Applying for a job brings most people a mix of emotions. Job searchers report feeling excited and eager, as well as worried, overwhelmed, and uncertain.
As a staffing agency, we talk to job seekers all the time, and we have certainly heard it all. People who are desperate for a new position after an unexpected job loss. New graduates who are eagerly and nervously anticipating their first job. Parents who need a flexible temporary assignment while their kids are in school. Even retirees who decide they want to go back into the workforce to stay busy and have extra spending money.
Whatever is driving you, these 8 strategies will improve your job search and help you find a great position.
When you’re ready to find the right job, reach out to us at Liberty Staffing to find out how we can help!
1. Update Your Resume to Highlight Relevant Skills and Accomplishments
If you haven’t worked on your resume in a while, it’s time to pull it up on your computer and update it.
Think of your resume as the place where you can showcase your relevant skills and accomplishments–especially those that will impress potential employers. Before sending out your resume, take a look at each section, including your profile, work history, education, and skills, to ensure that they are tailored to the kind of job you are seeking.
Whenever possible, use numbers and clear metrics to prove your track record with the things the job description asks for. The more keywords and phrases you can fit naturally into your resume, the better.
2. Expand Your Network by Connecting With Other Professionals on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the social media platform for professional connections and networking.
One of the things your potential employer is likely to do is search for your LinkedIn profile and check out the information you post and share on the site.
Double check that all of your contact information is accurate, your job history is up to date, and all of your shared content matches the image you want to project to a hiring manager.
Don't forget to use this platform to connect with your past coworkers and supervisors, as well as industry leaders and potential mentors.
3. Don't Just Search for Jobs; Research Companies
Searching for jobs on job boards and networking sites is an important strategy, but there are more ways to find out about open positions in your industry.
Find out about the local and regional employers where you would love to work and check their websites directly. If you follow their leaders on social media (including LinkedIn), you may find out about jobs before they get posted on other job boards. That gives you a great head start to customize your application materials and submit your resume as soon as the position is available.
4. Attend Industry Events, Meetups, and Conferences
This piece of advice is for people who have a job in an industry they enjoy, but who would like to find a new job.
Take advantage of the professional development opportunities you have because of your current position.
Industry events and meetups give you excellent opportunities to develop new skills, gain more knowledge, meet new people in your field, and find out about exciting job opportunities.
5. Join Professional Organizations and Alumni Networks
Alumni groups and professional organizations do an amazing job of informing their members of opportunities.
Your job search will get a lot easier if you have a professional network sending you updates, reaching out with opportunities, and providing a great way to network with other professionals.
Alumni organizations are almost always free, and your employer may be willing to pay the membership fees for several professional groups.
6. Take Advantage of Temporary Work to Gain Experience in a New Industry
Temporary work is popular with employers and employees alike.
Employers like that hiring temporary workers gives them the option to scale up quickly. Plus, they can get to know their temporary hires to find out if they would make great permanent additions to their workforce.
Employees are drawn to temporary positions because of the flexibility they offer, the speed at which they can be placed into an open job, and the information they give you about a potential long-term employer.
Temporary positions also allow you to learn about a new industry without committing to a career in that field.
7. Partner With a Staffing Agency to Access Unposted Jobs
Speaking of temporary work, staffing agencies are a great resource for temporary and permanent positions at many different kinds of companies.
What’s more, partnering with a staffing agency significantly expands your job search by giving you access to positions that aren’t posted publicly. Staffing agency recruiters have insider knowledge of openings at companies they work with, and they can advocate on your behalf.
By connecting with a staffing agency, you can use their resources to open doors and facilitate your job search. Utilizing staffing agency services is a great way to improve your odds of finding the right job.
8. Contact Liberty Staffing Today to End Your Job Search
If you're looking for your next great job opportunity in Southern Ontario, our expert team at Liberty Staffing Services is ready to help!
Our dedicated staffing professionals have connections with top employers throughout the region. We match your skills and expertise with the open positions at these companies.
Contact us today to find out more information.
