How To Effectively Use Job Boards In Your Job Search

In today’s digital age, there is no shortage of ways to get your name and resume out there for companies to see. Job boards, for example, make it very easy to apply for  new jobs. From niche job boards to very general aggregators, they can be relevant for professionals of all backgrounds.

While job boards should not be your only job search strategy, they can be an incredible asset in your search for a new opportunity. Sites like Indeed and LinkedIn are frequently updated with new jobs from a diverse set of companies, and among those new postings can be the perfect opportunity for you to advance your career.

As you go through job boards in search of your next opportunity, here are 4 ways to get the most out of their services:

Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume are aligned

As you begin your new job search, you may have to go through your online networking sites (such as your LinkedIn profile) to make sure everything is current. This may mean adding new responsibilities you’ve recently been given and new volunteer opportunities you’ve undertaken. When you aren’t job searching, it can be easy to neglect your resume and LinkedIn presence. However, you won’t have much success with finding a new job if a hiring manager can’t ascertain which asset is most up-to-date.

Be attentive to the language you’re using in your profile/resume

If it has been awhile since you last updated your resume and social profiles, you’ll want to make sure all of the language and industry-specific programs you are using are up-to-date as well. In addition to this, be sure to mirror the language of job listings that interest you in your profile and resume; if you’re making your resume public on any job board, this is a very important step to take.

Don’t be afraid to reach out directly

Most job boards won’t list the information of the human resources professionals who work for the companies you apply for. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find their contact information. For example, you can check out the company website or search for them on LinkedIn. From there, you can send an email following up about your application. This human connection can be the one thing that sets you apart from other candidates, so don’t be nervous to reach out. Just remember to be courteous; one email is enough.

Pay attention to all of a company’s job listings

As you browse job boards, one strategy to employ is perusing all of the opportunities available at one company. By doing so, you’ll have an overall better idea of what the company needs and who they’re most interested in hiring. For instance, if you’re an administrative professional but notice the company is looking out for high-level senior employees, it could mean they’ll need to hire support professionals to assist them in the future. One of the most important things to remember about job boards is that there are no true dead ends, so stay optimistic!