When you Google “job search tools,” the number of options you’re presented with are endless — and overwhelming. Unfortunately, these trending solutions only add to your stress levels as you look for your next career move.
While there are many helpful job search tools on the market, they’re constantly evolving. Some are even short-lived trends. To help you get out of the job search tools black hole and on your way to meeting your career goals, we’ve created a checklist of effective tools that are never going out of style.
Check these job search tools off of your list:
Gone are the days of social media being a personal factor of your life. Today, social sites are used for company and personal branding efforts, networking, and even sharing job opportunities.
Now, more than ever, you must be aware of the content you’re sharing on social media. In 2018, 70% of employers said they use social networking sites to research job candidates during the hiring process, according to research by CareerBuilder.
While keeping a clean online image has always been important, companies are evolving from simple social media sleuthing to checking up on candidates. They’re sharing job opportunities on the company’s social sites. And recruiters, company leaders, and other potential colleagues are sharing them on their personal pages.
Highlight your personal brand on all social media platforms. If you have samples of your work, share them with a note regarding what you loved about the project. Also, share posts from your network that show your business values and positive personality traits.
For example, if you’re looking for a marketing job, follow marketing influencers on social media. When they share a post regarding a new trend or pet peeve they have in the marketing world, share it, and add your own personal feedback.
You’re never in the job search by yourself. If you feel alone and anxious about various parts of the process, it’s important to consider your options.
Career centers come in all shapes and sizes. They could be local, online groups, or recruitment agencies. Or, if you’re a student, in the form of career fairs or on-campus offices. They provide guidance for every part of the job search process. With career centers, you’ll find help with:
- Practice interviewing
- Resume editing
- Employer research
- Workshops on applications, interviewing, skills testing, and more
- Career counseling
- Career skills testing
Determine the type of specific help you currently need in your job search. If you’re a college student or recent grad, the best place to start is with your career services office. If you need help finding the right openings, a job fair (online or in-person) or recruitment agency will help you identify new opportunities.
Career counselors at your local career center or online are available to help you through every part of your job search journey. Use them to brush up on your interview skills, help you hone in on what makes you unique, and take away any unknowns throughout the process.
You have access to professionals who can help you get a job. The key is, you might not have unlocked that access — yet.
Professional networking groups are your source to the inside of organizations. They connect you with key people and provide opportunities for relationships that could land you your next dream job or the stepping stone to it.
Some groups are free, such as those on LinkedIn and other social sites, while others require a membership fee. Look for specific groups that have professionals in your field. If you’re interested in sales, for example, find groups focused specifically on sales and places where sales reps in your industry of interest are hanging out.
Once you’ve joined a group, start having open discussions regarding your job search. Reach out to those you connect with to see if they’re available to mentor you in your career. Also, don’t shy away from adding your opinion or advice to work-related topics. This shows you’re passionate about the industry and already well-spoken on the topic.