The Job Market is Improving: 7 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Landing a New Job

Unemployment rates are going down, and many people are finding that the job searching process is a lot more hopeful than it’s been for a few years. If you haven’t been on the job hunt for a while, you may be a little rusty, and if you’re fresh out of school, you may feel overwhelmed. Here are some tips that will get you ready for a successful job search.

1. Revamp your resume
   Are you using the same resume you submitted last time you were searching for a job? It may be in need of an update. The format may be outdated, and you may not be including your most relevant and recent experience. Check out some of our tips on creating a new and polished resume that you’ll be proud to start sending out to potential employers.
   
   

2. Clean up your social media profiles
   Nowadays, you can expect that most employers will be Googling their candidates. Any information associated with your name will be easy to find, whether it’s your Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. It’s important to make sure no inappropriate content appears publicly on any of these pages.
   
   
3. ...And then make those profiles into an asset!
   Social media can, however, also work in your favor. If an employer finds that you have an established professional internet presence, this will reflect positively on you as a candidate. Anyone who is on the job hunt should be on LinkedIn. You should make sure that your profile is updated with a professional picture and your experience and skills, and you should start adding connections. By reconnecting with people you’ve known, you increase your chances of finding job leads. Additionally, if you endorse your contacts for their skills, they are more likely to endorse you in return. A fully completed profile with ample connections and endorsements makes you look way more professional.
   
   

4. Use online tools effectively Most job seekers are doing their searches online—often even from their phones and tablets. There are tons of job searching sites such as Indeed and SimplyHired that can be a great resource. Using these sites, you can search for jobs in your area and field, and you can even use advanced search options to specify parameters like salary. Indeed and SimplyHired are job search engines that scrape listings from recruitment websites, employer websites, and job boards. Job boards are sites where employers are posting their listings directly. These can be especially useful for niche areas if you’re looking for something in a really specific field. You can also set up email alerts from job websites so you can be notified when relevant jobs get posted.
   
   
5. Figure out who you know, and reach out to them! It’s time to start evaluating who you know and if they can help you. Job search engines are great, but a connection can really help get your resume on the top of a recruiter’s pile. As mentioned above, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for reconnecting with people who have worked with you in the past. However, rounding up your resources can also mean connecting on Facebook—or completely offline. Can any of your friends introduce you to someone who has connections related to your field? You may be surprised who is willing to help with your job hunt, and you’ll never know until you ask.
   
   

6. Consider a staffing agency Job search engines are great for some people, but you may find that you feel a bit lost looking at the vast options. This is especially true if you’re not sure exactly what your skills are and what your ideal job would be. You may also want to talk to someone about your resume and LinkedIn if you don’t know where to begin. A staffing agency can get to know you well and then help find a job that is perfectly suited for you.
   
   
7. Get ready to answer the phone You may be in the habit of ignoring calls from strange numbers, but when you’re submitting resumes, you’re going to get a lot of calls from strange numbers. You don’t want to miss any of them because you never know who might be calling you about a great opportunity. Be prepared to answer the phone promptly and sound professional and ready to talk.

If you utilize these tips, you may very well find your phone ringing with a great job offer. Now is your time to reap the benefits of the improving economy and land the job you’ve always wanted.