As a recruiter, I’ve worked with countless job seekers and know what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re a fresh grad or a talented professional working at the same company for years and starting to feel restless, here are a few tips I recommend.
Send Your Resume to the Right Places
If you are responding to a job posting, be certain you are qualified for the role and that your resume shows exactly how and why you are. Don’t spam your resume out to every employer in your industry, hoping something hits. What will hit is your boss will soon learn you are looking for work! If your information is in too many places, others will learn about it.
If you’re working with a recruiter, make sure to only send your resume to places you approve. Your resume is your brand, and controlling how you present it to potential employers is important. Don’t let your recruiter “wallpaper” your resume all over the industry; instead, choose the companies you’re interested in and target your application accordingly.
Keep Your Job Search Confidential
Confidentiality is critical in job searching, primarily if you’re currently employed. You never know who might tell your employer that you’re considering making a career change, which can put your current job at risk. When working with a recruiter, ensure they understand your need for confidentiality and only share your information with potential employers after getting your consent.
Look for a new job before you need one.
When you have been successful and are still relatively happy in your current job is a great time to passively look for a new one. It is the perfect time to start exploring your options. Don’t wait until you’re unemployed to start looking for a new job. Instead, be proactive and always be on the lookout for new opportunities. This way, you’ll have more choices, be able to take your time, and get a better salary. You can always so ‘no’ to an offer if it is not right, but failing to compare where you are and where you could be may be short-sighted.
When you’re unemployed, there’s often a sense of urgency that can be counterproductive and may force you to settle for a job that’s not a good fit. Manage your career, and make moves on your terms. Don’t wait for bad news to update your resume.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Stay on a Sinking Ship!
If your current employer is going through changes or being impacted by the industry or economy, it may be time you consider other options. Don’t stay on a sinking ship out of a sense of loyalty or obligation. There’s no heroism in sticking around until the end. It can only be detrimental to your career in the long run.
Finding a job can be challenging, but following these tips can set you up for success. Remember to be selective with where you send your resume, keep your job search confidential, always be on the lookout for new opportunities, and don’t stay on a sinking ship.
As a recruiter, I know what employers are looking for, and by following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding your dream job. Good luck!
For more expert career tips and advice, follow me on LinkedIn at Dan Simmons or reach me through email at dan@continentalsearch.com. Be updated with our latest blogs by following our LinkedIn page or visiting continentalsearch.com.
About the Author
Dan Simmons founded Continental Search in 1996 but focused exclusively on animal nutrition recruiting in 2002. He is currently focused on recruiting top talents such as nutritionists, technical support professionals, sales managers, and executive-level positions, including technical directors and VP of sales and marketing.
Dan has won over 20 awards from Top Echelon Network, America’s leading placement network, including Placer of the Year in 2009 and the prestigious Million Dollar Award. He also authored seven eBooks—all available for FREE download here. For the latest job opportunities, you may connect with Dan on LinkedIn or email him at dan@continentalsearch.com.
