Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Job search tactics are not working
Pattie Hunt Sinacole shares suggestions on how to improve a job search
Q: I was laid off. As soon as I knew I was on my employer’s RIF list, I started applying to at least 10 jobs per day. I have only heard back from 2 or 3, and it has been a form response. “Thank you for your interest, and we will contact you if a role more aligned with your skillset…. yadda yadda yadda.” I worry that the job market will be worse in 2025. How do I find a new job? I feel like I am not doing anything right, or effective. What am I doing right and what am I doing wrong?
Advertisement:
A: I agree with you. I think we can both agree that what you are doing is not working. Here are some recommendations to improve your response rate and hopefully generate employment offers.
- Use your professional network. Connect with former co-workers, college roommates, neighbors, friends and others in your field.
- Update your LinkedIn profile and include a professional photo. Make sure that you have key words embedded in your profile so recruiters and hiring managers “find you” when they are searching for candidates.
- Perfect your pitch. Every job seeker should have a pitch. A pitch is a short summary of your professional work history, but also what your ideal and industry might be. Your pitch should nr one to two minutes long. Write it down. The first draft will not be perfect. Practice and refine it. Practice it in front of a friend or family member. With practice, it should roll off your tongue more naturally.
- Critique your resume and ask a few trusted friends to also review it. Does it accurately represent your employment history, and does it also speak to what future roles may be suitable for your experience and education? Don’t be afraid to tailor your resume based on what you know about a specific position. If the role is more technical, highlight your technical skills. If the role is more focused on supervisory skills, ensure the reader knows that you have supervisory skills. Here is a big ask I always have: use your name in the title of your resume when you are submitting your resume. As an example, my title might be Patricia H. Sinacole 2025 resume. Avoid titles like VP HR role. You want your resume to be easily found!
- Include key words in your resume. Companies often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan your resume. The hiring manager and/or recruiter may never even see your resume if key words are not included (even if you are the best candidate). As an example, a company may use different terminology for the same skill. Some companies may call recruitment something different, like talent acquisition. Try to learn what language and terminology a company uses by reviewing jobs posted on their website or other platforms. Also eliminate any logos and fancy fonts since they often confuse an ATS.
- Ensure that you are able to connect via Zoom, Teams or other online video conferencing technologies.
- Be open to temporary or contractor roles. Not only do they add to your experience, but they broaden your professional contacts.
Finally, focus on your search like a full-time job. Don’t get complacent and sleep in, turn on the TV or get distracted by social media. You can take one to two days to clean your closets, take out your lawn chairs, or hang pictures in your bedroom. Limit those activities to the weekends, and make sure you are concentrating on your search.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com