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The Art of the Hunt

 

 

The job search I know and have since found out in the last few months is evolving and has changed. It is an art that is constantly changing. Job searching is a balance of presentation, the quality of the resume, who you know, and the quantity of jobs a job searcher applies to in a given amount of time. So, as I have found and share here, it starts with presentation.

 

 

 

Presentation is how the resume one shares is readable to our AI overlords and to the recruiter or manager. Simplicity is best. You may hear different opinions on this as I have, but direct from managers I have worked with, the simpler in design is best. No pictures, no frills, and it should be complete with the most accurate details as they pertain to the job you want and for which you are qualified.

 

Presentation is also applicable to your online presentation. Make certain your LinkedIn and your resume align. Also, update your LinkedIn with a professional or positive picture representation of yourself. Too many job applications I have found in my experience were connected with unprofessional and sometimes even inappropriate pictures for a professional world. While I specifically refer to LinkedIn, this would and should apply to any other searchable digital location of yourself because social media is wide with many areas your name or contact information can be present.

 

Quality in resumes are also important. If it is being sent in digital form, it is best in the form of a PDF or maybe a MS Word file. It should be with limited to no errors, and it should be readable on any device. Check for errors play around with it a bit, and then review it several times. I am still working on mine, but with any art, I find it not perfect as I am still learning.

 

Who you know is important for networking. If you naturally or organically can be connected to someone who has a connection with the organization you want to join, this can be a positive. This connection should be present on LinkedIn and mentioned in any communication you may have with recruiter or other there, but with the best possibility it should be organic. Connecting to people just because they work for the company or reaching out to the recruiter or hiring manager is not advised in most situations. In my experience from the recruiting world, it can get your name on a list of automatic rejection. This rule is more of a suggestion, however, because every situation is different and in some situations it can be a benefit to do so.

 

Finally, quantity. This would be least important and for the desperate the most important. Applying to only a few jobs a day or even only applying to jobs you are most interested in obtaining is not recommended. In some ways, it is still a numbers game. Of course you should apply to jobs that align with your experience and experience that is clearly presented on your resume, but sometimes applying to jobs that you do not check every box (but most still are checked) can be beneficial. Apply to as many as time permits in a day that you qualify for to have the best success. I look at it as catching fish with a net compared to throwing out an empty hook. I don’t know – I don’t fish. That is the best I can think of and most relatable I feel.

 

I make mistakes. There are many here right on this website and blog. Oh well. We all do. Just keep trying. Keep up the good fight. If they don’t find you a match now, maybe you can at least catch an eye or two and raise a brow. Keep it up.