The Effect of Technology on Job Hunting

Byworldvillage

Job hunting today is very different than it was several decades ago or even five years ago. Technology is rapidly changing the hiring process. If you’re seeking a job today, your chances of success are much higher if you take advantage of the latest developments. Let’s see how technology has affected job hunting and how to make the most of this in your own search.

Mobile Job Hunting

As more and more people use smartphones and tablets, mobile is now a crucial aspect of job hunting. This is advantageous in a number of ways. You can browse job search engines and social media sites wherever you are. Recruiter and job search sites offer apps that let you get notifications whenever the kind of job you’re seeking appears. This makes it easy to respond to the latest job listings almost instantly. If you store your resume or CV online, you can download it and send it off to employers in seconds.

Social Media and the Job Search

Social media now has a huge impact on job searches. In fact, if you’re not using your social media profiles to attract employers, you’re overlooking a great opportunity. LinkedIn is the most important platform for getting noticed by potential employers. Make sure you leverage your profile with a professional photo and a thorough description of your experience and abilities. Keywords are also extremely powerful on LinkedIn so make sure you use every possible term that employers in your industry might search for.

There’s another, more cautionary side to social media and the job search. Employers commonly search social media sites, especially Facebook, for behavior that might reflect poorly on their companies. So it’s essential to post to your profiles with care. Think before you post photos from Spring Break, wild parties, or any random photos or videos that might give employers pause. If you already have questionable content posted, take it down. The same goes for sites such as Instagram and Twitter. It’s a good idea to clean up your social media accounts before a job search.

Video CVs and Skype Interviews

If you’re looking for a way to stand apart from the competition, create a video CV. Not all applications accept these yet but you can still post it on YouTube, LinkedIn, and your own website. This gives employers a chance to see you in a more intimate way than is possible on paper. Practice a few times until you’re comfortable with the content and delivery. You also have to pay extra attention to the way you dress and your environment. A related trend is getting interviewed on Skype rather than visiting the employer in person. It’s a good idea to get accustomed to speaking into a camera as this is getting more and more common in the job search process.

Give Employers and Search Engines What They Want

With today’s technology, you have to work on pleasing job search engines as well as human hiring managers. Here are some of the major points to remember:

  • Include a good selection of keywords and categories. With search engines, keywords

    play a major role. Research as many words and terms as possible and use them in your listings on job sites and social media platforms. Remember that similar jobs are often described using different words. The more keywords you include, the better the chances that an employer will find you. The same is true when you’re searching on job sites, LinkedIn, or anywhere jobs are listed. Search under as many categories as possible, as hiring managers don’t always list jobs the same way.

  • Your own website is an important tool in your job search. A website also gives you the chance to showcase your experience and knowledge. Consider creating a blog on your website where you can include lots of keyword-rich content and show the world that you keep up with the latest trends in your industry.
  • Use professional photos. Your headshot is often the first impression people get of you. It’s worth it to invest in getting some professional photos taken rather than relying on selfies or cheap photo booth shots. Keep in mind that photos are important on public job sites or social media sites but are best left out of CVs unless specifically requested (unless you’re in the entertainment industry).
  • Use a professional email address. This makes a better impression than a generic Yahoo or Gmail email. It’s also important to avoid silly or outrageous emails such as Superman1234 or CuteKittyxyz.
  • Hunt far and wide. With so many job sites and social media and blogging platforms available, there’s no reason to limit yourself to one or two possibilities. Posting your qualifications and/or CV as widely as possible only increases your chances.

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