How to Navigate the Job Market in the Digital Age
posted 25 Jul 23
With over one million vacancies in the UK, the candidates most likely to stand out are the ones who have online job search strategies.
Using smart tactics can increase your chances of landing your ideal role when conducting a job search in the digital era.
Optimise your online presence and personal brand
‘Personal brand’ has become a buzzword, but having a recognisable online identity can enhance your reputation and set you apart from other job seekers.Â
It may seem daunting, but, at its heart, personal branding is about promoting you and your skill set. Whether it’s on social media, via a portfolio, at networking events, or in an interview, show potential employers your strengths and how you can support their business goals.
Unsure how to get started? Take a look at our 2023 Career Goals Toolkit.
Tap into the power of social media for your job search
Social media is definitely a great way to build your personal brand. To further enhance your job search, there are other social strategies you can also implement.
LinkedIn’s ‘Jobs’ feature can uncover new opportunities, but hundreds of people are often applying for the same job. If a company or recruiter is actively hiring, especially if they need someone urgently, they’re likely to share a post directly on LinkedIn asking for recommendations or applications.
By searching for and responding to these posts, you may find opportunities you didn’t know were there and get your foot in the door.
How do you find them?
- Using the ‘Search’ bar, type ‘I’m hiring’, ‘Im hiring’ or ‘I am hiring’ and your relevant role or industry
- Click ‘Posts’
- Sort by either ‘Top match’ or ‘latest’ posts
- Filter down the ‘Date posted’ to the past 24 hours or week for the most up-to-date vacancies
Once you’ve found a job you’re interested in, research the company and send a tailored LinkedIn message – or better yet, a personalised email – to the original poster. Showcase your skills and experience, and ask if they’re available for a short conversation about the role.
Another way to monitor the job market is to find recruiters in your specialism and follow them on LinkedIn. Get alerted when the post is posted by setting notifications, so you can apply or contact them right away.
Many companies, especially small businesses, are using Facebook Groups to advertise vacancies. There are a wide range of Facebook Groups you can join, from industry-specific to flexible working communities. Find the ones you get the most out of being part of.
Leverage online job boards and career websites
Merely applying for a job or signing up for a careers website without a strategy could narrow your opportunities. Here are four simple but effective ways you can start leveraging technology for job hunting:
- Fill in your profile – Employers and recruiters are searching for candidates, so highlight your skills
- Use keywords – Maximise your chances of being found by researching and adding relevant keywords for your specialism or position to your CV, profile, and applications
- Expand job title searches – Titles differ from company to company, so think of all the possible variants for your role and look for them
- Set up job alerts– Receive details of the latest vacancies via email or platform notifications, so you can apply for ideal roles right away
For more on how to update and improve your CV, check out our 2023 Career Goals Toolkit.
Looking for your next opportunity? By signing up with Search, you’ll be assigned a dedicated consultant who can support you throughout your job search. Get in touch today.
