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Job hunt

Idealist is also a great site to visit if you are not necessarily looking for a new job, but want to get more involved in community work or contribute to a cause. They also have many listings for volunteer opportunities, with many options to meet you where you are in your desire to commit time and energy to volunteering. You can even find remote or virtual volunteer work.

The 8 Best Online Tools For Your Job Hunt In 2021

I’ve always been a lover of history. I think the past offers something beautiful and mysterious, a connection to those who came before us and their ways. I sometimes catch myself daydreaming about what things were like many years ago. And as a career coach, I inevitably drift over to wondering what it must have been like to look for a job in the past.

Many things about the job hunt haven’t actually changed much with modern technology. Networking and developing your skills have always been integral to finding the right job. Networking, after all, is just a version of cooperation or helping one another out. These types of social supports date back to ancient times to when the stakes were much higher than a salary negotiation. Many experts believe that our social structures have not changed all that much since we were living in small communities as hunter-gatherers, fighting for survival. Networking is part of that survival process, and the desire to connect is hardwired inside all of us.

But obviously new technology has afforded job seekers infinitely more potential to optimize their searches and find the perfect job. While a select number of remote jobs posted in 2020 were location-specific, 80% were available to workers in any location.

This is almost such a no-brainer that I didn’t include it. But then I had a thought: how many job seekers are really utilizing LinkedIn to its fullest? LinkedIn offers some amazing features that may not be known to most users.

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For a lot of people, LinkedIn is kind of a weekly check-in type of site. You might log on, scroll a bit, give a quick “like” to your middle school friend who got promoted, check your messages, do a casual job search, then migrate over to something more stimulating, like a Buzzfeed listicle or the latest celeb gossip.

To start, did you know that you can add media to the “Featured” section of your profile? Creators, I’m looking at you. Maybe you’ve done a killer brand video, or you want to share a reel of media appearances you have made. Or perhaps a photo from a keynote you made at a conference.

Most people who are doing job searches on LinkedIn just plug in relevant keywords and locations. But the search features on LinkedIn have much more to offer. You can save searches and set up alerts for relevant postings.

If you feel that searching for jobs on LinkedIn is turning up results that are too general, don’t match your specific skills and desires or don’t relate to your connections, you can utilize the LinkedIn advanced search features to filter for much more precise searches for listings.

Even if you treat LinkedIn as your first and last stop in your job search journey, it is worth spending a little more time on the site to really get comfortable with the ins and outs. It can truly be your most valuable online tool.

Glassdoor is another immensely valuable asset to anyone in the job search, and I absolutely loved my recent interview with their CEO right here. This tool is especially useful when researching potential jobs and employers, or when entering into the interview stage and considering offers with a certain company.

If you are unfamiliar, Glassdoor is a database for jobs listings and applications, as well as a portal where current and former employees can anonymously rate their experience in working for a certain company across many metrics, and provide information like salary and potential interview questions. Through analysis of this data, Glassdoor creates ratings and metrics on specific companies.

If you are interested in the company culture, revenue or size of a potential employer, or you are looking for an inside perspective on what it’s like to work for a certain company, Glassdoor should be your first stop.

In recent months, Glassdoor has also risen to the challenge of addressing the very pressing issue of diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. With new products and features, Glassdoor has begun allowing users to share demographic information and rate a company based on its handle of issues of diversity within the workplace.

This is such an essential issue, and Glassdoor is a leader in creating greater transparency and accountability when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion in the job search and in the world of work.

If you’re reading this article, I have a feeling you’re someone who has put a lot of time into your resume. But did you know that often, when you’re applying for a job, your resume may not even make it to a real person?

This is because many recruiters and hiring managers are utilizing an application track system (or ATS). In my recent book You Turn, I actually refer to applicant tracking systems in a header called “Applicant Tracking Hell”—and there’s a reason for this! Navigating the ATS is challenging, and knowing your resume may never even encounter a human being is disheartening. As a matter of fact, data shows that up to 75% of resumes never make it to a hiring manager.

You may have done a great job of highlighting your professional experience on your resume, but you’re just using the wrong words or formatting. This is where Jobscan comes in. Jobscan uses algorithms and AI to scan your resume and compare it to a specific job listing, giving you feedback on how to best tweak your resume to work well with an ATS.

