How to Get Hired in a Virtual World

Although not all companies have moved to hiring through their Snapchat account there is no doubt that the hiring process has evolved with the times. Here are our top tips for getting hired in 2016.

• Feeling out the water – On the fence about making the next step in your career? It’s always a good idea to see what is out there. Maybe an opportunity is not available at this moment but connecting with an organization now could lead to engagement down the road. A passive way to engage in the job search is to participate in industry networking events. Asking your friends and mentors about their company, culture and work style will allow you to quickly gauge if there is an ideal fit for you.
• Be true to who you are – Setting expectations is important. If you are not social media savvy and you utilize this on your resume you will set the expectation with a prospective employer that you are proficient in this medium. If you don’t know what Snapchat is you don’t need to download it ASAP, you are still a valuable candidate!
• Showcase your skill set – Showing off your skill set through a job application can be hard but it is the best way to catch the eye of a company. Are you a master of InDesign? Add some enhancements to your resume to show off your skills.  Refresh your portfolio to indicate what specialized stills you provided for each project.
• Utilize social media – LinkedIn is your virtual resume and a great tool for gleaning information on companies. LinkedIn now offers job searches and the option to apply to companies directly. Using their search engine is a great way to begin your research on a company’s identity. Following companies via social media also keeps you up-to-date on their projects and whereabouts. It also is a great way to show a prospective employer your interest in engaging with them.
• Networking – Job searching through your network can be a very successful technique, and potential employers see it as a built-in reference! Your network is probably larger than you think, don’t forget your alumni association, friends, past colleagues, mentors, etc.
• Trust a professional – Personal connections play a large role in today’s hiring environment and who has more connections than a professional career consultant. Collaborating with an executive search firm can help shed light on the current state of the market for you to make a more informed decision. Oftentimes an executive search firm can open doors to the most desirable employers and even has access to jobs that are not available to the public yet.
• Tried and true ­– Always arrive early. Dress to impress. Bring a notepad and pen to take notes. You can follow these tips even if you are applying via Snapchat, because some things never go out of style.

The hiring process may seem tricky to navigate but with a little preparation and research you can make 2016 your year!