Mastering The Digital Job Search

Written by Sonal Patel - Career Advisor, Student and Graduate Employment, Mohawk College

The worst part of the job seeking process, for any job seeker, is when one sends out hundreds of job applications only to hear nothing back. Did you know Hamilton’s unemployment rate was 7.2% as of July 2024? This indicates the job market is more competitive than ever, and trusting traditional job search methods is no longer an option (it is for some job postings but I do like to be dramatic!).

You need to give your job search process more than persistence. Nowadays, it requires creativity, strategy, and a willingness to think outside of the box. While there is more than enough advice available online about leveraging social media for your job search, this guide will focus on 10 key challenges and practical, actionable strategies to tackle them.

Personal Branding

In a crowded job market, your personal brand is what sets you apart. It’s your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) - who are you beyond your resume, what makes you stand out in your field. Your unique combination of skills, experiences and personality that makes you memorable. It’s how you present yourself online. A catchphrase.

What can you do: Stay consistent across all platforms. This includes your LinkedIn profile, X(Twitter) bio, and any other professional online presence. Also consider your tone and aesthetic (eye catching and engaging) as well as professional headshot. Think of it as your online reputation-make sure it reflects the professional image you want to convey.

Making That First Professional Connection

Did you know that 85% jobs are found through personal and professional networking? (see the stats here). Networking can be the difference between getting your resume noticed and getting it lost in the pile. The people you connect with can be referrals, advisers and unofficial live job search engines for opportunities that you might not be able to find on your own.

What can you do: Start slow, identify your starter contacts relevant to your career goals. You might ask, “Okay but who? The answer: Look for people:

1) whose position’s functionality (job duties) are similar to what you are searching for

2) are alumni of Mohawk College or any other institute you attended

3) are in a position one or two levels above where you would start

4) who have been already promoted within the organization you admire

Maintaining Professional Relationships

Making a connection is just the beginning–maintaining those connections over time is crucial. This keeps you on top of their mind for opportunities that may arise.

What can you do: Identify those key people you genuinely want to stay connected with. Follow the 7-day follow-up rule. Use a Calendar (digital or paper) to set reminders for regular check-ins/engaging activity with your contacts. Some engagement ideas - like their posts or feeds, comment, recommend blogs/article, request informational interview, ask thoughtful questions. Consistency is the key.

Showcasing Your Expertise

Sharing relevant content and insights helps establish you as an expert in your area. This ultimately attracts the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

What can you do: Dedicate 15 minutes each day sharing relevant articles, commenting on industry posts, and participating in discussions. This small daily habit can significantly boost your visibility and credibility in your industry.

Staying Ahead of Industry Trends

Want to show employers that you are informed and proactive? Keep up with current industry trends – qualities highly valued in job seekers. Make sure to reflect your knowledge in your resume by tailoring it to what companies are currently looking for.

What can you do: Follow industry leaders and companies. For example, follow companies on LinkedIn and/or Facebook, CEOs on Twitter (X) and/or Instagram.

Don’t get sunk into this too deep, allocate your time wisely. Use “20-20-60” principle - spend 20% of your time researching industry trends, 20% reaching out to contacts, and 60% preparing for interviews and refining your applications.

Joining Professional Groups

Online groups and forums are excellent places to network, learn, and even find job leads. Once you join, no need to start connecting right away. Take your time to identify the right professionals to connect with – those who can offer support, advice and opportunities. Observe the theme and pattern in group activities. Who is active? How are they participating? What information do they share?

What can you do: Join at least 3 LinkedIn or Facebook groups related to your field. Start small – like their post, contribute to the discussion, and share your insights. This gradual approach helps you build a presence without feeling overwhelmed.

Advanced Search Techniques

Finding THE right jobs can sometimes be easier said than done. Use Boolean search to help you narrow down your search for specific roles or professionals that are the best fit for you.

How to use Boolean Search: On LinkedIn, using Boolean search allows you to filter specific job postings and profiles more effectively. The effective search is simple with the use of words – “AND”, “OR” and “NOT” – in different combinations. For example, searching “Marking AND (Manager OR Director) NOT Sales” will help you find marketing management roles that don’t involve sales.

Enhancing Profile with Multimedia

Reading gets boring even for employers. Multimedia rich profile is more engaging and memorable. It allows potential employers to see your work in action, making your profile stand out in a sea of text-heavy resumes.

What can you do: Here are some ideas:

Upload videos of a topic you presented
Add links of your portfolio or work samples (use Canva)
Showcase relevant projects on your profile
Create “1-minute video resume”
Include presentations or recommendations prepared for past job interviews, even if they didn’t result in a job offer.

Building Social Proof

Do you read reviews of products before making a purchase? Similar to that, recommendations and endorsements from others add credibility to your profile. These testimonials validate your skills and work ethic.

What can you do: Don’t be shy about asking collogues, class mates, mentors, supervisors for LinkedIn recommendations. Follow the “Request and Give” rule: be sure to offer to write one for them in return. This not only helps them but also strengthens your professional relationship. Here is a template for your request: “Hello XYZ, could you write a recommendation for me highlighting our work on project ABC? I would be happy to do the same for you”

Using Hashtags

Hashtags aren’t just for social media influencers – they are powerful tool for increasing your visibility. They help categorize your content and make it discoverable by others in your industry. It’s all about algorithm. Follow relevant hashtags.

What can you do: Many employers use hashtags to advertise job opportunities or their view on industry. Identify your industry-specific hashtags and start using them in your posts. This increases your chances of being noticed by potential employers.

Bonus: Instagram and TikTok Portfolio

Instagram or TikTok aren’t just for personal use – they can be powerful platforms for showcasing your professional work.

What can you do: Keep your personal and professional Instagram/TikTok accounts separate. Use your professional account to post highlights of your projects, achievements and daily work or school life. This gives potential employers a glimpse into your professional capabilities.

Side Note: I am not saying you HAVE to use Instagram/Tiktok for job search, but these platforms are often underutilized. Make your connections through DMs.

Yes, compared to traditional job search methods (i.e. applying online), these strategies might seem unconventional. The world is ever transforming digitally and so are employers and so should you and your job search strategies. It will take patience and hard work. At times, it will feel like fruitless effort but trust the process and keep on going. Standing out, being noticed takes you one step further compared to others. The employers are looking for innovative, digital savvy and proactive candidates. How are you proving that? The best hiring stories often are told when the candidate does something that is not done by others. Finally remember, they key is to be consistent and genuine in your effort.

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