6 Effective Ways that Jobseekers can Stand Out on an Online Job Platform

Introduction

Job hunting is a challenging, tiring process, and can quickly take a toll on even the most qualified jobseeker. Standing out in the crowded jobseeker landscape is critical but often overlooked. According to recent job search statistics, on average it can take up to 24 weeks (or 6 months) to find a job. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, November 2020)

Additionally, a jobseeker can spend 11 hours per week on average looking for a job. These figures are just a snapshot of the stress and heartache that can be persistently experienced by anyone job hunting.

Online job platforms are a go-to resource for anyone actively or passively seeking new employment in a growing digital world. Glassdoor’s 2017 recruiting statistics report stated that on average, their users are actively on 7.6 job sites when conducting a job search. As digital access continues to increase, and as companies broaden their online reach in seeking skilled candidates, online job platforms are a necessary part of the jobseeker’s strategy.

Therefore, jobseekers must do everything they can to stand out from the crowd. In this blog post, we'll share 6 effective ways jobseekers can make themselves more visible on online job platforms. The recommended tips include:

1. Upload a professional and updated photo of yourself.

2. Create a relevant and eye-catching job title/headline that will grab attention.

3. Upload a video introduction to help prospective employers get to know you better.

4. Be sure to include keywords in your profile that apply to the type of job you're interested in.

5. Ensure your social media presence is positive and highlights your skills and expertise in your industry. 

6. Highlight personal and professional awards and certifications that help to showcase your skills and suitability for your desired job.

These tips will help you get noticed by employers and increase your chances of getting that job interview.

Upload a professional and updated photo of yourself

Make your first impression last! An employer /recruiter wants to see who they may be hiring. If there is no image, do you even exist? Don’t be that jobseeker. Instead, put your best face forward with a bright and inviting smile.

 

   

 



Keep in mind that this is not a glamour shot and therefore, any make-up and jewellery should be minimal. Also, ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing that reflects the job you are seeking. While this does not always mean a suit, do avoid clothing that is too revealing, dirty, torn, or that has any writing on it. A crisp white shirt or blouse is always a safe bet.

It is also important to not post images that you attempted to crop out other persons or the background. This usually results in your image being weirdly angled, or worse, very blurry due to the changes in the original photo’s size. So, do your best to have a simple photo taken of just you, preferably a headshot, and select a suitable background.  











Professional photo - Photo by Prince Akachi on Unsplash


Create a relevant and eye-catching job title/headline that will grab attention

An engaging headline or title is your opportunity to let anyone who views your profile, know immediately who you are as a potential employee. Are you a graphic designer, executive assistant, or project manager? Be sure to use titles that are common in your current or desired industry.

 

If you are seeking opportunities to advance or change your career, a creative headline can help you to communicate this effectively - “Administrative professional with 10+ years of experience seeking advancement opportunities as an executive assistant”. Use keywords that you see often in the jobs that you desire as this will help to make your profile stand out in searches done by your ideal employer.

Upload a video introduction to help prospective employers get to know you better

Creating a video resume is also very helpful in communicating who you are and what you can do for your next employer. Keep your video short and effective, and focus on highlighting key skills and accomplishments that align with the role you desire. Even if you are changing careers, this is very applicable as you can speak to your transferable skills and how they will uniquely benefit the company.

Your introduction video should be no longer than two minutes. Similarly to your professional photo, you must ensure that you have good picture and sound quality in your video. Take the time as well to set up a simple background that will not distract from what you are saying. This includes making sure that you are in a quiet setting with minimal to no background noise. You must also wear appropriate clothing and speak clearly and confidently to engage your ideal employer. If you are technologically savvy enough, you can even add your headline/title to the video for that extra creative touch.


Add a professional video to your Hire Me Jamaica online profile

Hire Me Jamaica’s innovative online job platform offers jobseekers the opportunity to upload a professional video to their profile. Once you’re registered and logged in, all you need to do for that section is click to upload the video you created, and you’re done! Simple, streamlined and perfect for standing out!

Be sure to include keywords in your profile that apply to the type of job you're interested in


As previously mentioned for your headline, keywords are a must-have in any jobseeker’s profile who is serious about being noticed and hired. The majority of companies and their recruiters rely on application software that scans your information, including details from your resume. Having the right keywords for your industry and the role you desire, will help you to get noticed.

 

However, you want to be sure not to overdo the usage of keywords. Create a good balance by using them naturally throughout your profile where they fit best. Take some inspiration from a few related job descriptions and see how you can incorporate similar language. Be careful not to incorporate details that will mislead. Don’t include skills and experience you know you don’t have.

Ensure your social media presence is positive and highlights your skills and expertise in your industry

This tip tends to be overlooked or simply forgotten by many jobseekers. Nonetheless, it is information that can make or break your potential opportunity with your ideal employer. Online job platforms, like Hire Me Jamaica, typically provide the option to add social media links to your profile. You can choose to link to Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Twitter.



While the choice is yours, it is important to note that employers may still conduct background searches on you using social media whether you provide links or not. So, all jobseekers should be very careful of how they are representing themselves online. Evaluate your social media presence and determine if your posts and pictures are how you want to be viewed by potential employers. Reconfirm what is publicly visible versus private and if there are social media platforms you no longer use, be sure you close those accounts.

















 Highlight your skills and expertise on social media

On the other hand, you can utilize your social media accounts to your benefit by situating them as additional resources to highlight your skills and value. For example, on Instagram, you may upload posts where you share advice specific to your industry. This can include information about certifications, or your on-the-job experiences. Similarly, on LinkedIn, you can include articles and even upload a portfolio that showcases projects you worked on (confirm that you are allowed to share project information before doing so).

Highlight personal and professional awards and certifications that help to showcase your skills and suitability for your desired job

 

Any personal achievements highlighted should be related to what you do or want to do professionally. Were you recognized as a community leader for your contributions to small businesses by helping them grow their presence online with websites you designed? Include this in your profile! Your next employer will be able to immediately recognize not only your website development skills but also your commitment to volunteerism.

 

So, are you ready to stand out and seal the deal? The competition to land a job these days is fierce. That's why it’s so important for jobseekers, like you, to do everything possible to stand out on an online job platform. The six effective tips outlined here are a good starting point to help you showcase your skills and value to your ideal employer sooner rather than later. 

Sign up now with Hire Me Jamaica to create your profile and get hired!



Published on: 2021-11-16 02:58:37