• Descriptions of your work experience do not match up to the job descriptions. Even if you are super qualified, if your resume doesn’t match up with keywords in the job description, you could be preemptively disqualifying yourself. I tell job seekers in my online courses to make sure they sprinkle terminology from job descriptions as though it’s fairy dust throughout their resume. Sprinkle away!
• You’re not using standard formatting. While clever and inventive ways of formatting your resume may show off your aesthetic acuity, and your creativity with design, they may also prevent your resume from making the ATS cut. Non-standard formatting can confuse the AI, and lead to your resume being processed incorrectly, or not at all.
• Too much flowery language. You may think that using headings like “Selected Professional Engagements” and “Secondary School and Collegiate Alma Mater” makes you sound smart. But, I hate to break it to you, complicated and word descriptions are not working in your favor when it comes to ATS. Stick with standard headings that will ensure that the ATS processes your resume correctly. Think: “Work Experience” and “Education.”

Tips for better job hunting

Update your resume. Having a solid resume is one of the most important parts of finding a job because it’s an employer’s first impression of you. Make sure all of your information is current and accurate. Double-check for any grammar or formatting errors and have another person look it over, too.

Tailor your resume and cover letter. These materials should always be specific to the job you’re applying to. You can save generalized copies of each and then tweak them to better fit the specific responsibilities and qualifications of the job you want. Search a job posting for keywords that you can add to your resume. This can help you get past any applicant tracking systems.

Be prepared for anything. Throughout your job search, you may be surprised by what can happen. For example, if a company is urgently hiring, they may ask for an interview right away. Likewise, a company may get back to you with a job offer months later. Being flexible and ready for the unexpected can help you improve your chances of getting a job.

Apply to jobs you are under-qualified for. Although you should direct your focus on jobs you’re qualified for, still feel free to apply to jobs where you may not check off every single requirement. If you think you are a good fit for the job, the employer may decide to give you a chance. You’ll never know if you refrain from applying.

Send follow-up emails. After talking to a recruiter or having an initial interview, always send a follow-up thank-you email the next day. Explain that you are still interested in the position and enjoyed speaking with them. This shows employers that you are courteous and professional.

Keep track of the jobs you apply to. When you’re actively looking for a new job, you may send in dozens of applications. In an Excel sheet, write down which jobs you applied to and when. This way, you won’t accidentally apply to a job twice and you can remember when to follow up with an employer. If you apply for a job and don’t hear back from an employer a few weeks past the job application’s deadline, you can send them an email inquiring about their hiring timeline.

Learn job keywords. Since search engines and career websites use keywords to help you find jobs, learn which keywords are applicable to the kind of job you want. Play around with different job titles that are similar to find a wider range of job postings.

Ask for informational interviews. Reaching out to companies for informational interviews is a great way to show your interest and get to know more about their organization. By making a good impression during this meeting, they may remember you when they have a job opening.

Be mindful of your online presence. Some hiring managers look at an applicant’s social media to learn more about them. Always be mindful of the type of content you share on social media. Keep it courteous and professional. If you don’t want an employer to see your postings, make sure to set your profiles to private.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2021/02/09/the-8-best-online-tools-for-your-job-hunt-in-2021/?sh=59df44e253f3
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-hunting
https://hbr.org/2021/10/how-to-job-hunt-when-youre-already-exhausted
Job hunt

We reviewed more than two dozen different job websites before selecting our top picks. To find the best sites, we looked at the number of listings, ease of use, costs, advanced features, industries and experience levels served, and reputation. We felt these were the most important features to examine when choosing the best websites for jobs.

Best Job Search Websites

Formerly a retail and e-commerce expert for Rebecca Minkoff, Emily now uses her expertise in small business marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship to create compelling content for small businesses, freelancers, and consultants.

Michael Rosenston is a fact-checker and researcher with expertise in business, finance, and insurance. Prior to this role, he interned at two Fortune 500 insurance companies and worked in data science in the advertising industry.

Job websites serve as the modern equivalent of classified ads by compiling and listing available telecommute and local openings. Equipped with millions of listings and additional resources like career coaching, resume tailoring, and blog posts full of helpful tips, using a job website is one of the best and most efficient ways to search for and apply to dozens of opportunities.

To find the best job websites to kick off your search, we looked at more than two dozen different job websites before selecting the top 10. We made our picks after considering the number of listings on each site, ease of use, costs, advanced features, industries and experience levels served, and reputation.

