Some of the most effective job search techniques have nothing to do with actually finding and applying for job openings. Instead, the best job search techniques involve positioning yourself to job hunt and tapping into the resources that can boost and expedite your job search.
It's important to spend time writing or updating your resume, creating or updating your LinkedIn Profile, building and connecting with your network, writing customized cover letters, and planning on how you are going to manage your job search.
Job Search Techniques
Organize Your Job Search - Take the time to organize your job search and the entire process will be easier. Take advantage of the free tools available to help you plan and manage your job search.
Write Your Resume - Your resume needs to be professional and polished, because if you don't have a professional resume, your application materials probably won't get a second glance from a hiring manager. Make sure your resume has what it takes to make a good impact.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile - One of the most important parts of LinkedIn is your profile. That's what you use to connect with people in your network and your profile is how you get found on LinkedIn by potential employers. Update your Profile so it's current and compelling.
Connect With Your Network - Your career network should include anyone who can assist you with a job search or career move. Connect with everyone you know on LinkedIn. Also, join LinkedIn Groups. They are a good way to connect with people with similar affiliations and you'll find job listings on most Group pages.
Use Your Network - When you apply for jobs, check to see who you know at the company. Your contacts may be able to assist you with getting an interview and/or give you inside information on the job and the company.
Get Noticed by Employers - It's important to position yourself so recruiters and hiring managers can find you, because they are always on the lookout for qualified candidates for open positions.
Find Job Listings Fast - Use a job search engine to find job listings from a variety of sources. Take it a step further and use the Advanced Search options to further refine your job search. Set up Alerts so you're notified when new positions that meet your criteria are posted.
Customize Your Cover Letters - Write a cover letter you can use as a starting point for the customized cover letters you are going to write when you apply for jobs. It will give you a base to work with and it's good practice.
More: Find a Job | Top Job Search Techniques | Share a Job Search Technique
Great article Alison covering the key points of a successful job search. I would add one more, plan to follow up directly with hiring decision makers. In order to do that properly, add another key job search technique, identify the name and get contact information for the appropriate hiring authority for each job or at each target employer and contact this individual directly often in addition to applying via a corporate website or job board. If you cannot find the hiring authority, a second choice is connecting with a company employee who can forward your resume or share your interest inside the organization. This shows you are serious about a particular opportunity, not just randomly sending out resumes or filling out applications.CareerXroads 2009 source of hire study showed that individuals who contacted an employee were 50X !!!! more likely to get a job. To summarize: connect with company insiders and be sure to follow up. Once you have made a contact, it is easier to maintain a networking connection than to develop a new one. That’s why your network is like career insurance.