It seems obvious that every job seeker needs a value-laden resume for a potential employer, solid goals, a job campaign, coaching and training social media, branding, interviewing, salary negotiations and onboarding.
Yet, so many job seekers seem to be stuck somewhere between 1980 and 2001.
They still use objectives in their resume and conduct a passive job search…..just to name a few things.
But today, job seekers must learn to navigate a highly complex job search, using a solid job campaign. The job search of today includes:
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- LinkedIn profiles
- Social media networking
- Highly sophisticated video interviewing platforms that integrate assessment questions
- Text interviews, and more…
Applicants are evaluated and/or scored against a number of criteria including appearance, skills, knowledge, years of experience, education, attitude, aptitude, the ability to communicate well, references and Google reviews, and generally if the interviewing team likes the candidate.
The hiring manager wants to know what the candidate can do for him to make him look good, and what value the candidate brings to the company.
Top 3 Job Search Fails
So many professionals make these 3 key mistakes in their quest for a new role. I can guarantee you are either currently making or have made these mistakes;
#1 Outdated job search tactics
Many, many professionals are making the mistake of posting their resume on job boards, and sitting back and waiting for job offers. This approach worked well in 2001 to 2003ish – as job boards were becoming very popular and online resume distribution services were plentiful.
For some reason, job seekers keep assuming that this is the most effective method for job search; they keep going back to the ‘post on the job board and wait to get an offer’ approach to job search.
#2 The resume is the end-all. If you have a solid resume, then you will land a job
A resume is a tool. It is not a guarantee of a job offer. Many job seekers believe that if they have a solid resume and they send it into the black hole of internet job boards, they will magically receive a job offer.
A well-written resume can be parsed out and integrated into a LinkedIn or other social media profile. It’s an important part of the job search process, but it is not the only tool in the toolbox and not the end-all.
#3 Recruiters will find you a job
NO! They do not find job seekers a job. Rather, they will engage you if they feel you are the right for the client and the position on offer.
Job seekers are frequently looking for a quick fix and believe that recruiters work for them. But you need to understand that recruiters work for the client (employer) and as you are not paying them and the client is you need to work with recruiters differently in order to pursue a successful relationship.
It may seem obvious to me that a resume and job campaign is important to an effective job search, yet many professionals don’t realise these are viable and valuable services to engage. Especially those stuck between 1980 and 2001.
If that’s you then it’s time to take action.