Applying for jobs

Job boards

Aside from the major job boards like Indeed, CareerBuilder and Monster there are a number of life science specific job boards that you may have come across. Some of the most prominent life science job boards include PharmiWeb, Emed, Biospace and of course and you’ll find a great deal of opportunities with us at Proclinical Staffing. To refine your job search even more, you can seek out job boards that are specific to your field or specialism.

Applying directly

It is thought that as many as 80% of jobs are not posted on industry job boards or social media. Therefore, you may gain advantage by making a list of companies you want to work for and contacting them directly.

Networking

Better yet, do some homework and work out who the key decision makers or hiring managers are in your field within your ideal company and begin networking with them. LinkedIn is a great tool for networking – another great reason to set up a profile. Generally, networking adds another string to your bow when searching for jobs that may not be publicly advertised. Here’s some top tips on how to network for jobs in the life science industry.

Recruitment

A proportion of jobs not advertised online will be assigned to recruitment and staffing companies to help companies find the specialist skills and experience they need. These specialist staffing agencies build up networks of these professionals to call upon when they match the job description. Bear in mind that if you are approached by a recruiter that the job may be exclusively available through their agency, so it is certainly worth considering.

Finding a job through a recruitment company can also simplify your job hunt significantly and can increase your chances of being put forward for an interview. We’ve outlined a few reasons why you should consider using a specialist life science recruitment agency to enhance your job search.

Other social media sites

Social media is much more than just Twitter and Facebook. Learn more below about how you might use other social media platforms to connect with employers. If you find that you like using several different platforms, you may want to use an app like TweetDeck or HootSuite to manage your time. These apps allow you to schedule posts across multiple social networks, which can save you time and effort.

Meetup

Meetup is an increasingly popular social networking website that connects people with similar interests and helps them organize local meetings offline. While Meetup was originally created for personal networking, more people are beginning to use the site for professional networking.

Try joining a group in your area to meet other professionals working in your field. You can also visit Meetup’s Job Seekers page, which finds Meetup groups that focus exclusively on connecting employers and job seekers.

YouTube and video sharing

Video sharing sites like YouTube and Vimeo allow you to connect with potential employers like never before. You can upload a video resume, which is a short, personal introduction that gives you an opportunity to showcase your skills, talents, and personality for an employer. You might even consider creating your own YouTube Channel to share your portfolio.

Blogs

Another great way to connect with potential employers is to create your own blog. You’ll be able to share your opinions, start discussions with other people in your field, demonstrate your knowledge, and establish yourself as an expert. Visit a blog service like Blogger or WordPress, and check out our Blog Basics tutorial to get started.

Pinterest

While Pinterest might not have a reputation for professional networking, more people are using the site to connect with potential employers and share their personal portfolio with Pinterest’s growing audience. Some have also used Pinterest to develop a brand identity by pinning items that are related to their businesses. For example, a hobby store might create a pinboard of interesting craft projects.

Sources:

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-best-job-websites-2064080
https://www.proclinical.com/blogs/2020-6/steps-to-an-effective-job-hunt-the-life-science-industry
https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/jobsearchandnetworking/job-hunt-with-social-media/1/
Job hunt

It’s always good to see what jobs are available, and to know what your skills are worth on the open market. And now’s a good time to take a self-evaluation to see what you really want to do or determine what you need in a job to be happy. “Over the course of the pandemic, people have had the opportunity to reevaluate their career paths and jobs, and think through what’s next,” says Samantha Lawrence, senior vice president of people strategy at online jobs site Hired.

Job Hunting in 2022

Daniel Kurt is an expert on retirement planning, insurance, home ownership, loan basics, and more. Daniel has 10+ years of experience reporting on investments and personal finance for outlets like RothIRA.com, AARP Bulletin, and Exceptional magazine, in addition to being the "Bank of Dad" column writer for Fatherly.com. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in business administration and his Master of Arts in communication from Marquette University.

Doretha Clemons, Ph.D., MBA, PMP, has been a corporate IT executive and professor for 34 years. She is an adjunct professor at Connecticut State Colleges & Universities, Maryville University, and Indiana Wesleyan University. She is a Real Estate Investor and principal at Bruised Reed Housing Real Estate Trust, and a State of Connecticut Home Improvement License holder.

