It’s a new year, which makes it the perfect time to start taking a new approach to landing that dream job. No matter what field you’re hoping to break into, you need to have a strategy in place. It’s no longer enough to send out your resume and cover letter and hope for the best. The competition can be fierce for the most coveted positions, so it’s essential you set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates.
One of the best methods for getting started is to build your personal brand and accumulate a network. Even though you might have the necessary skill set on which to make your career, having a particular brand could be your greatest ally in finding the right job. Here’s how you can get started:
Develop an online strategy
Begin with a website. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it must be professional-looking. Hiring managers and recruiters can visit your site and see samples of your work from previous jobs or what you have created on your own. These digital photos are much more effective at conveying your skills than if you merely write about them.
Make sure your website is aligned with what employers are hoping to find in their next employee. It’s always recommended you edit your resume and cover letter for each job you apply for. Well, you can also adjust your site to conform to the needs of a particular employer. Use the job posting as a guide, and tweak your contents accordingly.
Use social media to your advantage
Most of the employers with whom you wish to connect are on LinkedIn. You can start building relationships there and on other social media channels. Just like with your website, you can modify your social media accounts to line up with the professional image you want to convey. Make sure your photo looks professional, and your bio is updated to highlight your current goals.
Now, start contributing to online conversations about your career path. You can share relevant articles and connect with those who share your interest in an industry. After you have built your brand and interacted with others, continue that relationship via emails. If your email signature has a link to your site, your contact clicks on it and learns even more about you.
Connect with groups
Alumni networks provide an excellent opportunity for you to link up with those who have attained success in your field. Your college’s website can direct you to communities that can help you navigate the job market.
If you are going to attend any events (and you should!), make sure you take along plenty of business cards that match the visual branding of your website. The more conversations you have, the better your chances of making your brand well known and landing that big job in 2019.
Do you need even more help with your job search?
We are here for you. Contact Pro Resources for the light industrial or technical/professional position you’re hoping to find. We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so use our expertise to help you find your next job.