3 Steps to Prep for a Job Search

Many people look ahead at a New Year and decide now is the time to finally take a leap. To make a career move. To finally seek out a dream job. To just get the heck out of a toxic work environment. Whatever your reason may be, you're looking at the year ahead, and a job search feels likely this year.

You may assume I'm going to give you a list of things to do to fix up your resume. After all, that's my "thing". However, there are 3 things that should be on your to do list before you even open your resume. Shocking, I know. Let's jump right in...

 

 #1 Get professional.

 Sorry if that came across as an insult. I'm sure you're very professional. But here are two things I see constantly in my line of work that aren't helping your professionalism: your email address and your headshot.

 

If you're reading this right now and your email has your birth year or a nickname or it remotely resembles your AIM screen name from 1999, you must know that I'm calling you out right now. I could get specific with all the crazy emails I've seen over the years (because I'm putting them on resumes!), but I genuinely believe you know who you are. I get it, you don't want a new email address because you've had your current one for 20 years. I'm not telling you to get rid of it. I'm telling you to go get a free gmail account with your first and last name in it and specifically use it for job searching and professional networking. I promise it will take no time at all and will make a difference in how you're perceived by a potential employer. Related note: if your email address is your name but you have a new name now, this also applies to you. You're confusing people. Update it!

 

I can't understate the importance of a nice and professional headshot. You do not need to pay someone if you can't afford it. Simply find a clean background in a room with good natural light and present yourself like you would for an interview. Have someone else take a photo of you with your phone. Do NOT take a selfie. I repeat, absolutely no selfies. You need this headshot for your LinkedIn and, spoiler alert, that's where we're going next.

 

 #2 Get on LinkedIn.

 I'm going to be 100% transparent with you. I am not an expert in LinkedIn. In fact, I have every intention of having a whole post dedicated to the expertise of a friend of mine who is...so this is just to scratch the surface.

If you are not using LinkedIn, you are certainly missing out on a whole world of opportunity. Your next dream job could be waiting for you using that platform without ever pulling up Indeed or calling a head hunter. Not only that, HR managers and recruiters are trying to find you on LinkedIn when they look at your application and resume. If you're not on there or you clearly haven't updated it in 5 years, they very well may move on. 

Even if you only set up your profile so that you can put a link to it on your resume and feel assured that HR managers and recruiters can find you, that's a GREAT first step. However, you'll really level up your game if you start posting and interacting and searching for opportunities on LinkedIn. If you needed a push or a sign, this is it. Don't wait any longer.


#3 Find your secret sauce.
No, I'm not talking about a condiment. Although, I really do love a good sauce. I'm talking about what makes you unique and valuable in the workplace. When you know what your "thing" is, not only can you make your resume shine, you'll know exactly what you want in a new job. If you are shaking your head in confusion right now, here is your homework: ask your co-workers, clients and bosses what they know they can count on you to do better than anyone else. What are you known for at work? That's your secret sauce. That special thing you bring to the table that I promise is worthy of a promotion. When you have a handle on it, it will change everything. Communicate that value in your resume and in interviews and you'll have them blowing up your email with offers. Take my word for it.


So, this is your homework:

1. Get professional (new email and headshot)

2. Get on LinkedIn (stop avoiding it!)

3. Find your secret sauce (and opportunities will come your way)

 Get the momentum going with these three things and your job search will be off to a great start! If you need some more practical help with your resume and cover letter, I have you covered with these two free guides linked below!

 

7 Things to Take Off Your Resume Right Now  

My Proven Cover Letter Template