The workforce is getting younger – age and attitude-wise. Not only are the new hires of two years ago taking faster to get to managerial and supervisory levels, the “big bosses” are also making an effort to be more in-the-know of the latest trends, gadgets, fashion, etc. All these are making a subtle, but significant impact on the way employers hire. Here’s what you need to know about bosses young and young at heart, and making minor adjustments in various aspects of the job hunt.
Making yourself easy to find.
Self-promotion is still the name of the game. But don’t get stuck in job-hunting past – with so many dynamic avenues left to our disposal – think MySpace, Facebook, Blogger, etc. – it’s easier to share select information about yourself and career objectives.
Create an online portfolio that showcases your previous and current projects, achievements and related interests. You can even blog about your job search and share all the challenges you’ve overcome. It’s an effective, subtle way of promoting your professional aptitude and personality traits.
However, you have to be careful about what you publish on your sites. Keep your professional site formal, presentable, and straightforward.
You can still go the traditional route, thought, and distribute printouts of your résumé. Give it out only to selected companies that you find interesting, even if they don’t seem to have any openings. If you qualify, it’s likely that they’ll keep your résumé for future reference. Don’t forget to enclose a cover letter.
Piquing curiosity.
In the information age, interest can only last so long, so don’t divulge everything about yourself all at once, whether in your cover letter, blog, or professional site. Avoid talking about your personal life in full detail, but it would help to offer some information to give your audience an idea of what you’re all about (e.g. single, master of five languages, amateur photographer – bits of personal trivia that suggest that you are a well-rounded person living a full-life).
Employers today, being effective multi-taskers, are likely to believe in “having it all”. Show them that you, too, have a healthy balance of work and fun in your life.
Looking good on paper.
We all know that résumés carry 2x2 photos, but what needs to be stressed right now is how this image serves as THE first impression. It may sound a little shallow, but employers look at your photos, too. They don’t judge by them, but they certainly consider them.
Taking your headshot: Make sure you look tidy and composed, wearing proper attire and minimal make-up. Look at the camera straight on and smile conservatively. Avoid over accessorizing, awkward poses, and inappropriate backgrounds.
Looking even better in person.
It’s all about walking into a room and owning it. Look and be even more impressive than your, just try not to overdo it. Many employers appreciate fashion, whether or not they’re into it themselves. So come in your best work attire.
Move in the same circle.
It’s true: word of mouth is still the most effective way to advertise. If you’re a designer, think of your skills as products – creativity, resourcefulness, innovation, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are all more talked about by satisfied clients than the finished design itself.
Go out and meet people from the industry, offer to assist or if even ask if you could apprentice. Employers are more likely to trust referrals, or applicants who are friends of friends. The challenge has shifted from getting the attention of employers to getting the attention of their friends.
(This article by Chonx Tibajia first appeared in The Philippine STAR's CAREER GUIDE, a weekly jobs section powered by JobStreet.com)
