The holidays are here, and that means that 2014 is on its way. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions during this time of year. Some of us vow to lose weight. Others promise to exercise more or to spend more time with their families. But those who are looking for employment should make one special resolution this year: They should resolve to learn how to job search in 2014.
Finding a job remains a tough task, even as the country’s unemployment rate continues to slowly fall. Simply put, there are too many people out there looking for work. The competition is high, and it makes it difficult for even qualified individuals to attract the attention of companies looking to fill their open positions.
But those job hunters who vow to learn how to job search will give themselves an important edge in 2014.
Networking remains the most effective way to find a job. And that won’t change in 2014. If you want to learn how to find a job, you first have to learn how to network.
Fortunately, networking isn’t nearly as scary as many job seekers believe. It simply involves contacting the people already in your business network on a regular basis.
For instance, you might schedule a lunch date with a former boss. This boss, upon learning of your search for a job, might personally introduce you to a manager at a company in your field. You now have an inside edge to finding work at that company.
You might call a former co-worker to chat about the economy. That co-worker might know of a job opening at a rival company. Armed with this information, you can send your resume and cover letter over before the job hits the online job boards.
Those vowing to job search smarter in 2014 must also tap into the power of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. These sites allow job hunters to instantly connect with their business contacts. And this, much like in-person or on-the-phone networking, can pay off in solid job leads.
For instance, a consultant in your field might receive your LinkedIn message that you are looking for work. After checking your credentials, that consultant might arrange an interview between you and a client who is looking to hire new workers. Again, this gives you a powerful edge over other candidates for the open position.
Finally, vow to update your resume in 2014. You need a resume that doesn’t just list where you work. You need one that lists what you accomplished while at these positions.
If you helped your former company land a valuable account, include that accomplishment in your resume. If you helped a past firm save thousands of dollars in printing costs every year, include this information in your resume.
If you need additional job search advice, be sure to sign up for our Get Hired Boot Camp today. Our career professionals can help you find the right job for you.