Use Technology
Smartly
I can remember when telephones only worked when they had a
wire connected to them. In fact I can remember when in rural communities most
phones hung on the wall. I know that dates me. I can also remember when the
only ones who had computers were the military the government and big
educational institutions. Those days are long gone. Today, technology is
everywhere and whether you consider that a good thing or not doesn’t change the
reality that we all use some form of technology these days.
Using technology wisely is the key all the time but never
more so when you are seeking out a new job. Here are some tips from the world
of recruiting experts.
1. Have A Social
Media Spring Clean
Being social media savvy is now the least that employers
expect of you. 68% of employers will search for you on Facebook, so make sure
that if your profile is easily discoverable that you haven’t done yourself a
disservice in what information you include on there. Survey results show that 86%
of employers believe candidates should make their profiles more employer
friendly, so aligning your social profiles with your professional persona is an
important part of selling yourself.
2. The Devil Lies
In The Detail
76% of CVs are ignored if the email address provided is
unprofessional, whilst people form an impression of one another from their
photo in one tenth of a second. Most of these issues come down to common sense;
just make sure that you’re presenting yourself well wherever you can be found
and that you’re offering current and accurate information.
3. Go Mobile
A VISUAL VERSION OF YOU PROVIDES FAR GREATER INSIGHT TO
PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS
With online job boards, job email alerts and recruitment
company apps you can now job search wherever you are. Create a mobile-friendly
downloadable PDF which will enable you to apply for positions on the go. In
doing so you’ll be maximising your available job search time, as well as making
sure you’re ready to apply for the most appealing positions as and when they
are posted. Storing your CV in an easily accessible location online also means
that employers can review it 24/7.
Recruiters spend an average time of 5-7 seconds reviewing
your CV, so make sure yours is devoid of all formatting issues. The information
included needs to be readily-available and as clear as possible.
4. Make Your Application
Interactive
Video is something which is only recently beginning to be
fully utilized in the job search process. Skype interviews are increasingly
common, however video CVs and cover letters have not quite taken of as of yet.
Whether participating in a video interview, CV or cover letter, make sure that
you’re fully prepared.
A visual version of you provides far greater insight to
prospective employers than a sheet of paper. Make the most of this by ensuring
that the backdrop is clear, your dress smart and yourself well-rehearsed. YouTube
is the third most visited site in the world – and its popularity shows no sign
of waning – so video CVs are something that I expect to catch on a lot more in
the next few years. They’re a great opportunity to demonstrate your skills and
creativity.
5. Network Online
Effective networking is perhaps the most crucial step in
your technology-savvy job search process. Make yourself easily discoverable
across all social media sites by following this advice.
Interact with brands you love, contact people you admire,
blog about things you’re passionate about and develop your network. LinkedIn is
unrivalled for professional networking; it’s used by more than 90% of
recruiters and employers to source new candidates, more than any other social
media site. Hays recently hit the 1 million follower mark on LinkedIn, so
here’s our guide on how to optimise your profile.
6. Look In The
Right Places
MAKE YOURSELF EASILY DISCOVERABLE ACROSS ALL SOCIAL MEDIA
SITES
The last thing to understand about making full use of technology
in your job search is knowing where to look. The latest and greatest positions
can be found from a variety of sources, such as newsletters, individual job ads
on LinkedIn, online job boards and individual recruitment sites. You can also
use your research skills to do some homework on your interviewer, should you be
successful with your initial application.
At Hays we encourage you to contact your regional office.
Also, follow us on LinkedIn and locate the recruitment professionals relevant
to your field.
The job search process is ever evolving; as new mediums and
platforms emerge it’s important to stay on top of the latest development.
Through using a variety of methods in your job search, such as those outlined
above, you give yourself a better chance of being contacted by prospective
employers. The above information will help you to secure a position using the
most modern methods, make sure you take full of advantage of them. Good luck in
your job search.