STAND OUT IN YOUR JOB SEARCH!

You have started your job search…you apply and apply – and you are gaining no traction. LinkedIn job posts note how many people apply for a role. And you can see that hundreds are applying to a single job. As Einstein says, “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different outcomes is the definition of insanity.” It is time to do a few things to stand apart in your job search. Understand what you truly can offer a company, tailor your resume and approach for each role, and use your creativity.

Think about some of the following strategies:?

1.???? What can you do – what makes you different – what makes you unique?

o?? If you have been a project manager, can you also do business analyst work and in the reverse?

o?? If you have human resource experience, can you zero in on one of the specialties (i.e., learning and development, talent acquisition, etc.)?

2.???? Do your research

o?? Who is hiring? Which industries are healthy right now – healthcare? Education? Find companies that are interesting to you and connect with the hiring leaders in your field. Follow them – comment on their postings and articles!

3.???? CREATE YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

o?? Do something different. Create and post an introductory video on LinkedIn and pin it on your profile: let people know who you are – very few people promote themselves this way and it will indeed make you stand out. Remember Elle Woods did a video to promote herself – she may have gone a bit over the top, but the concept is the same! Be your authentic self and let employers know who you are. Be professional, clear, concise and explain what makes you different.

o?? Increase your visibility on social media – the one that makes sense for your career. If it is LinkedIn, make new connections – you can add one hundred people a week – get working and start connecting. Connect with people who work at companies you want to work at and send messages and connect.

1. Customize your Resume and Cover letter As recruiters, during busy times we spend 15-30 seconds reviewing resumes to see if there are specific attributes highlighted in a resume. During slow times, we receive an abundance of resumes because of the bloated candidate supply. Modify your resume for the roles you are seeking this could be company experience, specific skills – technical, corporate, or consulting, or years of experience. Make sure to read the job specifications and highlight your resume applicably. Show Quantifiable Achievements: If you are in sales – show your quota, the revenue you generated, the industries you sold. If you are in a metrics-driven field, talk about your numbers!!? This is something that recruiters look at all the time – if someone highlights their numbers, and you do not – you will lose an opportunity!
2. Network Effectively: Join LinkedIn Groups: Join groups that are in the field: technology, sales, engineering. Become an expert in your field and make comments and offer insights in these groups. It is great to become engaged because it is a smaller group of people where you can stand out!
3. Get Certifications and Continue learning:

o?? Get certifications:? Whatever your field – there are certifications – from HR to Technology – those certs show dedication to your field, and your ability to achieve.

o?? Take classes on LinkedIn:? Every time you finish a class, you have learned something, and you will get the LinkedIn certification that gives you purpose to post online and share! Again – you stand out!

1. Portfolio of Work: If applicable, create a portfolio highlighting your work, projects, or any relevant accomplishments.
2. Professional Website: Consider creating a professional website or online portfolio to display your resume, projects, and achievements.
3. You know you need to do this: Update your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete, up-to-date, and reflects your personal brand. Every time you finish a class, get a certification, update your profile to share your achievements

So – get online – record a video that is specific to you and let the hiring community who you are! Be present and get your next job! GOOD LUCK!!

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