By CAREEREALISM Staff
Lots has been written about the power of networking to find work - and rightly so. Statistics show overwhelmingly most jobs are landed via referral. It's estimated there are actually millions of job openings right now that aren't posted. Thus, the argument for networking to find a 'secret' job posting is a valid one.
BUT, That Doesn't Mean You Shouldn't Utilize a 'Job Search Engine' to Find Work!
Notice, I said job search engine. That's because a job search engine is different from a job board. Job boards have been getting a bad rap lately due to the increased number of bogus listings and scams found on them. This negative press has caused many job seekers to ignore the technological advancements made in on-line job search in the last year. In fact, job search engines have actually created new opportunities for savvy job seekers to get a leg-up on their competition. Here's how...
20,000+ Companies Have Posted Jobs Directly on Their Corporate Websites...Do You Know Which Ones?
Due to the overwhelming number of job applicants companies were getting when they paid to post a job on traditional job boards, many businesses have opted to stop paying to post on these sites. They just couldn't handle the volume of resumes - many of which were from people who weren't qualified for the job. Instead, they chose to only post the job on their corporate website. In short, here's how the process works today: When a job opens up, the company announces it internally so employees can spread the word to their friends via social media (there's that networking thing again!), and then they post the job on their site so only people who are truly interested in working for them will find it. By creating these job seeker hoops, they don't get overwhelmed with applications and find the quality of the applicant (in terms of their skills being a match for the job) increases significantly.
Good News! A Job Search Engine Can Find These Job Postings for You
A job search engine is designed to go out and find any of the jobs that are posted directly on company sites. It then compares these job postings to ones found on major job boards like Monster.com and removes the duplicates. In short, it shows you the jobs only posted on the corporate website. A job search engine offers a job seeker the chance to find out about jobs they would have otherwise never heard of. And, since the engine is updating in real-time, you can run searches daily to ensure you are one of the first to know about a new opening.
Better News! We've Got a Job Search Engine for Our Loyal Readers
We've partnered with a firm and created our own job search engine for our CAREEREALISM readers. It's FREE for you to use, but we are holding access to it hostage. Only our weekly newsletter subscribers can use it. To become a newsletter subscriber, simply add your e-mail address here. You will receive our info-packed newsletter once a week (we never SPAM, only send you top content and resources), and you can unsubscribe at any time.
So, if you want to test out our new job search engine for yourself, join our newsletter and we will send you access to it instantly!
Email Marketing You Can TrustBy CAREEREALISM Staff
Lots has been written about the power of networking to find work - and rightly so. Statistics show overwhelmingly most jobs are landed via referral. It's estimated there are actually millions of job openings right now that aren't posted. Thus, the argument for networking to find a 'secret' job posting is a valid one.
BUT, That Doesn't Mean You Shouldn't Utilize a 'Job Search Engine' to Find Work!
Notice, I said job search engine. That's because a job search engine is different from a job board. Job boards have been getting a bad rap lately due to the increased number of bogus listings and scams found on them. This negative press has caused many job seekers to ignore the technological advancements made in on-line job search in the last year. In fact, job search engines have actually created new opportunities for savvy job seekers to get a leg-up on their competition. Here's how...
20,000+ Companies Have Posted Jobs Directly on Their Corporate Websites...Do You Know Which Ones?
Due to the overwhelming number of job applicants companies were getting when they paid to post a job on traditional job boards, many businesses have opted to stop paying to post on these sites. They just couldn't handle the volume of resumes - many of which were from people who weren't qualified for the job. Instead, they chose to only post the job on their corporate website. In short, here's how the process works today: When a job opens up, the company announces it internally so employees can spread the word to their friends via social media (there's that networking thing again!), and then they post the job on their site so only people who are truly interested in working for them will find it. By creating these job seeker hoops, they don't get overwhelmed with applications and find the quality of the applicant (in terms of their skills being a match for the job) increases significantly.
Good News! A Job Search Engine Can Find These Job Postings for You
A job search engine is designed to go out and find any of the jobs that are posted directly on company sites. It then compares these job postings to ones found on major job boards like Monster.com and removes the duplicates. In short, it shows you the jobs only posted on the corporate website. A job search engine offers a job seeker the chance to find out about jobs they would have otherwise never heard of. And, since the engine is updating in real-time, you can run searches daily to ensure you are one of the first to know about a new opening.
