Although January and February are typically the busiest time for job hunters, why not consider a new position now, when there may be fewer candidates for prime placements? If you’ve been mulling over the idea of switching positions, companies, or even careers, start making some progress ahead of the crowd. Use the ideas below to get started:
Review your on-line profiles. Make your on-line profiles work for you. Put some detail and personality into your profile summary and make it long enough. Some experts suggest 40 words or more so that it is likely to turn up in employer searches. Use a clear and cropped photo, one where you’re dressed for the position you want.
Add some detail. On your resume or profile, include soft skills in your skill-set. Where appropriate, highlight those intangible skills, such as leadership or communication, that are looked for across all job types and provide examples of how you’ve used them. Include any relevant volunteer work, if it emphasizes using these skills. Including details adds to the uniqueness of your resume and profile.
Tell your story. Review your resume and profiles to see if they tell a story. Does each position (whether paid or not), show increasing levels of responsibility or additional breadth of experience? Profiles can sometimes be a little less formal than a resume and are they are places where you can express your professional brand and career goals.
No matter the season, it’s always a good idea to sharpen your job search tools with relevant and unique details. Use these tips to differentiate yourself and highlight the skills and experiences that will land you the job.
