Strategies for Job Searching Online and Networking

Finding a job that fits your skills, experience, and work preferences is a job in itself. You will need preparation, patience, and a viable plan.

Every jobseeker wants a successful conclusion to their search. These “Insider Tips” will help you execute your search. Use these checklists to find your new job faster.

Successful job searching employs several strategies.

Solely uploading your resume has a low success rate, even if it is a viable strategy. You must incorporate other search options, as well.

Applying Online

If your resume is uploaded online, it is very likely it will go through a computerized scan, the Applicant Tracking System – ATS. Many large (and small) employers use these computerized systems to screen job applicants. You may have to seek out a Professional Resume Writer for formatting assistance.

• Be sure you have the appropriate keywords in your resume to match the position you’re seeking. The ATS will check for compatibility.
• Any time you find a position online that you’re especially interested in, see if you can find the contact information for the hiring manager and follow-up with a resume and cover letter via snail mail.
• When looking for positions online, use a job search engine website — like Indeed.com and LinkUp.com — to identify job postings that appear on company websites. You can upload your resume for specific job titles to get notifications of postings.
• If you don’t have the exact skills and experience outlined in an online job posting, don’t apply for the position online, because you’re likely to get screened out. Instead, research your contacts at the target employer and reach out to the decision-maker directly.

Networking

• More than half of all jobs are found through networking, although most jobseekers spend too much time on ineffective job search strategies, like applying for jobs online. Commit to making 2-3 networking contacts per week.
• The people you know can be the best way for you to find your next job. Make a list of all of your contacts: past employers, vendors, customers, colleagues, competitors, bankers, friends, relatives, parents of children’s friends, club members, cousins, neighbors, etc.
• Ask your contacts for one of four things: leads (jobs they may know about), information, advice, or referrals (other people they can introduce you to that you should meet).
• Research and attend networking events hosted by your trade/industry, Chamber of Commerce, and professional business associations, etc.
• Participate in online communities — for example, Facebook, LinkedIn, an alumni site, or your trade association’s website.
• Contact your alumni groups. Your college or university should have an alumni association (often with an online directory of members) that can be useful. Research contacts in your field, even if they didn’t graduate in the same year as you. Your common alma mater can be enough to connect you!
• Get involved in your professional association. Join a committee. The membership committee offers a natural connection to connecting with members. The programs committee recruits influential members to speak. Or join the finance committee (that helps line up sponsors — i.e., influential employers in the industry).
• You may have to pay to attend conventions or events in your industry. However, it can be worth it (even paying a non-member rate to attend association events) because you’ll get exposure to people in your target industry who may be in a position to hire you or recommend you to someone who can hire you.
• Consider sending a letter to members of your professional association. Your colleagues can be a tremendous asset in helping you find unadvertised opportunities. Write a letter sharing your background and resume asking for their advice and information.
• Get personal business cards printed with your contact information for networking events. Look online for companies offering inexpensive packages (i.e., 500 cards for $9.95).
• The best time to build your network is before you need it. Start building your network now and keep growing it so it will be there when you are ready to use it.

I’m happy to have a conversation about my career management services to explore how I can help you “market your brilliance.” You can contact me here.

Wishing you great success with your career and life plans.

Brenda Goburn Smith

Resume Writer and Career Strategist