How to Take Advantage of the Candidate-Driven Job Market

How to Take Advantage of the Candidate-Driven Job MarketHow to Take Advantage of the Candidate-Driven Job Market1Looking for a new job can be a nerve-racking process. Youre often left wondering, Will they think Im qualified based on this new and (hopefully) improved version of my resume? or, Why didnt I say thisinstead of thatduring my interview? or Ugh Why arent they calling me back?I seriously feel you. Its kind of like Monday-morning-quarterbacking a bunch of first dates But the good news is that we are currently experiencing a candidate-driven job market, which means there are a lot of high-quality job openings out there for the taking if youre a qualified candidate. So, in many ways, you hold the key to your own destiny. ScoreSo, how do you make the fruchtwein of this rockin job market?During my many years in recruiting and career services, Ive noticed some things about which candidates ultimately get a job offer from hiring managers?there are some definite common denominators.H ere are my top pointers on how to take the reins of your search in todays candidate-driven job market and enkoranvers youre the top applicant in the eyes of that hiring manager1. You are what you socialize.In this day and age, you have to assume that prospective employers are going to Google you. What will they find? (This is why I always suggest you Google yourself to see what shows up.) Those search results may well be a recruiters first impression of you, so its good to keep this fact in mind before you post those iffy photos from Saturday night. Its also a great reason to be sure your LinkedIn profile is up to snuff.2. Take a look in the mirror.Your mom was right whats on the inside is most important. But interviewers are also looking at your outward appearance, so you want to present your most professional self. From your LinkedIn profile picture to your interview attire, your image will stick in the mind of the hiring manager, so be sure youre walking the walk while also talki ng the talk. After all, whoever they hire will become a de facto representative of their company.3. Sell yourself.Its more important than ever that you effectively market the experience and skills that show youre the best candidate for the new job or promotion. Especially if youre looking to change career paths, this may mean adjusting your resume to focus more heavily on projects or successes that pertain to your desired position within the new field of work. Try looking at your past accomplishments through the eyes of that hiring manager what would jump out and impress them?4. Proudly wave your technology know-how flag.Its the digital age, and employers want to hire people who will have a short learning curve to get up to speed on technology-based office processes and programs. After all, having to train someone on these things means time and money for that company. From CRM systems to database software to Excel pivot tables, be sure to include a list of your computer-related skil ls on your resume to show that youre tech-savvy. This is extremely important in a candidate-driven job market.5. Sometimes simpler is better.Of course, you want to convey your authentic self in your resume and online profile, and you want to showcase your skills and experience, but the reality is that your prospective employer is probably doing keyword searches and at best just skimming over your information. So, make it simple for them by using strong keywords, such as terms with specificity to the job youre seeking like, ability to present data in an effective, actionable manner and learn new software quickly or experience building front-end code with server-side technology. Consider streamlining your resume with section headers and bullets for better scanability, and dont forget to include samples of your past work that are relevant to the position to which youre applying.6. Dont overlook the companys website.Typically, its only hard-to-fill positions that make it to prime time o n career sites like Indeed, Monster, and so on, because posting there isnt free for companies. So, be sure to check out the careers section of your dream companys website. Thats where itlloften initially post more desirable openings that itexpects to have higher demand among prospective applicants.7. Work your network.If theres a specific company youre dying to work for or a role that you would do anything to fill, use your resources, and by this, I mean take advantage of the network you have built A huge majority of positions are filled via internal connections, so if you know someone who works for the company, or know someone who can introduce you to a current employee, its time to call in a favor. Most friends and colleagues are happy to help, especially in companies that offer referral bonuses to itsemployees.Lets get you that dream jobStart Your Job SearchRebecca Vertucci is a proven expert on recruiting, hiring, and all things LinkedIn. She vetted and placed hundreds of candid ates while working for corporate HR departments and recruiting agencies before joining LinkedIn where shes a senior customer success manager. Now, as a cofounder of Vertucci Career Academy, Rebecca shares her extensive knowledge and unique perspective with job seekers and those in career transitions through her online course offerings, as well as one-on-one and group coaching programs. For more information on working with Rebecca, please emaille her at RebeccaVertucciCareerAcademy.com. She offers free career consultations for anyone looking to work with a career coach.