Finding a job in this digital age is different than it was even a few years ago. Recruiters would qualify candidates over the phone before moving on to a second or third interview in person. Today, even fewer people meet in person at any stage of the process. This is quickly turning into the “new normal,” and you should expect to experience this extra step for your future job searches. Adapting to these changes can help you improve your chance of finding the right job.
As you plan your next career move, here are some of the best job searching strategies to consider to make your 2022 job search more effective:
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Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn offers a convenient and non-intrusive way for prospective employers to notice you and learn more about your education, work experience, skills, and qualifications. Building up your LinkedIn profile should be at the top of your to-do list for your 2022 job search. Develop a headline that goes beyond a simple job description. Your profile summary should include your strengths, values, and other information that makes a positive impression on employers. For your education and experience, focus on highlighting skills and responsibilities that are relevant to your field.
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Prepare for Rejection
As you prepare to look for a job in 2022, keep in mind that you are likely to experience rejection at some point. While rejection for some top jobs is nothing new, the expected sheer volume of applicants for desirable positions could make these rejections even more disheartening. According to a report from Forbes, an average of 118 people will apply for any given job opening. Of those, only 24 will interview. Do not take rejection personally. Instead, view each setback as a learning opportunity. This will allow you to gain or hone skills that will make you a stronger applicant for the next opportunity.
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Optimize Your Resume
Your resume has a major influence on whether companies contact you for an interview. If your resume is generic, it might be easily overlooked or tossed away. Companies typically contact applicants with strong resumes that fit what they’re looking for in terms of qualifications, skills, and experience.
Look at the position description. Use it to inform your strategy for the resume you share with that specific company. Optimize your resume to fit the position—use key terms in the description to let potential hiring managers know you understand the position. This can help your resume stand out from the competition.
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Do Mock Interviews
Going into a job interview without practicing beforehand can end up hurting your chances of landing the job. Making a solid impression during interviews requires preparation and forethought. Doing mock interviews with a friend or family member can help you prepare. These mock interviews allow you to come up with replies to commonly asked questions and identify any areas you might need to improve on, such as talking about your weaknesses. The more you do mock interviews, the more confident you’ll feel during an actual job interview.
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Recruit a Mentor
Having a mentor is a great way to boost your chances of finding and landing a job in 2022. Mentors can help guide you on the path to achieving your career goals. They can help you understand the career you’ve chosen to pursue, answering questions and providing guidance.
With a mentor, you’ll gain a more accurate idea of what to expect in your field. Your mentor can also help you develop relevant skills and prepare for job interviews. Depending on the mentor, you might also be able to build industry connections; this can give you an added advantage during your job search.
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Apply to as Many Jobs as Possible
One of the most important tips for today’s job market is to apply to as many jobs as possible. Don’t spend your time looking for the perfect or ideal job opportunity. Instead, you should apply to as many jobs as you feel qualified for based on your education, experience, and interests. Applying to a higher number of jobs can help improve your chances of landing one, rather than applying to only a few and hoping to be hired. Look through job openings on a regular basis and be prepared to apply to as many as you can. Remember to balance quantity with quality though, as one well-crafted resume is worth more than five hastily prepared ones.
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Network
Networking with professionals in your field or industry is an effective way to get your foot in the door. When you get to know these professionals, you can learn more about the industry and use that knowledge to help your job search. For example, networking might reveal upcoming and unadvertised job openings that interest you.
With today’s increasingly digital world, your networking focus should be online. Do this by commenting on a professional’s blog posts. Offer your insight in a LinkedIn post. Share relevant industry news and information—with your spin—on social media. This digital networking strategy can help open a dialogue between you and professionals in your field.
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Seek Out Key or Growing Industries
When you have a business degree, you can work in a wide range of fields or industries. Narrowing your search to industries that are growing can help improve your chance of landing a job. Some key industries that are experiencing growth and will be for the foreseeable future include technology, healthcare, renewable energy, customer service, and e-commerce. Depending on your career goals, interests, strengths, and skills, you should consider focusing your job search in one of these growing industries.
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Dress for Success
You should always dress to impress for a job interview—in person or online. Even if your interview is taking place via video chat, you should wear a professional outfit rather than dressing casually. Taking the time to dress for success can help you make a good impression on your interviewer and set you apart from the competition.
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Stay Motivated
Searching for the right job can take considerable time, and that can be discouraging. The prospect of multiple rejections can also be disheartening. That makes it even more important to find ways to keep your motivation up. For example, you might reward yourself with small perks for applying to a certain number of positions or being contacted for an interview. Anything from reading a new book, catching the latest episode of your favorite show, or simply treating yourself to a treasured sweet can help keep you going. Simply pursuing a job can feel like a job, so make sure you take time to unwind each day.
If you’re looking to advance your career, contact The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for more information on our business degree programs. Our Gary W. Rollins College of Business offers a Master of Business Administration degree program to help you improve your business skills and develop new ones and in a delivery mode that works for you.
Sources
https://www.themuse.com/advice/job-search-trends-tips-2021
https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-secret-to-building-a-linkedin-profile-that-gets-results
https://www.select-staff.com/2021/09/16/rethinking-your-job-search-strategy-for-2022/
https://thevoiceofjobseekers.com/12-strategies-beyond-the-resume-2022/
Very insightful information