Improve Your Job Search with Four Simple Changes

Unemployment runs rampant as the effects of COVID-19 continue to affect the professional world, and the job hunt has suddenly become packed. How do you set yourself apart from the crowd? How do you find a job that is perfect for your skillset and sustainable in the long run?

if you are unemployed or underemployed, a sense of panic at this moment is understandable. So are the natural reactions of jumping towards the next available opportunity or casting a wide net by sending out an email blast to your entire contact list hoping for a “hit.” However, those instincts may work against you.

I spent some time with Kris McGuigan, a career strategist and certified coach, who shares with us four ways to improve one’s job search amidst the fear and seeming lack of opportunities in the post-pandemic market.

Focus

What value do you bring to the table, and where?

That’s what Kris McGuigan needs you to answer before you even begin your job search. People will often apply to jobs that they aren’t appropriately matched for due to fear of unemployment. This, unfortunately, leads to lack of focus around one’s career management plan. Knowing your unique value will focus your job search towards opportunities you are best suited for and build a sustainable career.

“Whatever the case is; however you can quickly articulate ‘This is my why buy and ROI; this is why you should bring me on your staff’ and then make sure that you are building your brand, both verbal and written around that ROI. [Then] there’s a clear focus for you about the kind of opportunities you’re going to go after and a very clear value proposition that those hiring agents and potential employers can hold onto when they’re looking at you as a candidate.”

A strong online presence

Activity and presence are two different things. Being online and scrolling, for certain, is activity, but that does not give you a strong presence. Kris explains that a strong online presence is demonstrated through your profile and a strong presence can be reflected in Good online presence doesn’t just mean scrolling through Facebook for most of your day. Kris explains that having a robust online profile entails more…