Every new year offers the chance to make new resolutions, and maybe securing a new job is one of your 2023 goals. However, the job market is more competitive than ever despite the increased labor. There are a lot of opportunities out there, especially in the IT industry, but the increase in remote working means job seekers have to compete against a global talent pool. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maximize your chances of employment. Here are four job search tips to help you stand out in the job market in 2023.
1. Have your criminal background check ready
Hiring managers screen the applicant’s background before hiring a job candidate to decide whether they will be a reliable and competent employee. A criminal record check is usually part of this process and may be needed for new hires, especially if your potential company is in a regulated industry. While the local police can provide in-person criminal checks, you can simply get your criminal record check online within minutes.
2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is one of the best tools for searching for and finding a job. In fact, eight people are hired on LinkedIn every minute, while there are over three million new hires through this platform every year. That means you should use your LinkedIn profile as a social media profile as well as a resume of some kind.
Using a professional profile picture, toggle on the profile feature to let potential employers know you are open to new job opportunities. This will help hiring managers know what roles they should approach you for. Use the right keywords to show what you do. For instance, if you are a content creator, use “content creator” as your keyword. You should also add applicable skills by listing the specific skills relevant to your industry and the job descriptions.
3. Keep your resume clean and simple
Most HR managers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) in the hiring process. Therefore, having an ATS-friendly CV or resume will make it appear in the recruiter’s sight when applying for a job. The system will automatically check your resume for keywords that the potential employer is searching for.
Your resume should generally be easy to scrutinize by both the hiring managers and the applicant tracking system. Ensure it is correctly formatted, and your credentials meet or surpass the job descriptions. Include all relevant education and training, including any certification you have acquired. If you have worked before, include clear, concise, and easy-to-read descriptions of your work experience.
4. Make networking part of your lifestyle
Networking is one of the most effective strategies for finding a job. Some job positions get filled through networking or internally without even being published on the company’s website.
Start building your network by attending industry events, joining relevant professional organizations, and reaching out to friends and colleagues. Try to create a strong and well-nurtured network that you can turn to at any time in your career.
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Finding the right job takes a bit of hard work and dedication. Remember to stay positive, focused, and persistent as you embark on your job search. While it may take time to find the right opportunity, you can achieve your career goals with a clear plan and appropriate tools.
