10 Things You Need To Know About Today’s

Job Search

Original Article by Joshua Waldman

1.) Google Has Replaced The ResumeRecruiters are now using Google and LinkedIn searches to find talent, instead of paying for job board or talent databases.

In fact, many companies are mandating that every new application go through a Google screening process.

That means, the 1st page of your Google results matter more than ever during your job search.

2.) A Summary Is EnoughToday, the resume is used mostly in the screening process while actual decisions are made after interviews.

And because there are so many candidates competing for each job, HR people often scan resumes very briefly.

In fact, the average time on a resume is 30 seconds.

3.) Social Proof Is A MustSocial proof, testimonials, or recommendations seriously reduce the perceived risk of you as a candidate.

The most costly mistake a hiring manager can make it to hire the wrong person. Some say that if a new-hire leaves within 3 months, it costs the company one and half that person’s annual salary.

4.) Resumes & Cover Letters Aren’t Read On Paper Anymore

Most companies aren’t receiving paper resumes and when they get them via email or application systems, they don’t print them.

Expect your resume and cover letters to be read on a computer screen.

This means you have to format your documents in a way that makes screen-scanning easy.

5.) Relationships First, Resumes Second

If an introduction is made online, then your online profile offers much more information than a resume.

Shift your priorities from, “Oh crap, I have to get my resume done!” to, “Oh crap, where can I meet some more people today?”

6.) Employers Only Care About What They Want

In years past, a resume or job application was focused on what the job seeker wanted. This is not true anymore.

Now an application, resume, or cover letter must speak to what value the seeker can bring to the organization.

How can you bring value to the company and how soon can the company realize that value?

7.) Don’t Mind The Gap

Large gaps in your resume are not as important as they used to be.

Not only do employers today realize that millions of great and wonderful people get laid off, they also appreciate it when candidates show initiative and tried to start their own thing.

8.) Nouns Are The New CurrencyOnline search tools rely on nouns or keywords to deliver search results to recruiters, the resumes with the right combination of nouns often win.

If you want to succeed in today’s job search, make a commitment to learn how to research keywords and how to use them appropriately on the page.

9.) Everyone Has A Personal Brand

Even if you’re not big on computers, you have a personal brand as well as an online reputation. You have to decide, will you be in control of your image or will someone else?

Recruiters & hiring managers are looking for red flags, inconsistencies in your image or messaging will prevent you from passing screening.

10.) Typing Isn’t A Skill AnymoreBeing able to type used to be a skill people highlighted on their resume. Now, you have to know how to type just to have a resume.

What really matters is how well you’ve prepared yourself for the application.

To really shine, focus on customizing each resume & cover letter. It’s better to send off a few very targeted applications then to spray and pray.