The Modern Job Search: Navigating the Net of Opportunities

At some point in life, you will most likely need to hunt for a job. Whether you are currently seeking a new job, looking to change careers, or currently unemployed, you need to know how to navigate today’s job market. There is likely a job out there that is perfect for you; you just need to know how to find it.

With the advent of so many employment websites, the job-search landscape can seem overwhelmingly complicated. Thankfully, many websites have different helpful features that make them stand out from the rest of the pack. Which websites you use simply comes down to what works best for you and your situation.

LinkedIn

For any modern job search, you definitely need to sign up for LinkedIn. Unlike your resume, this site acts as a full display of the depth of your career and experience. Even if you have little work experience, it is a valuable place to highlight your experience in a way that even the most effective resume can’t always convey.

LinkedIn also offers the convenience of having your professional network right alongside a comprehensive list of available jobs from most of the nation’s top companies. It makes it easy to see if anyone you already know works at a company you might be interested in. LinkedIn is something that employers often look at along with your resume, so make sure it is up-to-date and accurate. If your profile is well done, it may give you an advantage on the competition.

Indeed

Indeed focuses primarily on providing a constantly updated list of available jobs from many of the world’s top companies. Like LinkedIn, they also have extra resources for deepening your search. Indeed has anonymous company reviews from people in various positions in the company, along with salary estimates for some common positions. The site also provides the ability to look at jobs within a certain region, distance from home, and industry.

The biggest benefit of Indeed lies in the sheer amount of jobs it has listed continuously and the number of companies that use it to advertise new positions. Unless your field of expertise is extremely obscure, you’ll likely find many available positions depending on where you live.

Recruiters

Online recruiters are a good option if you are looking for specific types of jobs within a specific state, city, or region. Recruiters normally have direct connections with company HR departments, which gives candidates a chance to break through the pile of online applications and make an impression on the people making the hiring decisions. Many of these recruiting companies are specialized for different industries, so be sure to do some research in order to find recruiters specific to your field.

Recruiters often work with companies looking for contract workers to fill a position for three months to a year depending on their specifications. While contract work may not be the perfect long-term job solution, it can open an opportunity for you to be hired full-time. Available jobs from recruiting companies can vary depending on the demand of the job market, but they can be a helpful addition to your job search toolbelt.

Direct Applications

One of the best ways to find out what job opportunities are available in your area is to simply be direct. Most major companies have job application sites that are constantly updated with any new opportunities. If you have a list of companies you are interested in, check out their individual sites directly, as they sometimes have jobs posted exclusively to their own sites. Monitoring company specific job boards also gives you the chance to catch newly open positions early, which gives you extra time to dive into your application and make sure that it is in the best possible form for the job.

If you are interested in a specific company, be sure to spend time developing your networking within that company. Networking often makes the difference between getting a job or being shuffled out of the running. Your best opportunity lies in making a connection with people in the company beforehand and using that connection when a job that you qualify for appears.

Making strategic connections and applying at the right time will likely give you a competitive edge in your job search.

While these ideas provide some basic tools and sites to use, you may want to explore other options that fit your needs better. Invest time in finding the most effective combination of tools for you, and be sure to do plenty of research. Continue to pray for God’s guidance and seek counsel from those you trust. Eventually, you will find the opportunity that is right for you.