How to master the art of modern job-hunting

Quitting a job might never seem like the best option for established professionals, but it’s a route that was taken by an incredibly high number of workers in recent years. According to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 50.5 million people quit their jobs in 2022.

Improved job prospects undoubtedly contributed to that high turnover, but professionals who left their jobs without another one already lined up may need some help finding their next gig. Significant layoffs in the early months of 2023 coupled with tens of millions of individuals leaving their jobs voluntarily in 2022 could potentially make the competition for new jobs more intense.

Professionals confronting that situation can consider these tips as they seek to master the art of modern job hunting.

Use LinkedIn to your advantage. The professional social media platform LinkedIn is an invaluable resource, especially for professionals looking for a new job. Even professionals who are still working but hoping to land a new job can utilize LinkedIn to their advantage, as many recruiters embrace the strategy of passive recruiting, which involves scouring LinkedIn for professionals who are not actively looking for a new job but might be interested if the right opportunity presents itself.

Professionals who aren’t already on LinkedIn should join and create a profile that highlights their experience and skills. Workers who are already on LinkedIn can periodically update their profiles and use the platform to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their industries.

Create a portfolio of your work. Landing an interview may be the first goal, but professionals also must be ready to master that interview should the opportunity arise. A portfolio that showcases past work and accomplishments can help candidates present themselves in the best light possible. Utilize a free or inexpensive service like WordPress that hiring managers and others can visit quickly and easily to see your work.

Identify who you want to work for. Experienced professionals who are still working may have the luxury of patience when beginning their job search. That luxury ensures professionals can wait for opportunities at companies they want to work for.

Targeting specific companies can take some of the frustration out of modern job hunting, which often requires scouring a seemingly endless string of job openings. Out-of-work professionals can still target specific firms, but they also can utilize down time to research other organizations in an effort to widen and expedite their search.

Work with a recruitment agency. Much like job seekers grow frustrated at sifting through job postings, organizations may not have the will or the resources to devote to finding worthy candidates for their openings. That’s why organizations often turn to recruitment professionals, who do the leg work when companies are looking to hire new people. Recruitment professionals earn their money from the companies doing the hiring, not the person getting hired. So there’s no downside to utilizing recruiting professionals in your search.