It is 2022 and finding a job in this digital age is different than it was a few years ago. Today, interviews are conducted over the phone or video and few people meet in person during the process. This is swiftly becoming the “new normal,” and adapting to these digital changes can help you find your next job.

Below are ten job search strategies to consider as you make your 2022 job search more effective:

Elevate Your Resume

A strong resume will attract the right companies. Companies contact applicants with strong resumes that fit what they are looking for in terms of qualifications, skills, and experience. Review the job posting and use it to customize the resume you share with that company. Add key words in the position description to your resume. This lets hiring managers know you understand the position and can help your resume stand out from the competition.

Create a Solid LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn provides a way for prospective employers to find you and learn more about your education, work experience, skills, and qualifications. Once you elevate your resume, build a strong LinkedIn Profile. It is important to write a headline that will attract hiring managers to your profile. Your summary should include your strengths, values, and other information that makes a positive impression on employers. Throughout your profile, focus on highlighting skills and responsibilities that are relevant to the job you want to obtain in 2022.

Research Growing Industries

Focus your search on industries that are growing can help improve your chance of landing a job. Industries that are experiencing growth for the near future include technology, healthcare, renewable energy, customer service, and e-commerce. Consider concentrating your job search in one of these growing industries.

Apply to Relevant Jobs

Apply to as many relevant jobs as you feel qualified for based on your education, experience, and interests. However, remember to balance quantity with quality, as one well-crafted Resume and targeted Cover Letter is worth more than five hastily prepared ones.

Do Mock Interviews

Making a positive impression during interviews requires preparation and forethought. Doing mock interviews with a Career Consultant can help you prepare. Mock interviews allow you to produce replies to commonly asked questions and identify any areas you might need to improve on, such as talking about your weaknesses. The more practice interviews you do, the more confident you will feel during an actual job interview.

Partner with a Career Consultant

A Career Consultant can help you on the path to achieving your career goals by understanding the career you have chosen to pursue, answering questions, and providing guidance. This person can help you prepare for all aspects of your job search, starting with your strategy, to preparing your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn Profile, approach to your search, interviewing and follow up after an interview. This is a worthy investment in yourself.

Network

Networking with professionals in your field is an effective way to get your foot in the door. Through networking, you can learn more about the industry and use that knowledge to help your job search. You may also learn about upcoming and unadvertised job openings that interest you.

Networking can be on-line or through people you know that can connect you to that next job. Digital Networking is a wonderful place to start. Comment on a professional’s blog posts or provide insight on a LinkedIn post. Share relevant industry news and information, with your perspective, on social media platforms.

Dress for Success

It is important to dress to impress for a job interview, whether it is in person or online. You should wear neat, clean, and professional attire, even if your interview is over video. Dressing professionally will make a good impression and set you apart from the competition.

Prepare for Rejection

As you prepare to look for a job in the new year, know that you are likely to experience rejection at some point. Do not take rejection personally. Instead, view each setback as a learning opportunity. This will allow you to refine skills that will make you a stronger and better applicant for the next opportunity.

Stay Motivated

Pursing a new job can take a considerable amount of time. It is important to stay motivated and balance your time. Finding time to step away from the job search is just as important as focusing on your search. Reward yourself for applying to a certain number of positions or after an interview. Rewards can be anything like exercise, reading a book, going for a walk, watching a show, cooking a favorite recipe, etc. Focus on yourself while also focusing on your search.