Like many people, you’re probably gearing up for bigger and better things in 2018. Maybe you plan to exercise more or to finally drop a bad habit. Maybe you’re planning to travel to an exotic locale or learn a new skill.
You’ve probably set yourself some career goals as well. For many people, the new year signals a chance to review and reflect on where they are in life and what they want to accomplish in the next 12 months, both personally and professionally.
One of your goals may be to land a new job. If you’ve been on the job hunt already, you may be stepping up your efforts. You may have been toying with the idea but just putting your plan into action now. Whatever the case, you’ll be looking for a new job in 2018.
If this describes you, take some of these tips to heart and apply them to your search. They might just help you realize your 2018 career goals.
1. Work with a Staffing Agency
This is perhaps the best and most important tip, which is why it appears first on this list. If you want to be successful during your 2018 job search, team up with a staffing agency! The experts at a staffing agency can help you land your dream job.
Whether you’re between jobs, you’re looking to gain experience in a new industry or a new role, or you’re looking for your dream job, a staffing agency can help. Recruiters know the ins and outs of the job market, and they’ll be able to steer you in the right direction.
2. Customize Your Resume
If you’ve been off the job market for a while, your resume may be outdated. Be sure to spruce it up a little before you start sending it out to potential employers. A fresh look with a template and a good proofread will often do the trick.
You should also be customizing your resume. Employers and recruiters receive dozens of applications for almost every job posting. They’re looking for certain keywords and phrases. If your resume doesn’t contain those words or phrases, you likely won’t be called in for an interview.
This is the best argument for customizing your resume for each and every job posting you apply to.
3. Network
Many people in the business world make a big deal about networking. There’s a good reason for this: networking could help you land a job.
If you’re looking for a job in 2018, be sure to let at least some people in your network know. You never know what job opportunities might land in your inbox thanks to word of mouth. If you have the opportunity, continue to network as well. Attending job fairs, trade shows, and conferences can provide excellent opportunities for networking.
4. Expand Your Job Search
Where are you looking for job postings? If the answer is solely on LinkedIn or the classified ads in your local newspaper, it’s time to expand your job search! While you may find plenty of postings on LinkedIn or Workopolis, you’ll also find many more jobs posted on specialty sites.
More employers and recruiters are moving toward specialized sites for certain professions. While they still use sites like LinkedIn and other tried-and-true channels, they’re also using more targeted sites to find the right candidates. In an era when each job gets an overwhelming number of applications, this is almost essential!
If you’re not sure where else to look, ask your staffing agency. Recruiters have a good idea of what sites are out there and which ones employers are using.
If you keep these tips close at hand, your job search should pay off!
