Haven't Job Searched in 10+ Years? I've got u...

If you haven't job searched in over 10 years, things have changed drastically.

What used to work, simply doesn't work anymore. There are new techniques for finding jobs, new 'best practices' with resumes and interviewing, and new ways to stand out to get noticed.

Rather than you searching for all of this (or worse, attempting to job search and finding yourself getting ghosed or auto-rejected via email), I'm going to break all these changes down for you in this newsletter.

Here are 5 aspects of job searching that have changed in the past 10 years and how I suggest you approach them in this new digital age.

A tech-driven job search process:

Back then: Sure, online job boards and social media were around in 2014 but they weren't the main methods for applying and standing out as a job seeker. 10 years ago, you used to apply for a job on a company's website and it was pretty likely you'd hear back or be invited to interview. The company's website was the main source of info on that company so research was pretty simple.

Fast forward to today: online job boards make it easy to apply for a job. (online job boards include but aren't limited to LinkedIn, Zip Recruiter, Monster, Indeed, AngelList, FlexJobs, USAJobs). Zip Recruiter has "1 click apply" and LinkedIn has "easy apply" buttons. You can also scour social media for info about a company's culture, work life balance, office attire, mission statement, and overall online reputation.

I suggest: Make an account on one or a few of these job board sites. Complete your profile, upload your resume, and turn on email notifications. Figure out what matters to you in a job/company, and search these job boards and social media to do your research on open roles that align with your wants/needs. DON'T just use the easy 1-click apply buttons. ACTUALLY network with recruiters and hiring managers. Show them you care about this role by doing research and finding open positions you're at least 70% qualified for. Scrub your social media beacuse companies will look at it when reviewing your application. If you have pictures of you chugging beers in college, delete them.

More rigorous hiring processes:

Back then: You would submit an application and get an interview or two and then you were hired. It was quick, simple, and you had a good shot at getting a job. EVEN THOUGH in 2014 there were over 2 job seekers to every open job according to the bureau of labor statistics , (today it's more like 1.4 job seeker to every job), job searches took less time, companies hired faster, and the overall process was more simplistic.

Fast forward to today: Companies will run a background check on you, screen your resume using an applicant tracking system (ATS, a screening tool that compares your resume to the job description to see if you're qualified enough for a recruiter to look at your application), skills tests, personality assessments, aptitude tests, and video interviews. You need to be tech savvy and you need to know how to navigate these tools.

I suggest: doing some research on what employer background checks screen for, and how to make your resume ATS friendly. All these screening tools help ensure you'd fit in well with the company and the company would appreciate what you, as an individual, bring to the table.

Be well-informed about the job/company:

Back then: You could look at a company's website and that would give you enough information. The job description also gave you some insight about what you'd be doing in the role. That was really all there was, you didn't have to scour the internet for more information. But now there's so much more to know.

Fast forward to today: You can use AI tools like Perplexity to research about a company's mission and values. Perplexity is a free website where you can ask a question and it will give you a straight answer AND provide you sources for continuing your research. Here's their website , I use this tool almost every day for research, it's just better than Googling something. Try it, DM me and let me know how you like it. Here are three example prompts you can ask it: "I'm applying for a job at Apple, tell me their mission statement and values so I can see if it aligns with my own" and "I'm interviewing for a data analytics position next week, give me the top 10 interview questions I might be asked" and "What were the unemployment rates for project managers in the US in 2018?".

I suggest: researching a company for at least 2 hours before applying. Bonus points if you have any sort of project portfolio where the very first page has the company's logo on it and a short paragraph answering the question "what makes you a great fit for this role?". Here is an example of my project portfolio , take a look at the first page with the Google logo on it. When applying for jobs, I send in my resume, and cover letter, and this document. Here is a tutorial on how you can make a project portfolio for free and add it to your linkedin.

A more flexible job market:

Back then: The gig economy was growing in 2014 but it was a tiny part of the workforce. Estimates suggest gig/independent workers made up only 27% of the US workforce around 2016.

Fast forward to today: full time salary job still make up the majority, but now about 36% of workers are gig/independent roles. The gig economy has grown significantly in the last 10 years. The job market has become more flexible wtih a greater portion of temporary, contract, and freelance work.

I suggest: Considering gig work if you need more flexibility in your life. If you want to make your own schedule, get your own health insurance, and be your own boss, you can.

Networking and Online Presence:

Back then: it wasn't very popular to have an online presence as an individual job seeker. Not many people were prioritizing a strong personal brand online. It was more about "who you know" and networking in person. Companies really looked at your resume beacuse they wouldn't have been able to find much more information about you online.

Fast forward to today: Personal branding and a strong online presence have become crucial for job seekers. It's now seen as 'essential' to communicate your skills and talents through online platforms. You can do this on LinkedIn, I suggest following Diana Yuen Kei Chan if you want to learn how to market yourself. She's an EXPERT!

I suggest: Making a conscious and continuous effort to live 'outloud' on professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Sharing your skills, even hard life lessons you've learned, can make you stand out as a job seeker. I've been posting about my skills and experience every day on LinkedIn for almost 5 years and I have recruiters in my DMs asking if I'm open to roles they've posted. Here is some inspiration if you're not sure what to post. Remember to use LinkedIn to build relationships also. Here's an article with some tips.

Some of you are job searching for the fist time in over a decade. You might be wondering "what should my resume look like?" or "how do I find great jobs?" or even "why haven't I heard back from a company I applied at?".

There are also ways you can leverage AI tools to assist you with all of this madness. Let me know how I can support you, my DMs are always open.

-Alli

For more helpful resources:

Join my community to get top career development insights from all angles. For more practical insight, join the tens of thousands who have taken my LinkedIn Learning Nano Courses: Nano Tips for Healthy Boundaries and Expectations at Work with Allison Peck and How to Create an Effective Relationship with Your Manager at Work.

I recently gave a TedX talk on Managing Gen Z at Work: you can watch the recording here.

If you enjoyed this article, consider subscribing to stay updated.

Don't miss out on following me on LinkedIn for career insights and advice in the workplace.

You can also catch my behind the scenes videos on Instagram . To explore more about my services and resources for both individuals and businesses, visit my website .

Check here to view my latest news article mentions and other useful resources!