Finding the perfect job doesn’t always happen with a snap of the fingers, but with help from your network, social media, and the Job Seeker tools available on ZipRecruiter, it’s never been easier.
Try these six strategies that I’ve used when helping others to find jobs, improve their résumés, write better cover letters, and learn about the top positions available in their fields—without spending hours each day job-hunting online.
1. Let people know you’re looking.
Whether you’re looking for a new job discreetly or you were just laid off, let your network know you’re in the market for a new job. If you aren’t working at the moment, put yourself out there and let people know you’re looking for your next role.
When I was let go from a full-time job prior to starting my own business, I sent more than 300 personal emails to former colleagues and friends letting them know that I was looking for either freelance or full-time work. Send personal notes out and let contacts know you appreciate their help.
2. Share on social media after a layoff.
Use a social media platform where you have a large following of friends, family, and professional connections to let them know you’re looking for work. After hearing that a close friend was laid off at the start of the year, I shared the news that she was looking for work on a social media platform. A contact in her industry saw the post and reached out to her. Even though he didn’t have an open position, they chatted about how she could help his company grow and he created a role for her.
A mere four weeks after that social media post, she was hired. Let your social media followers know that you’re looking for work and be specific about your background, skills, and ideal industry. Then, reach out to some contacts individually and ask if they could share your post on their social media pages.
3. Update your résumé.
Make sure your résumé reflects your most recent responsibilities and has the keywords your ideal employer will be looking for. Then, tailor it for specific job postings—highlighting the skills and experience that the hiring manager is seeking—and rename the document each time with the date and a word or two that make it easy to identify (ie., “marketing” or “travel”).
4. Get help with your cover letter.
Before sitting down to write a cover letter, research the potential employer and make sure to address points from the job description, As a last resort, hire a freelancer or writing firm to help you deliver a tailored, polished letter. It’s always a good idea to have someone look over your résumé and cover letter—whether that’s a friend or digital proofreader—even the best writers need editors!
5. Get updates when new positions go live.
ZipRecruiter will send you an email when there’s a job opening posted that fits your search criteria. If you’re interested, hit “1-Click Apply” and your résumé and profile will be sent to the hiring manager. I also like a job search platform that lets you know when a hiring manager looks at your application. This reduces some of the stress of the job search process, so you don’t have to wonder, “Did they get my email?”
6. Enlist the help of a digital assistant.
Who wants to sit at a computer all day long scouring the internet for jobs? Using ZipRecruiter means smart, AI-enabled technology does the job searching for you, once you’re in the system. Their AI recruiter, Phil, will sort through the 9 million active jobs posted on ZipRecruiter at any given time and ping you once he finds one that seems like a good fit. With the help of Phil, you can review a job and apply for the role—all before you get to the front of the grocery check-out line.