by: Alicia Nigel
The competition is tight in the job market—so job seekers must work smart to get ahead of fellow applicants. The US unemployment rate is currently at 3.7%, but this percentage could further increase as tech companies and US startups continue to lay off multiple employees. It’s estimated that there were only 1.7 job openings for every unemployed person back in October 2022, making the labor market very tight for job seekers.
Looking for the right job isn’t easy. However, you can optimize the process using the right digital tools for your job search. So if you’re looking for a job, here’s what you need to know about the benefits of using digital tools:
The Benefits of Using Digital Tools for Job Applications
These tools allow people to see multiple opportunities
Digital tools connect people from multiple organizations and countries. As such, you can use these tools to discover job opportunities that even your professional network doesn’t know about.
Plenty of networking and job sites allow professionals to filter job searches, so it’s much easier to look for openings in your preferred city or even in your dream country. You can even use specialized job search sites for particular fields if you want to switch to a different industry or simply want to look for more opportunities within your current field.
Digital tools can help you build your professional brand
Fast Company emphasizes that a personal brand is a must-have for every board member today because it establishes you as a valuable expert in your field. Employers also like to check a job candidate’s professional brand on social media and on job sites to assess your leadership skills and spot any red flags about your character.
The good news is that you can easily build your professional brand and prove your competencies through digital tools. You can use professional networking sites to list your credentials and accomplishments or even just use social media sites like Facebook or Twitter to share important industry knowledge.
You can get the support that you need for your job search
Even if you’re already established in your field, you will still need a network or even just one source of support that can help you reach new heights in your career.
Fortunately, digital tools make it possible for people to network and get the support that they need while searching for a job. In fact, The Balance states that networking sites often have organizations full of job seekers who can give you support, search tips, or even job leads for free. This supportive network allows you to get insider information on openings, interviews, and tests from the companies that you like, allowing you to get a head start on each job application.
Digital Tools That You Can Use For Your Job Search
Google Alerts
Google Alerts is an underrated tool, but it can provide multiple benefits for your job search.
One of the Google Alert tips from LHH is to set news alerts about your target organization, so that you can stay up-to-date about any personnel changes that can incite any potential vacancies. You can also catch the attention of your preferred organization by reading news about the company’s direction through Google Alerts and aligning your skills with the company’s future priorities. Once you score an interview with your target organization, you can use the Google Alert updates to learn more about their brand, their priorities, and their contributions to the industry.
It’ll be easier for you to find job opportunities, especially if you have a strong professional brand online.
In fact, our guide on ‘Leveraging LinkedIn to Land Your Dream Role in Corp Dev or M&A’ highlights that optimizing your LinkedIn profile can make it easier for executive search firms like ECA to find you. Our guide recommends that you update your work experience and skills on your online profile and emphasize any accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re targeting. Using the right job keywords in your online profile’s “About” and “Experience” sections can also catch the attention of recruiters who are looking for specific skills and competencies for a position.
Glassdoor
Do you want to work for a company that aligns with your values?
You can ensure that you’re applying to companies that match your values and beliefs by viewing various company profiles on Glassdoor. This digital tool does not just have a database of job opportunities and salary information for positions, but it can also help you understand the sentiments about the CEO and the company culture of your desired organization. Through this digital tool, you can assess if you would be a good fit for the organization and gauge your potential working relationship with the CEO and the other executives in the company.
Looking for the right job can be challenging. So, if you want to find the right fit for your skills, experience, and values, try to leverage digital tools to widen your opportunities in the tight job market.
Article written by Alicia Nigel for the exclusive use of eca-partners.com
