5 Must-Do's While in the Job Market #FiveFriday

 

 



Spending time in the job market can be a challenging and anxious interval in life whether you are a recent graduate or in transition.  With many choices in technology for the job market, you may not know where to start or which strategy to focus on.  Everyone offers advice that they think answers your questions.  Monarch Staffing believes this period can be enjoyable and allow you to concentrate on which career to pursue.  Monarch can help make the search process easier and offers five “must-do” tips while job hunting.

  

 

1.       LinkedIn

Monarch Staffing suggests that if you are in the job market and not on LinkedIn, this is the first step.  Social media is a key aspect of the job market, and 92% of recruiters use social media to find job applicants. Specifically, 87% used LinkedIn to reach the right candidate.  It is the perfect social media platform for the job market because it focuses on business rather than social life.  Monarch recommends creating your LinkedIn profile to highlight your work experience section by describing your accomplishments and quantifying how your work improved the company during your employment.  LinkedIn allows subscribers to request recommendations from prior employment connections, adding to your LinkedIn profile.  This really gets a potential employer’s attention. 

2.       Referrals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next step is to let people know you are in the job market.  In conversation, make everyone aware that you are currently looking for a job.  It is also suggested to go out and meet people through networking events.  Besides looking for jobs online, networking events can advance your search.  LinkedIn can help with referrals as well by viewing your connections and requesting introductions.  Also using a staffing agency, like Monarch, is a great way to get the word out about yourself to other employers.

 

 

 

3.       Résumé Update

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new method of job searching has developed because there are so many online career platforms.  It is called the “shotgun” style and involves sending résumés to every job available for which you qualify.  Monarch Staffing does not recommend this style.  They advise to self-assess and understand your career goals in the interim.  It is strongly suggested to place an elevator pitch at the top of your résumé to catch immediate attention.  Since most hiring managers only briefly review résumés, it is necessary to update your résumé including an easy to read list of specific skills.

 

 

 

 

4.       Target Companies/Industry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the time to do your homework on which companies you want to work for by researching the industry for background information.  Company research will be useful upon interviewing providing an understanding of the history and culture of the business.  You will also be prepared to ask questions about the job and company during the interview.  Industry research can be used as a career guide by helping you aim and recognize your employment search goals.

 

 

5.       Know Your Brand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social media can be a wonderful tool while you are in the job market, but you also need to be aware how others view you through your social media pages. This means being aware of what aspects you post online and also the nature of pictures you are in. By understanding the image you want to project through social media can increase your chances when competing for a job. It is understood that all employers will view your social media pages to gain a better understanding of who you are, so always post responsibly.

 

Monarch Staffing suggests that these five steps will help guide you through your search in the job market, but if you would like even more guidance than they are always available to help. Recently celebrating their 15 year anniversary, Monarch Staffing is a very personalized staffing agency with a pain-free process that helps fit the “candidate to the culture of the company” rather than just the skill set. Monarch specializes in administrative and clerical staffing on a temporary, temp to hire and direct hire basis. The market is strong and they can be an advocate for you in your job search. With these five steps and the help of Monarch Staffing you will find yourself succeeding in the job market.

 

 

 

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

 

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org