The Recruiter’s Guide to the Job Search: Identify Jobs

Targeting your job search is critical to finding the position that is right for you – based on all the factors that are most important to you. With so many resources, tools, and networks available, this task can be challenging and overwhelming. Remember, a job search is a job. You need to remain focused and organized.

Utilize Recruiters

Joining forces with two, no more than three, recruiters is a must. More than three recruiters will be difficult to manage, and may result in overexposure. Be selective with the recruiters you choose to work with.

• Meet them in person.
• Interview them.
• Make sure they interview you.
• Be sure they specialize in your field.
• Make sure they represent companies with which you want to work.
• Make sure you feel comfortable.
• Be open and honest – they can’t get you the right job unless you do.

Network

Attending networking events can provide you with valuable information, introductions and leads. When you are conducting your job search, you must make every effort to network.

Social Media:

LinkedIn is a tool that cannot be overlooked in your job search. Use LinkedIn to:

• View jobs posted in LinkedIn.
• Follow companies that interest you so you can stay abreast of activity posted.
• Use the advanced search features to target possible opportunities based on keywords, skills, and companies.
• Use your network updates to source possible leads and contacts.

Twitter: Use real time communication to find job listings, speak with hiring managers, and get input from professionals around the world. Twitter provides the ability to directly message others, including any CEO or hiring manager you can find on Twitter. There are also many communities based around the job search. Job listings can be found on Twitter using “hash tags” such as #jobsearch or #hiring. Twitter is also a great place to find and communicate with communities. For example, #HFChat, or Hire Friday Chat, is a group that meets every Friday to discuss job search strategies online.   

Facebook: 3^rd party applications have brought the job search to Facebook. With tools such as Branchout, BeKnown, and Identified, one can now perform their job search within the most populated social network. 

Search Jobs Online

Job Boards: Find public job postings through an assortment of job board sites, including Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, LinkedIn Jobs, and specialty boards such as Dice. Determine if there are specialty boards catering to your field.  Be aware, there are many applications to these job postings, and that many companies posting also utilize applicant tracking systems. These applicant tracking systems often screen out many great candidates.

Once you find a job of interest, start using the social media recommendations above to reach out to your network. You may have connections who already work at said company. You can also connect with employees that you do not know. This can provide you with many valuable leads.

Post Your Resume on Job Boards

Although many consider them to be a thing of the past, job boards are still alive and well.  If you are serious about your job search, you need to post your resume on job boards. The most prevalent job boards are Monster and Indeed. However, you should also strongly consider posting your resume on field-specific boards such as Dice.

A job search is a two way street. You want to find the right job. You want to be found for the right job. Don’t wait to be found – find that job on your own.

In our next installment, we will discuss how to Identify Industries/Companies.

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