There’s no question, the job hunt can be stressful for even the most experienced professional. The reality is that there are more people than ever hunting for the same jobs. How are you setting yourself apart from every other applicant? Here are a few suggestions to differentiate yourself from the crowd.
Resume
Having an up to date resume at all times that is full of core content is key to your employment search success. Not only does this allow you to tailor your resume to each individual posting without too much hassle, it reduces your stress and ensures you won’t miss a closing deadline because your resume isn’t ready. A few additional tips to keep in mind when updating your documents:
- Be sure to keep your cover letter, resume and reference page all branded the same
- Keep cover letters concise, to the point and no more than 3/4 of a page
- A resume should be a maximum of 2 pages so be sure to use the format that works best with your employment history.
- Avoid adding personal information that the Human Rights Code prevents discrimination of, such as “race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, a record of offences, marital status, family status or disability”
- Double check all contact information, and do not write on a document after printing
- Documents should remain professional looking at all times and be printed on a quality printer
Let me guess, you had to sign up for LinkedIn for a course once and your blank profile is still sitting there lost in all the other blank profiles. Here’s the thing, it’s better to have no profile than have a blank profile. I get it, you had to sign up for credit but you were never given the information needed to really make the most of your profile, right? The thing is, there are so many resources right at your fingertips. With a quick Google search, you can literally find a vast variety of resources to help you set up your profile. Bottom line is employers will Google you and check LinkedIn to see what they can dig up about you, do you want them to only see a blank profile?
- Remember that LinkedIn is not Facebook or your personal journal. This tool is for professional purposes only and not to share pictures of the awesome party you went to this weekend.
- Create a clear message of your skills, attributes and attitudes.
- While it’s important to always remain professional, don’t be afraid to let your personality show a bit.
Networking
What comes to mind when you think of Networking? I’m going to guess, walking around a crowded room, listing to people brag about their accomplishments and having your hand crushed by every investment banker, marketing professional or entrepreneur in the place. Well, guess what? It’s time to change your perspective. Networking is an incredible tool to build your professional life and it can be done literally everywhere. The fact that most believe its a task that has to be done under the organizational supervision of an event is wildly outdated. I kid you not, I met my current financial planner at Starbucks while we were waiting in line, discussing how it was silly that the new renovation resulted in a line up to the bathroom just to order our drinks. ( weird right?!) I’ve met many of my business connections at coffee shops, grocery stores and various other environments.
- Have a quick elevator speech that describes who you are, what you do and what you’re currently looking for
- Always carry a business card that reflects your personal branding, consistent with your other professional documents. There are so many different resources for business cards that you’ll be sure to find some regardless of your budget. Check out Vista Print, MOO (my personal favourite), Staples or a local print shop!
Social Media Branding Awareness
If you’ve read any of my posts about social media, you’ll notice that I encourage everyone to Google themselves often. This is especially critical when you’re searching for new employment. You need to create an online image of yourself that you want employers to see. You can’t paint the image of a responsible twenty-something professional during the interview and then back it up with half-naked, intoxicated, poolside pics.
- Decide the brand you want to show the world and then review your social media profiles to see if they follow that brand.
- Delete people, posts, photos and change privacy settings to keep things within your brand guidelines.
Implement these strategies to make your employment search hassle free! What do you dread most about the employment search?
Connect with me using the #AmandaMarieBiz tag.
Chat soon,
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