Job Search Strategies for 2012
January 05, 2012, By Chandlee Bryan 0 comments
As we move toward the November elections throughout this year, expect constant conversation in the media on "jobs, baby, jobs." You'll hear different perspectives on how to create them, how to fund them and where you can find them.
Expect to hear a lot about sectors where the demand for skills exceeds the supply of available labor. Scan job boards, and you'll see big demands for IT and engineering skills. In fact, the top 10 most frequently mentioned key words in job listings on job search aggregator Indeed.com are all tech and social media terms.
You'll also see a healthy number of jobs in—or associated with—healthcare. Healthcare reform initiatives—including federal mandates for facilities to transition to electronic medical records—have led to a boom in hiring. In fact, one out of five jobs created in September and October of 2011 were in the healthcare sector.
If you're not in these fields and you feel your blood pressure rising, there's no need to head to the closest yoga studio or see your family doctor. Remember: you only need to find one job or career move that fits you.
Here's a roundup of career trends and job-search strategy tips to help you have a prosperous 2012.
1. Your resume may be your second "impression."
Prepare to be Googled. Ninety percent of recruiters surveyed by ExecuNet admit conducting background online research of candidates. Monitor your social media search results with the same scrutiny you apply to your resume—and highlight your professional accomplishments and interests across social networking platforms.
2. Employers are going social—meet them there.
55% of employers surveyed by Jobvite.com in 2011 said they planned to spend more of their recruiting advertising budgets on social media. Companies ranging from the Fortune 100 to start-ups are engaging with customers on Twitter, maintaining pages on Facebook and actively sourcing LinkedIn to identify potential new hires.
Just as getting referred for a job can exponentially increase your chances of getting hired, making friends with recruiters on social media can also help you get a foot in the door. The reason: When you ask a question or connect with a company on social media, you are both visible—and seen as a customer. As a senior recruiter recently said to me, "My company wants me to engage with potential applicants. It's why I'm on Twitter. It's part of my job to respond."
When reaching out, be upfront. Don't say, "Here's what I do. What types of roles could you see me in at your company?" Review jobs and specify opportunities of interest, comment on positive company news and showcase your areas of expertise. It's always okay to say, "Is there anyone I should reach out to?"
NEXT: It's more important than ever to look busy—even if you're between jobs.
