It's not uncommon for job seekers to spend almost all of their time sitting behind a computer searching through online job postings. If your job search has been unsuccessful up to this point, your time behind the computer could be a major factor in your lack of success.
Sitting behind a computer screen, endlessly scrolling and applying to open positions, is simply not the most effective use of your time out of the workforce. Here are some tips for balancing your activity during your job search:
Make It A Point To Network Every Single Week
The old adage, "It's not what you know, it's who you know," really is true. In most cases, a friend or colleague won't be able to get you a job for which you're not qualified, but they may be able to get you an interview when your resume would have otherwise been overlooked.
Anything you do that involves talking to other people about your job search counts as networking, whether it's lunch with a former co-worker, coffee with a recruiter, or a formal networking event in your area. Some people are apprehensive about networking, but like anything in life, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
Schedule Time For Follow-Ups
Whether you're inquiring about a submitted job application or following up with a colleague you met while networking, these intimidating tasks often get pushed to the back burner as you prioritize your time. Scheduling them into your weekly agenda ensures that you will set aside adequate time to close the circle with various activities that you've started.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
If you've taken the time to build your LinkedIn profile, you should be logging in at least once a week, and preferably more often.
The various groups on LinkedIn offer a never-ending conversation on topics from looking for a job to news relevant to your industry/field. Following and connecting with people who work at your bucket list companies gives you the opportunity to build your professional network and get referrals. A fully optimized profile also allows recruiters and hiring managers to find you when they search for job candidates with specific skill sets.
Build Your Personal Brand
The candidate who walks into a job fair or interview knowing who they are and what they can provide has a remarkable edge over a candidate who's still figuring these things out. Spend some time developing a personal branding statement, printing business cards for yourself, and engaging in activities that support your personal brand—whether that means volunteering, blogging, consulting, or tweeting about your field.
When you walk into a room and say, "Hi, this is who I am and this is what I do," it makes a powerful statement.
Having a polished resume is critical to your job search. However, sending that resume off to online job postings is not how you should spend 100% of your time looking for a job. Make sure you're interacting with other people both in-person and online to maximize your chances of standing out from the crowd.
Remember to stay positive during your job search and know that there are resources available to help you through this challenging process, including the resources at Work It Daily. Join our FREE community today and learn how to become empowered in your career so you can finally find job search success and career satisfaction!
This article was originally published at an earlier date.