Online platforms have revolutionised how people hunt for jobs and their careers.
Say goodbye to flipping through newspaper listings or hitting every door in your neighbourhood. You can now apply to hundreds of jobs without lifting a finger. And guess what?
Online platforms grant you access to openings you’d otherwise never stumble upon.
The majority of people use these platforms all wrong. They set up a profile, upload a resume, and wait for a miracle to happen. These tactics simply don’t work anymore.
Here’s what you will discover:
- The importance of online platforms in job hunting
- The various types of platforms to utilise
- Tips on how to optimise your online presence
- Strategies to set yourself apart from the crowd
The Importance of Online Platforms in Job Hunting
The employment market has undergone a radical change in recent years.
According to recent data, as much as 90% of job seekers use LinkedIn in their job search. That’s a whopping number. If you aren’t utilising online platforms for your career advancement, you’re already at a disadvantage.
Think about it…
When employers want to fill their vacancies, their first instinct is to turn to digital platforms. Whether you want to explore current openings in Tucson—like those at Afni Careers—or you are in the market for remote positions all over the country, online job boards make it all possible.
And here’s the kicker…
Platforms help you find jobs, but they also help employers find you. A well-optimised profile can entice recruiters to your inbox without even trying.
The Various Types of Platforms to Utilise
Not all online platforms are created equal. Some are more useful for specific industries than others. Understanding which platforms to prioritise can save you months of frustration and wasted efforts.
Here are the main types:
- Job boards – Sites that post job listings from multiple employers
- Professional networks – Platforms that are meant for career networking and visibility
- Company career pages – Direct career portals that employers put on their websites
- Industry-specific sites – Niche sites that are tailored to particular professions
Every single platform type serves a different purpose in your job hunting journey.
Job boards cast a wide net and encompass thousands of positions. As a result, they are excellent for surveying what’s available in your niche.
Professional networks operate in a slightly different manner. They are more about building relationships and showing off your expertise. The platforms help you get access to the hidden job market.
Company career pages let you go straight to the source. Many employers prefer to fill their positions through their own portals and only post them elsewhere later on.
How to Optimise Your Online Presence
Here’s where most job seekers go wrong…
They create profiles and simply abandon them there. Your online presence should be nurtured and regularly updated to perform optimally.
Start with these easy steps:
- Complete every section of your profile
- Incorporate keywords pertinent to the roles you want
- Upload a professional photo
- Keep your experience section up to date
Don’t stop there, though.
Statistics show that 77% of job seekers use social media sites to research potential employers. Guess what? Employers do the same to their prospective employees. They’re doing some research on you.
As a result, everything online is of importance. Your LinkedIn posts, your public social media profiles and even comments you drop on industry articles.
The goal here is simple.
Ensure that whatever employers find about you online, reinforces your professional image.
Strategies to Set Yourself Apart From the Crowd
The competition on online platforms is fierce. Hundreds of applicants apply for the same positions. How do you make sure your application makes the right impression?
Here’s how to pull it off…
Customise Every Application
Generic applications end up in the bin. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each position. Copy-paste the exact language from the job posting.
This tells employers that you’ve read and understand what they are looking for.
Build Your Network Actively
Connections are far more important than most people are willing to realise.
Don’t add contacts and then forget about them. Interact with their content. Send them thoughtful messages. Offer value before asking for anything.
When it’s time for opportunities to be doled out, your network becomes your biggest ally.
Showcase Your Skills
Words on a profile get you only so far. Find ways to demonstrate your skills.
This may include:
- Sharing relevant articles or insights
- Creating your content that spotlights your expertise
- Soliciting endorsements from your colleagues
- Displaying certifications and completed projects
Actions speak louder than claims.
Follow Up Strategically
Applied for a position that’s a match made in heaven? Don’t just sit there and wait.
Send a follow-up message after a reasonable period. Connect with people at the company on professional networks. Be interested without being overly pushy.
That extra mile separates serious candidates from the crowd.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Job hunting online is straightforward in theory. But people make life infinitely more difficult without even realising.
Keep an eye out for these errors:
- Applying for any position regardless of whether it’s the right fit for you
- Using the same generic resume everywhere
- Ignoring your online reputation
- Failing to update your profiles on a regular basis
- Not following the application instructions
Each of these mistakes lessens your chances of success. The good news is that they’re all easy to correct once you become aware of them.
Making Technology Work for You
The modern platforms come with a suite of features that can supercharge your job search.
Set up job alerts for your target positions. This will make sure you’re one of the first applicants when fresh opportunities crop up.
Use the built-in analytics that many platforms offer. They reveal how many people have viewed your profile and which parts capture the most attention.
Don’t overlook mobile apps, either.
Many employers expect swift responses. Having apps installed on your phone will let you respond at the drop of a hat when opportunities crop up.
Putting It All Together
Online platforms have levelled the playing field for job seekers all around the world. These tools connect you with opportunities that would have been impossible to even dream about just a decade ago.
But merely existing on these platforms isn’t enough.
Success entails:
- Picking the right platforms for your purposes
- Fully optimising your profiles
- Consistently engaging with your network
- Tailoring applications for every role
- Following up on promising opportunities
The job hunters who master these platforms gain a massive advantage over the rest. They land better positions at a faster clip. They build connections that benefit them for years.
The bottom line:
Your next career opportunity is out there, most probably on an online platform. The question is whether you’ll be willing to do the work to find it.
Start with one platform. Optimise it to the brim. Then move on to the next. This laser-focused approach produces better results than spreading yourself thin across a dozen sites.
The tools are at your disposal. The opportunities are there. It’s now time to use them.
