Job seeking in a candidate’s market

The job market has done a complete 180 from last year and is now red-hot. There are more open roles than candidates, and hiring companies are scrambling to fill these positions quickly. I recently wrote about things that employers should do to attract high-quality talent in these competitive times. But, as I always say, recruiting is a two-way street, and the candidates need to play an active role in the process. That means being proactive and taking control of your job search rather than leaving your career direction up to chance. So how, in a market in which job seekers hold the cards, should you best approach your search? 

Be strategic. The sheer volume of posted openings can be overwhelming. Add that now many of these roles can be remote rather than in an office, and there are more opportunities than ever before. It can be tempting to apply for everything that seems relevant. Don’t do that. Think about what industry, company, and field you want to focus on and be choosy. For example, you might want to look at companies with fewer than 2000 employees in the high-tech sector that commit to diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

Research people as well as companies. You know that it’s essential to research the companies you’ll be targeting, but it’s critical to research the teams and hiring managers you might meet as well. The hiring manager and the culture that they create will significantly impact the day-to-day working environment. The backgrounds and experiences are all relevant to the job for which you’re interviewing as well.

Build your brand. Yes, it’s a job seeker’s market, but there are also many other job seekers out there in that market. You need to build your personal brand so that you stand out among the rest. You develop your brand by maximizing the interactions—both in-person and online—that you have with other people. Your brand is within your control. You guide the narrative and write the story. 

Revamp your LinkedIn profile. Is your LinkedIn profile a recapitulation of the key events of your career? If so, ask yourself why that is. In this hot market, recruiters search LinkedIn for people with the skills and experiences to fill open roles. You want your LinkedIn to convey that you can add value, solve business problems, and not merely give your career history. You’ve heard the saying that you should dress for the job you want, and not for the one you have. Write your LinkedIn profile for the job you want, for the next move in your career, and not to publicize the job you have. 

Now is a great time to revitalize your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, and look for the next role. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, change fields, or just take a look at what’s out there, follow these tips and make the best use of your time. A new opportunity that will inspire you and keep you motivated is out there!