For college graduates, the reality of finding a job has never been more imminent.
There's a bright side for this generation's grads: The number of smart digital tools and technology resources at your fingertips is increasing by the day. Check out these digital tactics that can help secure introductions, interviews and the highly sought-after offer.
1. Unlock the “key” to LinkedIn
There’s no question that you need to have a
LinkedIn profile these days. What you might not know is that using keywords is a critical technique for leveraging your LinkedIn profile: Recruiters searching for candidates hone in on specific keywords that correlate with a job description. So make sure that your profile highlights the terms being used by your would-be employers.
To accomplish this, look closely at the job descriptions you are responding to and considering, and then make sure your profile (as well as your
resume) aligns with the keywords found in that job description. For example, if the positions you’re applying to call for a "Social Media Community Manager" and you're listing your previous experience as "Twitter Ninja," then you may be missing a tremendous opportunity to align your credentials directly with the description.
2. Drill down to niche job boards
Companies create
niche job boards to narrow a talent pool down to a dedicated, unique and engaged audience, which makes them excellent places for a job seeker to start their search. For instance,
Dice and
Mashable’s Job Board are great sites for those with tech talent seeking to connect with potential employers.
Ask around within your network, do research online and scour the publications that pertain to your industry to locate the niche job boards (and even
LinkedIn groups) that might prove lucrative for your desired career path.
3. Convert your smartphone into a career center
There are dozens of apps for the job seeker — focused on everything from finding jobs to building a resume. If you're unsure about which of these are the real deal and which are a waste of time, here are a few standouts.
JobAware: This free tool combines resources, job searches, progress tracking and city comparisons.
Resume Builder Pro: An app that helps you easily update your resume to reflect your most current information and experience.
Interview Questions Pro: In familiar flashcard format, this app provides a helpful resource for interview prep and practice.
SuperJobSearch: This tool offers everything from job listings by region or profession to search advice.
iPQ Career Planner: An app for “job matchmaking” that helps candidates identify the types of jobs they're best suited for.
LunchMeet: A unique networking app to help you meet up with other professionals for lunch.
4. Own social media; don’t let it own you
The toga party pics probably need to come down — or at least be placed into a private album where potential employers won't have easy access to them. But beyond tidying up, social media is
an excellent tool to showcase your personality and career achievements. Here are a couple tips for using it to your advantage.
Put your best face forward (literally): Make sure your social profile pictures are professional and convey the “personal brand” you want to present to employers.
Be consistent: Does your resume say you are currently interning at an ad firm, but your LinkedIn page says you’re working in a restaurant? The discrepancy might raise red flags for recruiters and hiring managers. Make sure your information across social networks is up-to-date and aligned with your resume.
5. Prep for a one-way interview
Video interviews are becoming
increasingly common thanks to the time and money savings they offer. Beyond two-way interviews, many companies are using one-way interviews for pre-screening. (Think of this as a hybrid format that falls between phone screens and face-to-face meetings.) To nail your interview, try these tricks.
