Navigating the current job market can be challenging and uncertain. With unemployment on the rise in many areas of the country, it’s more important than ever to devise an effective job-hunting strategy to get you noticed in a more crowded and competitive field of job seekers. Your resume is a powerful tool that can help you rise above the sea of applications and into a new and exciting position. However, in order to ensure a company’s decision-makers see your resume, it’s essential that you take the right steps to help recruiters find it. Let’s review a few tips and tricks to keep you top of mind for recruiters within your industry.

Make Your Resume Easily Available

If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, now is the time to get one! For those who are currently unemployed, you must insert an updated resume front and center on your professional profile. This will help show potential recruiters that you are actively searching for work and interested in available opportunities. If you are not very active on LinkedIn, now is the time to update and review your profile to ensure you are attracting the right attention to increase your visibility and relevance among recruiters and hiring managers.

Keep Your Options Open

Searching for new employment opportunities while still employed can be a tricky situation to navigate. Understandably, you want to freely look out for your best interests professionally without causing discord or trouble with your current employer. Luckily, LinkedIn provides a much-needed feature that allows you to “secretly” notify potential recruiters that you are searching for employment, whether you are currently employed or unemployed.

You can turn on this feature in your LinkedIn profile settings by selecting the option “open to new opportunities.” From there, you will be able to select your personal preferences for a new position, including the industry, locations, and employment type you are seeking.

TIP: LinkedIn does not allow current or previous employers indicated on your profile to see that you are currently open to new opportunities.

Send Your Resume Strategically

The effectiveness of your resume lies not only in its content but where it lands. Make sure your resume is seen by the right individuals. Blindly sending your resume to a company with no direction or messaging can cause it to get lost in the shuffle. Eliminate this roadblock by addressing your resume personally to the individuals in charge of the hiring process.

When sending out a resume, take the time to research the individual recruiters or hiring managers for that company and send it specifically in their direction with a short but purposeful introduction. Don’t be discouraged if you do not receive an immediate response. If you haven’t heard back within one week, send a follow-up message.  

Get Expert Help for the Best Possible Results

The job-seeking process, especially in today’s job market, can feel challenging. If you are looking for guidance and want to ensure you are finding the best possible opportunities, consider using a professional job search firm such as Lutz Talent. Our team can help direct your resume to the right individuals at no cost to you! We will help match your talents with the ideal organizations where you and your career can thrive. Our team of recruiters at Lutz Talent is dedicated to advocating for both our clients and their candidates.

Don’t Forget to Network

One of the most dominant forces in the job searching arena is networking. Networking not only keeps you present and relevant within your field but also allows for often unexpected opportunities.

Don’t underestimate the power of a friendly chat and a few handshakes. Make it your goal to attend networking events routinely to build your contacts and connections. However, it’s important that you network even when you aren’t looking for a new position. Make it a part of your professional life. Building these relationships within your industry will allow you to call on these connections for help during your career, and when looking for new employment.

If you are currently searching for work or looking to assume a new role, contact our team at Lutz Talent. We are a group of knowledgeable and professional recruiters that take pride in connecting the right talent with the right opportunities. Browse our current job openings or contact us to get started.