The job search climate is very different today than it was just a few years ago. Both internal and external recruiters are spending more time online sourcing passive candidates because using social media for recruitment purposes is quick and inexpensive. Recruiters routinely “Google” potential candidates to see if they have an online presence, so if you’re not online in today’s digital world, you simply don’t exist.
You might be able to overcome the lack of an online presence if you have a deep, productive network, but if you’re hoping to maintain your privacy by not participating in social media in any way, then you’ll remain at a distinct disadvantage, whatever your industry and your rank on the organizational chart.
LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter—in that order—are imperatives for candidates that want to be noticed by recruiters. If you can’t wrap your mind around current job search strategies, have invasion of privacy concerns or are uncomfortable with technology, you can gain the confidence you need to capitalize on current trends by reading Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson, MD.
That powerful little book changes mindsets and can help you remain relevant if you heed its message.
Recruiters are leveraging the transparency and accessibility of social media to find talent, and the reverse can be true as well. You now have tools to reach out directly to recruiters—if you’re willing to take some risk.
Ellie Vargo, MRW, CCMC
ev@noteworthyresume.com