When it comes to the job search, we all go through the typical motions of submitting job applications, networking, and preparing to go to a job interview. But what if there was a way to amp up your job search and get the recruiters and hiring managers to come after you? Like any job search, there should be a strategy, and there are strategies you can put in place to get noticed more than you could on your own. Let’s take a look at the ways you can get employers to notice you.
Get your resume out there – Do you have a resume that seems to be getting some traction out there in the job market? If you answered yes to that question, then you have gotten over one of the biggest obstacles of the job search – a proper resume. One strategy you can use to get employers to come to you is through posting your resume to websites like Monster, Workopolis, Indeed, and Career Builder. These websites have resume banks to which agencies and recruiters pay for access. When you upload your resume to your account on these websites, ensure that you mark your resume as public and repost the resume every few days to keep yourself at the top of the list. Ensure that you mark your resume title to what you are looking for so that the right recruiters will be able to search you when they are sourcing for candidates. If you are active with this method, you will be able to get the attention of recruiters on the hunt for candidates.
Another thing you can do to get your resume noticed is to focus on industry specific job boards to connect with employers. For example, websites like HospitalRecruiting.com offer a wide variety of services to add to your job search. Industry specific websites allow you to have a one-stop shop for your job search needs, along with advanced filters to help you find the postings that match your skills the best. These types of niche job boards are only used by healthcare employers so your resume’s target audience is already looking for you there. Be sure to sign up for job alerts to get the jobs delivered to your inbox.
Blogging – Want to come across as an industry expert and use the magic of social media to get the attention of the right people? Then show your expertise through writing a blog about a subject in which you are an expert. If writing is a strong point and you want to keep on top of industry trends, then blogging is a great way to keep your knowledge sharp and relevant. Create a twitter account for your blog and advertise your knowledge using industry keywords as hashtags. Creating a blog can also help to boost your credibility in your field as far as knowledge and exposure are concerned. You never know who may stumble across your work. Ensure that your blog has information about how to contact you.
Make networking count – Get to know who the key players are in your area of expertise or who are the important contact names in your region. Networking is a key component that many people often neglect. Networking doesn’t just have to be a busy room of people where you go and find random people with whom to talk. It can also consist of going out to find seminars and learning opportunities where other industry people are going to be. Before going to an event have a game plan, research who is going to be at the event, and determine why you would like to talk to them. Prepare questions to get the conversation going once you approach the speaker or person of interest who will be at the event. This type of method will get your name out in the field and if you have a purposeful conversation with the people you meet, this could lead to an opportunity to get people to contact you about jobs. The healthcare industry has lots of opportunities for learning; take advantage of them. Remember to bring your business cards!
The Almighty LinkedIn – LinkedIn is the main social platform that job seekers and recruiters use. It acts as a wealth of information about what is going on in the job market, as well as a platform for applying for jobs. Recruiters actively use LinkedIn to get candidates for positions for which they are looking to hire (and at times can be struggling to fill). So how can you utilize this website to get people to contact you? The first thing you will want to do is get in connection with as many industry recruiters as possible. In the healthcare industry, there are plenty of recruiters actively looking for the next great candidate.
The next thing you want to do is prepare a profile that says you are open and looking for a new opportunity. Change your headline to something like “Nurse – Patient Advocate – Looking for a new opportunity.” The headline is one of the first things readers see when they connect with you on LinkedIn. If you can get your message across quickly, then you will be able to let others know that you are available. Another area to work on is your summary. Make your summary a brief profile as to what you have accomplished, highlight your skills and expertise, and mention where you want to move next with your career. Remember to list your contact information so people will have an easier time connecting with you once they come across your profile.
Follow up – Did you ever apply for a job and notice that someone from the company has been viewing your LinkedIn profile? This is a sure sign that you caught the employer’s attention in some way. If you can see the name of the person who contacted you, take it to the next level and send a message to the person discussing your interest in the position. This will show that you are interested in the job and will put your name in front of the hiring manager. You may also call the place of employment and ask to speak to the hiring manager or recruiter about the position for which you are interested. Doing so at times can land you an interview for the position. The only time you should be avoiding phone calls is if the posting specifically asks for no phone calls or if the posting says only successful candidates will be contacted.
The job search doesn’t have to be daunting if you are creative about your approach. While the old-fashioned way of searching for a job online and submitting your resume and cover letter are still important, the methods you use outside of these activities are important as well. When it comes to connecting with others and utilizing the power of the Internet, you never know whom you are going to meet or from where your next chance will come. If you want new connections to find you, be consistent with your online activities, and the right people will discover you.
