The average number of times people are changing their jobs nowadays is between 10 to 15 times during their professional career.
Yes, the days of sticking it out with the same company for decades appear to be over. It seems that even those of us who love our careers still switch things up every few years.
So, with all this transitioning from job to job, and with millions of new graduates entering the labor force each year, the question “How do I find a job?” is on a lot of minds.
Of course, the process of finding a job is different for each one of us. And a lot depends on the industry as well. Our team did some research by asking companies and recruiters for their insights on the best strategies to help people get hired faster.
It’s clear that digital technology is playing a huge part in shaping trends in recruitment, which is leading job searchers online. More and more companies want to automate the process by using a variety of media to find and screen qualified people.
This means that strategies like finding jobs through Social Media platforms are increasing in popularity. Of course, old-fashioned in-person networking remains a valuable strategy to job searchers as well.
Let’s go through the top 5 strategies for getting a new job in 2020, as indicated by our network of recruitment experts.
1. Online Job Searching Platforms & Career Websites
No surprise here. Most people start looking for a job by typing keywords into an online search engine. And when you search something like “marketing analyst job London” you’ll instantly be pushed in the right direction.
Google itself has its own job search platform so that when you enter terms like the one above, you’ll see postings from organizations hiring for positions with similar keywords.
Online search will also lead you to platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor, which are job-specific content aggregators. These sites pull together relevant job ads from across web based on your search terms.
In some cases you can apply directly for these jobs through the platform. Or you’ll be directed to the hiring organization’s website. Either way, before you start applying, make sure that your resume and cover letter are up-to-date.
2. Networking & Referrals
Online search won’t help you tap into the “hidden job market”. This refers to the job opportunities that can be accessed only by networking and knowing the right people at the right time.
The reality is that many job opportunities aren’t posted on a company website. Sometimes a company will ask staff to refer people if there is an urgent need to fill a role. And many companies recruit on a rolling basis whenever they find talented people who want to work for them.
The only way you can be considered for such roles is if you find a way to connect with someone in the company. Perhaps you’ll know them directly or you’ll connect through mutual contacts.
Remember that each network (family, neighbors, close friends, acquaintances, colleagues and co-workers) is part of another network. Therefore your outreach is higher than you think.
Make a list of all the people you know that might have knowledge or contacts in the industry or the company you want to apply with. Then reach out to them first. They can easily refer you or recommend to a key stakeholder in that company.
Before you start reaching out and activate your network, keep in mind that it is really important to know exactly what you want. You can ask whether they know of any current opportunities or to have an informational interview, which is meant for you to discover more about the organization.
3. Job Fairs
Job fairs are especially popular for companies looking to recruit new graduates. To get the most of a job fair and get hired after, consider the following advice:
Most job fairs will advertise the companies that are participating ahead of time, so do your research ahead of time on companies you want to talk to and have a customized resume and cover letter to give them.
Create your own business card that includes your name, email, phone number and optionally your website, blog or LinkedIn account. If you work in a creative industry, bring work samples from your portfolio that you can show off.
Have a power outfit for the job fair. Make sure you choose the right clothing style, which should be professional and comfortable.
Make a list of questions for the recruiters. This will show that you are prepared and passionate about the job and will increase the chances of them remembering you.
Practice your personal pitch to make a strong first impression. It is important that you show great communication skills through your introduction and by maintaining eye contact.
Follow up with the recruiters from the companies you wish to work for. If you have their contacts, send them a thank you email or connect with them on LinkedIn.
4. Company’s Website
Some people have a set of ideal companies in mind for which they would like to work. Targeting specific companies is actually a very popular job search strategy. And it can be effective if you approach it the right way.
Obviously, if you’ve created a list of preferred companies, you’ll want to visit their websites to see if they have advertised jobs. If they do not have openings at the moment, find a human resources contact and reach out them. Politely ask for more information about possible future vacancies.
Keep in mind that you can also use the company’s website as a research tool for identifying contacts outside of human resources who can make hiring decisions. For instance, try connecting with someone in the specific area or department where you’d like to work as part of your networking effort.
5. Social Media Channels
LinkedIn is THE social media channel for professionals. You can use it to identify and connect with people around the world working for companies or in industries where you would also like to work. Many organizations also post jobs on LinkedIn, and it’s quite common for experienced people to receive recruitment messages on the platform.
Companies will also post opportunities on Twitter and Facebook, so if you have specific companies in mind, you will want to “follow” them on social media so that you get notified of these openings.
If you are using social media channels to find a job, you’ll want to make sure your profiles are consistent, updated and reinforce a positive professional image. Here are some tips to follow:
Use your real name on your profiles.
Only use professional images and keep them consistent across platforms.
Make an audit of your accounts and remove the posts or images that are inappropriate or unprofessional.
Delete the profiles on the websites that you are not using anymore regularly.
“Brand” yourself consistently across all the platforms. You want people to know
who you are, what you do and what are your career plans.
