How to Use Job Search Platforms

1 Post, 100+ Messages, 1,000+ Connections & 10,000+ Impressions: This was the impact of my latest post on my job search experience. The fact that so many of us were able to relate to the topic was quite overwhelming. Due to this response, I have decided to further share additional resources that were crucial in my process and helped me find the right opportunities. If you are struggling to hear back from a recruiter and are not getting interview calls, these strategies below will surely be helpful. Here it goes: 1. Use multiple platforms: Though the majority of the applicants apply only through LinkedIn, not all the jobs are posted here. Moreover, many job openings are already duplicates or expired. Try these platforms in addition to applying on LinkedIn: 1. indeed.com 2. remotive.com 3. ziprecruiter.com 4. builtin.com 5. glassdoor.com 2. Reach out to hiring managers: Many hiring managers directly advertise the open positions in their team on LinkedIn. Try searching for these opportunities by using the #hiring hashtag or going to your target company and searching for the hiring managers through the "People" tab. Doing this in addition to the normal job applications will give you more visibility in your search. 3. Job Alerts: Your best friend and your biggest enemy while applying is 'Time'. It is important to stay on top of your game and apply as soon as the job opens. Applying to the stale job would only be an effort in vain. Setting up Job Alerts of your target company on LinkedIn and directly through the career center of that specific company helps you apply in that crucial time window and be one of the first few applicants. This is a critical step in your process to be shortlisted. 4. Referrals: Although this is the most hyped topic when it comes to applying, I would suggest being thoughtful of this one. Although referral surely proves beneficial, your application getting selected also depends on a lot of other factors. When I was applying, I applied to most of my target companies through referrals and rarely got a callback. Most of the interviews I secured were without referrals. Hence, I would suggest it's not beneficial to waste the majority of your time on getting referrals. Even if you cannot get them, it will be fine in the end. 5. Ramp up your LinkedIn profile: In my personal experience and many people I know who got good opportunities, a lot of times the recruiters themselves reached out to candidates on LinkedIn without even applying. Having a good and active LinkedIn profile is very crucial in your job search process. Even though it might take some time and work initially, I promise you it will be worth it in the long term. These are the same strategies that worked for me during my process and I am sure they will put you on the track for more opportunities. If you find them helpful, do like and comment on this post so it can reach someone who really needs it. P.S: Stay tuned to my next post for more valuable strategies!

I started applying for Summer internships as early as October last year. In between these months, I applied to over 70 communication-related roles, did 3 interviews, and received innumerable rejection emails, before I finally got offers in April. One major lesson I learned during my internship-hunting phase was this. Never focus your efforts on one platform. Over 90% of the jobs I applied to were from LinkedIn. It's my comfort zone and I didn't want to leave it just yet. Although I got two interviews from there, the two offers I eventually got were from Handshake and a referral. Interestingly, my other classmates got similar opportunities from Handshake and referrals as well. Why do you think both avenues have more success rates? I believe it's the personalized touch. Handshake is dedicated to students and the employers are actively on the platform looking for students from your school. Similarly, a referral means someone put in a good word for you, thereby putting you directly in the face of your potential employer. While you must not abandon LinkedIn, Indeed, and other job-searching sites - I believe a sure way of putting your application ahead of others is to find alternative application strategies that move you closer to the employer. Who is one person that you think could put in a good word for you? Reach out to them. What local platforms do you use in your locality, school, state, or country? Use them. What is one thing that most applicants don't do? Do it. This could mean reaching out to the HR of the company you're applying to or writing a cover letter (I don't like this one). Oftentimes we might be limiting our chances of success because we are targeting the right things the wrong way. Do things differently.

Hi Linkedin! I know it’s been a while... I think we’ve all seen the increasing number of layoffs happening - in the news, in our network, amongst our families and friends, and sadly even in our own roles. I went through a layoff last year and remember the feelings of self-doubt, anxiety, and fear of what to do next. The first thing I want you to remember is that whatever happens in this brutal market is NOT a reflection of YOU. The unique things you bring to the table are incredibly valuable. Here's my recruiter tip: When applying to roles, it might be tempting to use the LinkedIn Easy Apply button. However, I highly recommend applying directly to the company's career page instead if available. Why? When you use Easy Apply, your application goes into a folder on LinkedIn Recruiter. Your resume might be glanced at, but you have a higher chance of it being reviewed if you apply on the company's careers site. During my job search, I rarely heard back from companies when I used Linkedin Easy Apply; the responses often came from applying directly on the company's site and networking. Here’s a Bonus Tip: If the company utilizes Workday as their ATS (and you’re exhausted by entering your information over and over) make a copy and paste template of your key information! This is the one I used - feel free to take it and adapt to your needs. Job Title Company Location Dates Bullet Points/Role Description Having all your information in one place significantly speeds up the application process! I'll be posting more “Tips from a Recruiter” as I aim to give back to my network that gave so much to me 😊 Let me know in the comments if there’s anything you have questions about. Remember, you got this! #recruitertips #jobadvice #yougotthis