Being a job seeker can be quite monotonic and hectic. You wake up, search for jobs and apply, reach out to recruiters and hear nothing. And then you think, "I am doing everything I am supposed to do and still getting nowhere. What should I do?"
Here is what you should do to boost you career growth.
MAKE YOUR GOALS CLEAR AND REALISTIC
You can't simply say "I want a new job" and consider that to be your plan. An effective search needs to start with clear and realistic goals, which align your key skills and experience with your passions and long term career objectives.
DAZZLE YOUR RESUME
A recent research study found that on an average a resume has 6 seconds to make the right impression.
Before your resume reaches someone who understands your experience, it first gets past a 100's of search results and the HR representative who conducts the initial screenings. Make sure your resume incorporates the key terms and requirements found in your targeted jobs, that it is tailored to play up your relevant skills and experience.
APPLY ONLY TO RIGHT JOBS
Job descriptions are often the hiring manager's wish list for the dream candidate. While the employer probably doesn't expect you to have every single qualification, they do expect you to meet all the core 'must have' requirements. Only apply to jobs where you possess these must haves. Also, make sure you choose jobs that align with your goals, applying to jobs outside of your goals will dilute your personal brand and confuse employers.
BRANDISE YOUR SOCIAL PRESENCE
In today's mobile society, your personal brand must go beyond the physical resume and into the online world. Google your name, as it appears on your resume, and see what comes up. Make a list of every website where you have an account set up - including social media portals - and decide if it should be used for professional or personal use. Update your professional accounts to align with your resume and job goals by highlighting your relevant skill sets, experience and affiliations. Remember, the goal is to increase the size of your network and identify new people that can help move your search forward.