As recently as 10 years ago, the only think most job seekers needed to prepare for their job search was their resume, and perhaps, a cover letter. Then, they would mail it or hand-deliver to the hiring company. Seems kind of archaic now, doesn't it? Today, the job search is much more complicated and hiring managers are using multiple tools to evaluate candidates and ensure they are finding the best possible people for their organizations. The Internet has completely changed the game and both hiring organizations and candidates are taking advantage of social media and other Web 2.0 tools during the hiring process.
Below is a list of things that the modern job seeker should have in his/her arsenal:
1) Cover letter: This is the most traditional document on this list and has been used as a complement to the resume for years. However, it is still surprising how often job seekers neglect to include a cover letter or don't use it to its full capacity. A cover letter is an incredible tool to make a personal connection with the hiring manager, which a resume must doesn't provide. Job seekers should be sure to create a cover letter and take advantage of the opportunity to stand out from the sea of other applicants.
2) LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the world's largest social network dedicated to professionals. As of July 2012, there are more than 200 million users on LinkedIn and job seekers can be sure that most employers will do a quick search for your profile at some point in the hiring process. The summary of the LinkedIn profile provides a great platform to show employers the value you can bring to an organization. Also, the recommendations from colleagues and clients are an excellent way to build third-party credibility.
3) Personal Blog: If a job seeker has a blog that is relevant to the industry they are trying to break into, this can be an excellent tool to get hiring managers' attention. For example, if a candidate were applying for a position as a financial advisor, having a blog that was centered on personal finance would tell employers that he/she was competent in the field and has a passion for the subject matter.
4) Networking Resume: Job seekers should consider putting together a condensed version of their traditional resume that they can pass off to friends and colleagues. Not everybody needs the full version and a one-page bio/resume combination has proven to be a winning tool for many job seekers as it works well for job seekers in the midst of person-to-person contact who want to avoid the hassle of tracking multiple sheets of paper. As clients rely more heavily on networking and other more personal approaches to their job search, the networking resume may even begin take the place of the traditional resume.
These are just a few suggestions to give job seekers a leg up on the competition. Those who are building a brand around social media will have an advantage over those who don't. As recruiters and hiring managers place a heavier emphasis on "social proof", job seekers who continue to just mail in their resumes will almost certainly struggle to win interviews.
And finally, if you are interested in hiring a professional resume service or looking for guidance on creating these additional career marketing tools, please check out Resume Mastermind at http://www.resumemastermind.com/.
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