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed the unemployment rate hitting 3.9% in December 2021, the lowest it has been since January 2001, the COVID-19 pandemic is surging with the advent of the new omicron variant, and many Americans remain jobless. A good number of those are by choice, with 4.2 million people quitting their jobs in October 2021 alone. The pandemic has caused people to reevaluate their work choices, and right now they are picky, as employers are experiencing labor shortages, giving workers the upper hand in job negotiations. Indeed, as of Nov. 30, 2021, 10.6 million job openings were available, with particular opportunity in the fields of accommodation and food services, nondurable goods manufacturing, and educational services.

The good news is that employers want to fill those jobs, and they are optimistic about eventually doing so. An October 2021 survey of 1,100 U.S. employers of all sizes by the job site Indeed.com revealed that “94% of enterprises and 93% of small to midsized businesses (SMBs) say their companies will grow and have even more job opportunities” in 2022.

The key to landing gainful employment in the middle of a pandemic, though, is making some major adjustments to your approach. The fact is that today’s candidates have fewer opportunities to make the in-person connections that were once so key to getting in the door. And when they do land an interview, they may face the difficult task of selling themselves over a Zoom session.

Key Takeaways

It’s OK to take time out first

Don’t be afraid to postpone your job hunt if that’s the best option for you. Jake studied computer science and artificial intelligence at Aberystwyth University. He says: ‘It’s normal to want a little bit of a break after uni; you’ve been moving around like a nomad for three years and it’s one of the most stressful times in your life, so like many people I knew, I gave myself a very generous break after I finished my degree.’ Most of the other graduates we spoke to also allowed themselves some free time after completing their degrees – whether that was just between finishing exams and graduating, or for the next three or four months.

It’s a good idea to communicate with your parents about how much time you are planning to take out before starting to apply for jobs, otherwise they may assume you’re putting off job hunting indefinitely and get frustrated with you. Read our advice for getting on with family members if you move back in with your parents after university.

People take time out for many different reasons. You could use it for a specific purpose such as volunteering or travelling, which could be anything from a few weeks to a full year. Alternatively, you might simply need to clear your head after studying, spend time with your family and reflect on what matters to you, which may ultimately help inform your career decisions. However, it’s not advisable to spend every day binge-watching Netflix to put off thinking about the future, especially if this period of relaxation lasts more than a month or two. Whatever you do with your time out, make sure you can present it positively to prospective employers when you do start applying for jobs .

Be smart

Use your personal, non-work phone and computer to contact potential employers, set up interviews, and send out your resume. Don’t put any personal email on your work machine. “Everyone should have their own desktop and cellphone that are airgapped from the job,” Janulaitis says.

Any gear your company gave or sent you when you started working there, or anything they help pay for (like your phone bill), means that equipment is theirs. Not only can the company demand it back at any point, but there might be a ‘big brother’-type app that monitors what you’re doing. And if you have to hand everything back, there go all your connections, text messages, and the like.

You might also need to ‘airgap’ your professional associations. If your company paid for those, and you find them valuable, then spend your own money on those fees so you can legitimately take membership lists, minutes from any meetings, and conference proceedings with you to your next post, or to help you land that new job.

Don’t neglect your existing job…

Remember it might take a while to find your new role, and you must continue to tend to your existing job. “At the end of the day, you have a commitment to your current job and are still expected to meet the requirements,” Hired’s Lawrence says. Go to the meetings, nail those deadlines. You don’t want your inattention to detail to be a tell to your boss or co-workers that your brain has left the building even if your body is still there.

“Some people are so sucked into their jobs, like gravity, that they need willpower to make the search work,” Burns says. The good news is that with so much remote work going on, you probably won’t need to physically travel anywhere to interview. Pre-pandemic you’d need to take vacation time, or work through lunchtime and leave the office early. Just schedule any online search-related meetings or interviews at times when you won’t be missed.

Hired’s Lawrence says that how much time you spend searching, and when, depends on how badly you want — or need — to leave your current job. If you must leave imminently for any reason, then consider taking time off to update your resume or portfolio, identify or learn any new skills you might need, or conduct that assessment of what you want to do next. But if you can make it a more leisurely search, you might be able to fit it all in without taking vacation time.

Sources:

https://www.investopedia.com/job-hunting-2021-5111878
https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/finding-a-job/six-tips-structuring-your-job-hunt-after-graduation
https://www.cio.com/article/286225/careers-staffing-8-tips-for-job-hunting-while-you-re-still-employed.html