Are you in the market for a new job in 2023? A job search is never fun, but there are a few key ways to start yours off on the right foot. Here are some tips.
Start Your Job Search Off On The Right Foot
Talk to Your Network
A strong network can be vital to landing a new job, especially if you want to change career fields or industries. Fortunately, the New Year is an ideal time to reach out. Ask people how their holidays were and consider a lunch date or coffee break to catch up. You can mention that you’re keeping an eye out for a new role, but be careful not to come across like you’re only reaching out because you want something.
Modernize Your Resume
If you haven’t worked on your resume in a while, now is the time to revisit it with fresh eyes. Many employers now use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to automatically screen resumes before they ever reach a human. This means you’ll need to make sure yours is ready for the filters, while also keeping in mind that a person will eventually read it.
Carefully choose keywords from the job description and sprinkle them naturally into your resume. Focus on the skills that truly matter for the specific role. Be precise with your dates of employment. Double-check the spelling of your previous employers’ or clients’ names. Leave out any extraneous data.
You can also give your resume a modern look by playing with different fonts. Don’t use anything too cute or complicated, but different fonts can help offset different sections of your resume. You might also consider using colors or borders to highlight your most important projects.
Reconsider Your Strengths
What have you gotten better at since the last time you applied for jobs? Do you have new social media skills? Have you taken on a leadership role? Are you working with new types of software? Did you earn a certification in something?
You’ll want to update your resume to show off your new skills. It’s also important to start thinking about how you will present them in job interviews. Prepare a brief background story about how you acquired a new skill, along with an example that shows you putting it to use to help your employer.
Ready for a New Position?
If you’re ready to jumpstart your career, Pirate Staffing can help. Take a look at our open opportunities or simply submit your resume today!
