Stand Out in Your Job Search

The search for a new job is not easy. Hundreds, if not thousands of other qualified candidates are competing for the attention of recruiters and hiring managers in your field. This makes it imperative to find ways to stand out above the crowd. The most successful candidates are those who differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. Standing out in the sea of applicants is no small challenge, but with the right strategies, you can bring your resume to the top of a hiring manager’s pile.

Pay close attention to your social profiles

Unsurprisingly, social media has become the go-to tool for today’s recruiters. The majority of candidates have profiles on at least one major networking site, so it makes sense that hiring managers would research potential employees at those locations. You probably know to keep your social presence free of questionable content, but if you haven’t taken the time to actively enhance your profiles’ SEO for your job search, you might want to think about doing so now.

Keep your resume with you on the go

While mobile job applications may not be standard across the board yet, they are becoming more popular. In 2014, LinkedIn reported that 45 percent of active job seekers have used a mobile device to apply for a job, and that number has likely increased since then.

Be prepared for video interviews

Another emerging recruitment trend is the use of video applications and interviews. Today’s employers are speaking with potential employees via Skype and reviewing candidate-created video content, seeing this as a time- and cost-effective screening method. So it’s wise to get comfortable in front of the camera.

Network with potential employers online

Career fairs and in-person networking events are great for making connections with potential employers, but don’t underestimate the power of joining in online conversations and communities. Vitale encouraged both active and passive job seekers to connect on social media with companies they might want to work for, especially if the person and the company have a mutual connection.