Better News! We've Got a Job Search Engine for Our Loyal Readers
We've partnered with a firm and created our own job search engine for our CAREEREALISM readers. It's FREE for you to use, but we are holding access to it hostage. Only our weekly newsletter subscribers can use it. To become a newsletter subscriber, simply add your e-mail address here. You will receive our info-packed newsletter once a week (we never SPAM, only send you top content and resources), and you can unsubscribe at any time.
So, if you want to test out our new job search engine for yourself, join our newsletter and we will send you access to it instantly!
Email Marketing You Can Trust
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This time of year offers special opportunities for job seekers. Holiday networking events, for example, can be great chances to meet professionals you might not encounter otherwise. Additionally, some employers are still eager to fill positions before budgets reset or headcount is finalized in the new year, making it a prime time to stand out with a strategic approach.
Here are five ways you can stand out from the competition this holiday season and find a job before the end of the year.
1. Showcase The Right Skills On Your Resume
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When updating your resume, focus on aligning your experience with the specific demands of the industry. Go beyond just listing responsibilities; dig into job descriptions to identify the core skills that consistently appear for your target roles. By tailoring your resume with these keywords, you not only capture the attention of hiring managers but also boost your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are often programmed to scan for these key terms. It's all about keywords!
During the holiday season, hiring managers are often managing tight timelines and high demands, making it crucial for candidates to demonstrate that they’re ready to hit the ground running. Highlighting industry-relevant skills shows you're not only familiar with the landscape but also equipped to make an immediate impact. Be sure to include examples of how you've leveraged these core strengths in previous roles to support team goals or tackle challenges (aka quantify your work experience). The holidays are hectic, so share with the potential employer how you'll be a positive addition to the team by leveraging your strengths and emphasizing your value as a business-of-one.
2. Dress The Part
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Don't underestimate the power of a great first impression. Dress for the interview in professional attire. Even if the job description mentions a casual dress code, such as jeans and a sweatshirt, it’s essential to show respect for the employer by dressing in a way that demonstrates your commitment to making a positive impression. Wearing attire that reflects your professionalism shows you care about how you're perceived and the impression you leave on others.
Not sure what to wear? We recommend dressing conservatively in clothing one level above what the current employees at the company are wearing. You want to look professional, but not like you don't fit in with the workplace culture.
3. Show Your Connection To The Company
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Employers like to hire candidates who have a passion for what they do. Why? Because when people are passionate about their work, that enthusiasm often translates into a higher level of commitment, creativity, and productivity. This intrinsic motivation can lead to consistently strong performance and a positive impact on the team and company as a whole.
In your disruptive cover letter (and during your job interview), demonstrate how and why you admire the company. Highlight what you love most about their products and services. Give examples of how you have personally used them in your own life with success. The more you can show them you understand and respect the business, the more likely you'll impress the hiring manager and move forward in the interview process.
4. Demonstrate Your Value
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It's important to remember that you're a business-of-one, and you're trying to sell the service you provide as a business-of-one to employers (the customers who will be paying you for the service).
To find a job during the holidays, you must adequately demonstrate your value as a business-of-one and highlight your strengths and the specific benefits you bring as a potential employee throughout the hiring process. How do you do this? Well, make sure to quantify your work experience on your resume. Use numbers to showcase your accomplishments. Clearly state how you'll make or save the company money with your employment. Do this, and you'll easily become one of the top candidates for the position.
5. Express Gratitude
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The holidays are busy for everyone. When you're applying for jobs during the holiday season, keep gratitude in mind. This positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient but also shines through in your applications and interviews, leaving a memorable impression on potential employers.
After every job interview, always send a thank-you note. It's just the polite thing to do, and you'll score more points with the hiring manager. Even if you get rejected, or never hear back about a position, make sure you send an email thanking the employer for the opportunity and wish them the best of luck with finding the right job candidate.
Don't be bitter. Be gracious. You never know what will happen in the future. You might want to apply for another job at the company down the line. So, don't let your frustration get the best of you. Remember: If you get rejected, they didn't say, "No, not ever." They just said, "No, not today."
A successful holiday job search depends on a solid strategy. Follow the guidelines above and land a job this holiday season!
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