Re-charting career pathways can be frustrating and deeply introspective, but it is important to set your focus and ensure that your entire job search strategy, from resume and personal brand statement to social media and online presence, tells a cohesive and compelling story.
You will want to be consistent in all aspects to be perceived as memorable, trustworthy, and authentic. Follow these tips to get yourself geared for success!
Tease with your resume
Your updated resume should be the first thing that comes to mind in your arsenal of tools, but it should not be the only one. Think of your resume as a teaser of how employers assess your suitability, as with any good teaser, keep it succinct, and punchy and do not be afraid to let some of your personality shine through.
For more on how to get started on your resume and deliver an outstanding career summary, complete with template references, check out "9 Resume Template Format Changes to Land a Job Fast" or "7 Tips on Writing a Killer Resume".
Get creative with your brand statement
If there is anything an employer would remember about you among your extensive list of achievements and accolades, it would be these 1 to 2 liners that showcase your unique value proposition that is solution-driven. There is no, one ‘right' way to create a lasting impression here, but our tip is to adopt the tone, formality, or the light-hearted nature of the specific industry you're hoping to land a position in. While it should be professional, you should always stay authentic.
For example, if you are in the creative industry, you might want to get more innovative with your brand statement in ways that showcase your individuality. Compared to a corporate job, which values its formalities, you might want to keep things snappy and direct here. Want to know more on how to write a kickass personal brand statement? Check this out!
Build your personal website
Say what? Among the long list of things to update and refresh as you go about your job search, why might this be relevant, you ask? For one, the government has gone full force into encouraging digitalization in businesses in all sectors, and it is also about time we tap into this boundless resource to up our game too.
Not constrained to a page or two of written words about your past experiences, personal websites allow prospective employers to get a feel of your personality through your ‘everyday' content and interactive visuals. This is essential as many employers look for personality fit within their teams. In this time of video interviews and digital transitions, your online presence carries far greater weight.
Carry yourself in the social media sphere
Welcome to the age of digital networking! Maintaining your professional relationships and building up your network of connections on social media has not only become prevalent but a great priority. Not just a platform for random sharing of your personal life, curate it.
Vocalise your thoughts on industry relevant topics, because these days, employers want to understand your thought process and how you think, instead of mere paper qualifications and experiences.
Audit your online presence
A robust online reputation carries as much, if not more weight than your offline presence, especially in these unprecedented times. Periodically polish up your digital identity by doing a deep clean of the digital footprints you leave online through social platforms, blogs, and websites.
The objective is to only leave traces that reflect your best self without having the past come up and putting you in uncomfortable situations. Develop a cohesive and consistent voice across all channels and integrate relevant keywords across all platforms to enhance your online presence through SEO. This helps you rank higher when others search for related topics in your field.
Master these 5 aspects, and you are on the road to getting noticed and remembered to land your ideal job!
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