2020 is promising to be yet another fantastic year to test the job search waters! However, in today’s world where many roles get filled prior to being posted, where people spend just seconds reviewing a resume on screens both large and small (no one prints anymore!) and handle risk aversion by hiring via consensus-decision making – it is critical you prepare before taking a leap. Here’s advice I share with clients who come to me for a resume consultation.
READY??
Spend some time brainstorming about the most logical next step. Is it a lateral move to another company, a promotion within, or perhaps an industry change?
Use the Internet, web and app-based job search apps to see who has the budget for hiring and in what kind of roles. Do a bit of due diligence to see if the companies or the roles sound appealing, and use LinkedIn to see the kinds of people currently filling those shoes.
This article can help!
There’s More than One Way to Research a Company that Interests You
GET SET . . .
DOCUMENTS
Don't do a thing until your resume and LinkedIn profile are in tip-top shape. Share on X. This means making sure your resume is easily skimmable when read on screens of all sizes, and quickly shows the reader how you are a perfect fit.
Print Reading is Dead – Is Your Resume Ready?
Your best shot at success comes with a LinkedIn profile that is fully complete with a headshot, a searchable headline, compelling summary and noteworthy achievements. These tips can help make sure your LinkedIn complements your resume:
Your Resume & LinkedIn Must Complement – Not Copy – One Another
SOCIAL MEDIA SITES
Spend some time shoring up any other social media sites with your name on them (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) as recruiters are known to check. Any sites that are not private should contain material that presents you in a great light professionally. Remove any traces of rants, and if you wouldn’t say it to your grandmother or a prospective boss, it doesn’t belong on your social media during a job hunt.
NETWORK
Spend some time identifying potential people to include in your network. People in your virtual Rolodex (dating myself with that term I know!) should include connections of connections, friends of friends and recruiters. LinkedIn is a great resource for identifying these people and reaching out.
GO!!
Your documents are ready to go and your network is in place.
Now it’s time to let them know you’re looking and initiating conversations to uncover opportunities. Get on their radar by proactively engaging with company insiders be it through LinkedIn, a phone call or an email.
Follow these steps will absolutely increase the traffic to your LinkedIn profile:
4 Ways to Increase Your Profile Views on LinkedIn
Picture yourself this time next year.
Will you be kicking yourself if nothing has changed or if you hadn’t explored if the grass is, in fact, greener somewhere else?
If the answer is yes get moving . . . you’ll never know unless you try!
Happy Job Hunting!
In need of some career advice, a refreshed resume or rebranded LinkedIn?
As the founder and chief writer at Virginia Franco Resumes, offering customized executive resume and LinkedIn profile writing services for high achieving job seekers, I’d be happy to chat!
VAFrancoResumes@gmail.com|https://www.virginiafrancoresumes.com| Call/Text: 704-771-8572