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How to Apply in 2017: With changing times and technology….
How to Apply in 2017
With changing times and technology, here are tips to make sure you get the most from your job search in the New Year.
By Mike McDonough
By Mike McDonough
Was finding a new career on your list of 2017 resolutions? If you haven’t been part of a job search in a while, you could be missing out on new channels and important developments that would help you find your next position. Check out our tips below to see just a few of the ways the job hunt has changed with technology.
Get Social
Social media isn’t just for keeping up with friends and family, it’s also how a lot of companies promote their open positions and pre-screen candidates they’re interviewing. In fact, 79% of job seekers say they currently use social media as part of their job hunt. Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile that’s up-to-date and displays your skills. Also, take a look at your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and set them private or ensure they’re something you’d want a potential employer to see. If there are certain companies you’re interested in working for, follow their social media accounts because they could be posting open positions there. Some businesses even have specific HR accounts for that exact purpose.
Social media isn’t just for keeping up with friends and family, it’s also how a lot of companies promote their open positions and pre-screen candidates they’re interviewing. In fact, 79% of job seekers say they currently use social media as part of their job hunt. Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile that’s up-to-date and displays your skills. Also, take a look at your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages and set them private or ensure they’re something you’d want a potential employer to see. If there are certain companies you’re interested in working for, follow their social media accounts because they could be posting open positions there. Some businesses even have specific HR accounts for that exact purpose.
Edit the Resume
Of course you want to make sure you’re resume is up-to-date, but you also need to edit for outdated skills. Terms like “computer literate” and “familiar with Microsoft Word” can be removed because that’s basically expected in this day and age. Instead, take some free online courses to become proficient in new skills like search engine optimization, app utilization and even basic coding to make yourself stand out. With the amount of information that’s online, it’s easy to quickly learn about new technology and enhance the skills section of your resume.
Of course you want to make sure you’re resume is up-to-date, but you also need to edit for outdated skills. Terms like “computer literate” and “familiar with Microsoft Word” can be removed because that’s basically expected in this day and age. Instead, take some free online courses to become proficient in new skills like search engine optimization, app utilization and even basic coding to make yourself stand out. With the amount of information that’s online, it’s easy to quickly learn about new technology and enhance the skills section of your resume.
Reconnect
Everyone says that success is more about who you know, than what you know. So if you’re considering a career change, don’t hesitate to reach out to other professionals in your industry to reconnect and make sure you’re at the top of mind if they have a position open up. Sometimes, companies will even identify people currently working in other organizations for their open jobs, especially with executive positions. With LinkedIn acting like an online resume, it’s easy for hiring managers to see if you’re qualified for their opening without you ever applying. We’re also seeing more and more companies using recruiters to find quality people who aren’t necessarily actively seeking jobs instead of just posting a job and waiting for applicants.
Everyone says that success is more about who you know, than what you know. So if you’re considering a career change, don’t hesitate to reach out to other professionals in your industry to reconnect and make sure you’re at the top of mind if they have a position open up. Sometimes, companies will even identify people currently working in other organizations for their open jobs, especially with executive positions. With LinkedIn acting like an online resume, it’s easy for hiring managers to see if you’re qualified for their opening without you ever applying. We’re also seeing more and more companies using recruiters to find quality people who aren’t necessarily actively seeking jobs instead of just posting a job and waiting for applicants.
Expand Your Possibilities
With advances in technology, jobs might be available to you that weren’t before. Telecommuting (working from home with the help of Skype and email) is growing in popularity, so don’t be afraid to apply for positions across the globe if they offer working online as an option. Companies are also more open to training or allowing a grace period to become certified in certain skills if you can take the courses online. Your cover letter (or cover email) is a great place to address any lack of skills and outline a plan for how you plan to quickly acquire them.
With advances in technology, jobs might be available to you that weren’t before. Telecommuting (working from home with the help of Skype and email) is growing in popularity, so don’t be afraid to apply for positions across the globe if they offer working online as an option. Companies are also more open to training or allowing a grace period to become certified in certain skills if you can take the courses online. Your cover letter (or cover email) is a great place to address any lack of skills and outline a plan for how you plan to quickly acquire them.
2017 is shaping up to be another great year for hiring in the insurance industry. Make sure your resume and job search is current to take advantage of the opportunities that arise. Times have changed, but every company is still looking to bring in difference makers to improve their organization. Don’t let an outdated approach hold you back from a promising career.
