals whose job title is one level higher than the job posting (ex. if applying to a Marketing Specialist role, find the Marketing Manager). If it’s a big company, you may find multiple individuals with the same job title. Look at their profiles & make an educated guess based on their location. It’s also a good practice to check their recent posts to see if they’ve posted about the role.

Strike a balance between assertiveness and courtesy. A post-application thank you keeps your name in the recruiter's mind but you must be unique to stand out. Engage with company and leadership content to subtly show interest and industry knowledge. Every interaction is a chance to reinforce your personal brand and leave a positive impression.

Connecting with hiring managers after applying to a certain role can be crucial in helping you stand out from the crowd. Applying to 100s of roles without contacting recruiters from the firm may result in limited callbacks. Increase the chances of your resume getting noticed by contacting atleast 10 recruiters from the company that is hiring.

Don't just stick to one job board; Use multiple. There are a ton of opportunities out there but you could be limiting yourself by strictly sticking to one job board such as Indeed. If you find yourself not getting the results you are looking for in your job search, try other platforms or job boards. I also recommend applying directly on the company website if possible. Recruiters have to filter through those job boards in addition to their own ATS and this is not their primary means. Some companies may not have the budget to use specific platforms or may be limited in where they can post their opportunities. Get out there and engage with your network. The more people you have in your corner supporting you in your job search, the better.

A job seeker's biggest mistake is spending the majority of their time applying to jobs online. Concentrate more on making and strengthening connections. Save your online applications for only 20% of your job search time. 80% of your time should be spent connecting, gathering information, and asking questions. Remember that the key to getting good information for your search is to NOT ask for a job or if someone knows of any jobs. Concentrate on collecting insights, advice, and additional contacts. Your search will be more thorough, and you'll uncover much more than just applying online.

There are many open source job role collections on github that one could leverage. Many newsletters that are focused on specific job roles can also come in handy. Use application tracking apps like JotterWolf, to keep track of all the roles you've applied to in one place.

I would like to add this: Being active daily is important as it signals to recruiters that you are serious about your job search, it reflects in your profile as well. Set up job alerts, so you will not miss any relevant & important job openings. Consider applying to job openings in the morning for better response.

Be intentional in your job search. As hard as it is not to mass apply, it is valuable to target/apply to jobs that you are interested in, will allow you growth and aligns with your personal goals.

I'd like to add that there is no one-size fit all approach to job hunting. It is important to experiment but at the same time consistency and perseverance are key.

Keep a record of every place you have applied. Inadvertently applying to the same role repeatedly is a waste of your time. Meanwhile if an employer or recruiter phones you and you don't recall what job they're calling about, you'll sound unprofessional.