The average number of times people are changing their jobs nowadays is between 10 to 15 times during their professional career.
Yes, the days of sticking it out with the same company for decades appear to be over. It seems that even those of us who love our careers still switch things up every few years.
So, with all this transitioning from job to job, and with millions of new graduates entering the labor force each year, the question “How do I find a job?” is on a lot of minds.
Of course, the process of finding a job is different for each one of us. And a lot depends on the industry as well. Our team did some research by asking companies and recruiters for their insights on the best strategies to help people get hired faster.
It’s clear that digital technology is playing a huge part in shaping trends in recruitment, which is leading job searchers online. More and more companies want to automate the process by using a variety of media to find and screen qualified people.
This means that strategies like finding jobs through Social Media platforms are increasing in popularity. Of course, old-fashioned in-person networking remains a valuable strategy to job searchers as well.
Let’s go through the top 5 strategies for getting a new job in 2020, as indicated by our network of recruitment experts.
1. Online Job Searching Platforms & Career Websites
No surprise here. Most people start looking for a job by typing keywords into an online search engine. And when you search something like “marketing analyst job London” you’ll instantly be pushed in the right direction.
Google itself has its own job search platform so that when you enter terms like the one above, you’ll see postings from organizations hiring for positions with similar keywords.
Online search will also lead you to platforms like Indeed, ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor, which are job-specific content aggregators. These sites pull together relevant job ads from across web based on your search terms.
In some cases you can apply directly for these jobs through the platform. Or you’ll be directed to the hiring organization’s website. Either way, before you start applying, make sure that your resume and cover letter are up-to-date.
2. Networking & Referrals
Online search won’t help you tap into the “hidden job market”. This refers to the job opportunities that can be accessed only by networking and knowing the right people at the right time.
The reality is that many job opportunities aren’t posted on a company website. Sometimes a company will ask staff to refer people if there is an urgent need to fill a role. And many companies recruit on a rolling basis whenever they find talented people who want to work for them.
The only way you can be considered for such roles is if you find a way to connect with someone in the company. Perhaps you’ll know them directly or you’ll connect through mutual contacts.
Remember that each network (family, neighbors, close friends, acquaintances, colleagues and co-workers) is part of another network. Therefore your outreach is higher than you think.
Make a list of all the people you know that might have knowledge or contacts in the industry or the company you want to apply with. Then reach out to them first. They can easily refer you or recommend to a key stakeholder in that company.
Before you start reaching out and activate your network, keep in mind that it is really important to know exactly what you want. You can ask whether they know of any current opportunities or to have an informational interview, which is meant for you to discover more about the organization.
3. Job Fairs
Job fairs are especially popular for companies looking to recruit new graduates. To get the most of a job fair and get hired after, consider the following advice:
Most job fairs will advertise the companies that are participating ahead of time, so do your research ahead of time on companies you want to talk to and have a customized resume and cover letter to give them.
Create your own business card that includes your name, email, phone number and optionally your website, blog or LinkedIn account. If you work in a creative industry, bring work samples from your portfolio that you can show off.
Have a power outfit for the job fair. Make sure you choose the right clothing style, which should be professional and comfortable.
Make a list of questions for the recruiters. This will show that you are prepared and passionate about the job and will increase the chances of them remembering you.
Practice your personal pitch to make a strong first impression. It is important that you show great communication skills through your introduction and by maintaining eye contact.
Follow up with the recruiters from the companies you wish to work for. If you have their contacts, send them a thank you email or connect with them on LinkedIn.
4. Company’s Website
Some people have a set of ideal companies in mind for which they would like to work. Targeting specific companies is actually a very popular job search strategy. And it can be effective if you approach it the right way.
Obviously, if you’ve created a list of preferred companies, you’ll want to visit their websites to see if they have advertised jobs. If they do not have openings at the moment, find a human resources contact and reach out them. Politely ask for more information about possible future vacancies.
Keep in mind that you can also use the company’s website as a research tool for identifying contacts outside of human resources who can make hiring decisions. For instance, try connecting with someone in the specific area or department where you’d like to work as part of your networking effort.
5. Social Media Channels
LinkedIn is THE social media channel for professionals. You can use it to identify and connect with people around the world working for companies or in industries where you would also like to work. Many organizations also post jobs on LinkedIn, and it’s quite common for experienced people to receive recruitment messages on the platform.
Companies will also post opportunities on Twitter and Facebook, so if you have specific companies in mind, you will want to “follow” them on social media so that you get notified of these openings.
If you are using social media channels to find a job, you’ll want to make sure your profiles are consistent, updated and reinforce a positive professional image. Here are some tips to follow:
Use your real name on your profiles.
Only use professional images and keep them consistent across platforms.
Make an audit of your accounts and remove the posts or images that are inappropriate or unprofessional.
Delete the profiles on the websites that you are not using anymore regularly.
“Brand” yourself consistently across all the platforms. You want people to know
who you are, what you do and what are your career plans.
