Tips for navigating the online job search
Tips for your online job search!
Today, everything is digital. Even the job search has become an online occurrence. Gone are the days people paged through the help wanted section of the newspaper to find work. Now, with the click of the button, you can find any and every job available.Now, the online job search reigns supreme.
According to Lyndy van den Barselaar, MD of workforce solutions Manpower South Africa “Online platforms have changed the recruitment industry by providing platforms for job seekers to create and store virtual CVs and for employers to search for the skills and experience they are looking for. Technology has simplified the process, by making it easier for each party to find what they are looking for and opening lines of communication.” There are countless online platforms designed to connect professionals and enable job searching. So why not utilize them? Of course, as with anything, it is important to exercise caution and use these platforms safely and appropriately.
Here are our best tips for navigating the online job search:
- Professionalism is the name of the game
As soon as things cross over to the online world, basic lines of communication become blurred. With this, people often forget how to appropriately communicate. To avoid this, remember to remain as professional as possible. Do not revert to text-speak, use full sentences and spell words correctly. Always address the person you are emailing before launching into your message. Ensure that your CV is up-to-date and free of spelling or grammatical errors. If attaching a photo, ensure that it is a professional headshot, not something you would put on your Facebook page.
- Get personal
Especially in the case of online recruiters, companies receive masses of applications a day. As such, you should find something to set yourself aside from the crowd. Think of personalizing your CV, and attaching a cover letter. Find a unique selling point.
- Be aware of your online presence
In today’s online world, it is all about showing rather than telling. Your online presence says a lot about you. Platforms like LinkedIn are incredibly effective for companies and recruiters to scope our potential employees. As such, it is of integral importance to maintain such profiles. Make sure your profile is up to date, and that you communicate with your connections to show that you are active. Ensure that this communication remains professional. Avoid controversial topics. Remember that a Google search could reveal a regretted social media post. Control search results by being active and maintaining a professional, positive feed.
Show evidence of work done. If you produce content, share it so that there is a trail of your work. This is especially important for freelancers.
- Streamline your application
It is a better option to apply for less jobs but be more focused with your applications than apply for a mass of jobs and be too general. Apply for jobs that match your skillset. Do your research to find out as much as possible about the company you are applying to. Once this is done, you can edit your cover letter to fit the specific job and company you are applying to. Include a personal address if you know the name of the person doing the hiring. Tailor your CV to highlight your achievements, making sure that you are only mentioning the ones relevant to the job at hand. Use keywords and responsibilities listed in the job posting in your cover letter to show that you fit the bill.
If possible, quantify your achievements through numbers eg. ‘Managed a team of 25’, or ‘reduced expenditure by 15%’. This way, the company can get a more specific view of how you might benefit them. Try to avoid applying for multiple jobs at the same company, or else you run the risk of appearing unfocused.
- Network!
LinkedIn is perfect for networking. Connect with people in the sphere you work in, or aspire to work in. Then communicate with them. Like and comment on their posts, and put up some of your own that encourage engagement. Making these virtual connections can reflect in your reality, as they might refer you to new job positions or introduce you to people that can help your career.
Hopefully our tips on navigating the online job search helps!
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