Nobody knows exactly what our future will look like or when our new normal will get here and unemployment rates are at levels we’ve never seen before. As a result, anxiety for job seekers is also at an all-time high. So, the question is, what’s the key to finding a new job quickly?
In the last few months, “pivoting” has quickly become one of the key terms of 2020. Employees are pivoting their lives to work remotely, employers are pivoting to find new ways to be productive, parents are pivoting to become teachers for their children, and job-seekers, furloughed and laid-off workers are pivoting to find new careers, re-learning how they present themselves as candidates.
I was recently speaking to a young man who is new to his HR career. He was hired into his dream job and worked for about 4 months until COVID-19 hit and he found himself unemployed. Now he is back in the job market with only a few months of experience under his belt. How can he set himself above the multitude of candidates out there? How can he prepare for interviews, especially when the experienced competition might be better prepared for the job?
Adjusting to the changing job market during these strange times means that every job seeker has to set themselves apart from the pack. As HR professionals, we know there are 3 keys to finding a new job quickly. At first glance, these may seem obvious, but when done right, they can make all the difference between you and the next job candidate.
1. A professionally written resume
Having a professionally written resume shows that you’re taking your job search and career goals seriously. A professionally written resume provides a clear career narrative and proof of your abilities. Getting your resume to this nuanced point can be a challenge, especially if you’re doing it on your own. Hello, headache.
A recent study showed that candidates were 32% more likely to land a job with a professionally written resume than those who wrote their resume themselves. This gives candidates a big advantage over the competition. Having a professional resume is a great way to stand out from the crowd.
2. LinkedIn presence
Your LinkedIn presence may be something you overlook. Sure, it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as your Instagram feed or as exciting as your Facebook page, but you can be sure it’ll be one of the first places potential employers look when your application comes across their desk. There are a few simple ways to ensure your LinkedIn profile is working as hard as possible for you.
Make sure your employment history and skills list are up to date and accurate. Connect with previous coworkers from former jobs to show that your job history is valid. Reach out to former coworkers and ask them to endorse the skills that they feel you strongly possess. Having the backing of others is social proof that shows potential employers you actually have the skills you claim to have.
What’s more, many companies go to LinkedIn when they are looking to hire a new employee. Having a great LinkedIn profile is key to finding a new job quickly.
3. Interviewing
The interview is one of the most important aspects of your job search and can often be one of the most stressful. Preparing ahead of time for your interview can take some of the pressure off and make the interview a little easier.
Get to know the ins and outs of the company. Make sure you know who the key players are and what they do. Reread the job description prior to the interview so you’re prepared to answer questions about why you’re a good fit for that specific role.
It can be helpful to recruit a friend, spouse, or family member to practice answering some common interview questions, but it can be even more helpful to turn to a professional to get you are prepared as possible. If you’re ready to answer questions ahead of time, you’ll be less caught off guard by any curveballs they throw your way.
Pivoting your career in a new direction comes with unique challenges. Take a look at our career coaching services or schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how Flynn Barrett Consulting can help!
