Six Strategies that will Help You Get a New Job This Year

Published:02/12/2014 | Posted by

Many Americans held on to their jobs during the financial crisis and recession that followed, but as the economy improves, some are anxious to move out of their current roles and find new employment elsewhere. According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder, 21% of workers nationwide who are happy in their jobs, and 58% of those who are unhappy will be looking for a new job this year.

If you are one of them, below are 6 strategies our search experts recommend to help ensure success in your job search:

• • UPDATE AND REFINE YOUR RESUME – We all know this is important, but it’s even more important that you do it right. Summarized resumes leave a lot to be desired. Executive recruiters and hiring managers want to see what you’ve done at every relevant job within each company. Make sure you highlight your accomplishments with detailed examples.

• • CLEAN UP YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE – A common mistake job seekers make is to assume that no one looks at your LinkedIn profile or compares your job history or dates. Make sure your online profile is accurate and matches your resume and upload a professional-looking photograph.

• • BE AGGRESSIVE – Savvy job seekers know how to network in the local marketplace, as well as on LinkedIn. For example, getting on a committee of a business networking organization could give you access to decision makers that can introduce you to potential employers or notify you of job openings.

• • ACT WITH A SENSE OF URGENCY – Communication and swift responses give a candidate a better opportunity to strike while the job is hot. If you receive an e-mail or phone call from a recruiter or hiring manager, return it as quickly as possible and stay highly responsive throughout the interview process.

• • BE PREPARED – When you secure an interview, make sure you research the company before you go in so you can be knowledgeable and know what questions to ask. Additionally, you should be an expert on yourself. Make sure you are ready to discuss your experience and provide detailed examples of what you’ve done.

• RESIST THE COUNTER – And finally, once you do resign, don’t fall for the counter offer! This is only a strategy your employer uses to buy time until they can find your replacement. Remember the reasons you wanted to leave in the first place, and realize that more money won’t change things.