Technology has changed everything from how we shop to how we sell. How we look for jobs is no different. The connectivity provided by digital tools and the accessibility afforded by the Internet itself has presented many opportunities for modern job seekers. Let’s examine precisely how technology is changing the job search—and tell you how you can use that tech to find work in 2017.
Your Job Search: Then and Now
If you were searching for a job pre-Internet, you likely scanned the help-wanted ads, relied on word of mouth, or simply walked into businesses inquiring about open positions. If you got a lead, you fine-tuned your resume and had it printed on thick, professional stock. Often, those resumes were mailed or otherwise delivered to prospective employers, accompanied by position-specific cover letters. That one-two punch of a winning resume and compelling cover letter could land you an interview, and the process would progress from there.
Fast forward to today: The job search and early exchange of information between a business and a prospective hire has changed drastically. You’re not scouring newspapers or scoping out signs in windows to find work. Rather, all that information and more is posted on the thousands of searchable job seeking platforms available on virtually any device. For perspective, note job posting site Indeed reeled in a whopping 200 million unique visitors early last year, and Career Builder receives about 24 million job applications per month. And those resumes? Rather than delivering them in paper, you can easily post that same information into a professional social profile like those on LinkedIn and be found by employers, not the other way around.
All that access comes at a price: Even if your qualifications are on the money, you’re in danger of being overlooked by employers if your resume and online profiles seem outdated. Let’s explore some tips that can help you avoid this scenario and find work in 2017.
Job Search 2017: Best Practices for Using Tech to Find Work
According to a recent survey by The ManpowerGroup, 40 percent of global employers struggled to fill open positions last year—the highest number since 2007. That means there are positions out there waiting for you. Want one? Here are four key best practices for using tech to find work:
- Get (more) social. FastCompany reports 79 percent of all job seekers utilize social media, and 86 percent of younger job seekers in particular—i.e., those whose careers are still in relative infancy—use social to search for and connect with employment opportunities. As organizations become more active on social platforms, it’s never been more important to keep your information as up to date and clean as possible. (Yes, that means it might be time to take a hard look at your Facebook history and do some deleting.)
- Be yourself. I know I just suggested you clean up your social media accounts, and I meant it. Don’t delete everything that shows your personality, though, because a cultural fit is what many companies are looking for today. It’s also important to answer those pre-hire assessment questions honestly. Especially with many companies more willing to coach new hires who “fit” than search for prospects with every possible qualification, your personality matters.
- Consider remote work. If you’re on a job searching platform, remove the geographical filter and turn on the “remote” option. You’ll be surprised how many more opportunities you’ll find if you opt to join the 38 percent of Americans who report telecommuting at least part-time. (Here’s a perk: Data shows remote workers are not only more productive, but they’re also happier.)
- Use artificial intelligence (AI) to get hired. AI is full of potential. Virtual assistants can take the sting out of scheduling, and now they can even help you land a job. If you’re looking for a position in the tech space, Mya, for example, is an AI-enabled recruiting assistant that keeps you in the loop about open positions for which you might be qualified. You can talk with Mya via email, text, or even online chat. Mya will ask you detailed questions to determine if you’d be a good fit for a position; in turn, you can ask her about potential employers’ policies, culture, and more.
What’s Next?
It’s clear technology has changed—and will continue to change—the job search. It has also revolutionized the recruiting and onboarding processes for HR, but that’s another story (and one you can read here: Tech Trends- A Look at What’s Ahead for HR Tech).
Have you used digital tools in the past to secure employment? If you’re in the market for a new job, how do you plan to use tech to find work this year? Can you think of any techy job search opportunities I missed above? Tell me in the comments. I’d love to hear your take.
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