A new year is upon us. For many, this is a fresh start to make some changes—like finding a new job. For others, it’s an opportunity to ramp up their current job search for better success.
You should, however, expect things to be a little different in 2016. The new year has brought some changes to the job search process. Check out how the process is shifting, so you can make the adequate adjustments to your own job search.
Social Media Is Now the Go-To Job Platform
If you’ve been focusing the majority of your efforts on finding a job through an online job board, it’s time to make a switch. In 2016, social media is the place to go for employment opportunities. Facebook and Twitter can give you background knowledge about an employer as well as insight into the company culture—information that you won’t be able to find on a company website. This data can help you decide whether or not to apply and can give you an edge over your competition.
But LinkedIn is still the number one tool for job seekers. Expect more companies to post open positions on this social media site for professionals—it’s going to become an even stronger job board, and might make or break your search for employment.
It’s Time to Get Informal
In 2016, networking has become even more important than ever before. Get used to seeking out informal conversations with potential employers, whether you’re inviting them to chat over a cup of coffee or specifically going to an industry event to network with the right people. Informal conversations give employers a better sense of who you are than your resume or a structured interview. So leave your suit behind and get chatting.
Who You Are Is More Important than Your Experience
Though employers still look at relevant experience, they’re becoming far more interested in who you are as a person, what drives you, and what your personality is like. Traditional resumes and job postings don’t matter as much in 2016. Employers are now more focused on making cultural matches to see long-term hiring success and help narrow the skills gap. So start working on different answers—not about your past experience, but what values you hold dear, what morals matter to you, and what soft skills you bring to the table.
The Reverse Reference Check Is Now a Thing
Applying for and landing a job that you end up hating is a bad situation to be in. To avoid such a situation from occurring, you can do a reverse reference check. Instead of only looking at what the company advertises about its workplace and environment or the job you’re applying for, conduct your own research. Become a job search sleuth and dig around on the internet to find a more authentic view of the company’s true culture. It’ll save you a lot of grief.
Don’t Live Around the Office? No Problem!
Don’t limit yourself to only applying to jobs that are in your vicinity. This is no longer a deal breaker. Remote positions are becoming more popular. Plus, if you’re the right fit, an employer will make the effort to find you a position in one of its multiple locations. There’s no reason to discount companies based on location during your job search in 2016.
Video Resumes and Interviews Will Become More Popular
Don’t expect your paper resume to be enough now. And don’t expect to go into the office for a face-to-face interview. Due to limited hiring resources, video interviewing is becoming more popular. And a video resume can give you an edge over your competition—giving recruiters and hiring managers a more realistic picture of your interpersonal skills than your paper resume ever could. So get comfortable with video, so you can present a concise picture of your profile.
