The middle management job market is more competitive than ever, and job seekers need to use every tool at their disposal to stand out from the crowd. Although I’m not a proponent of job search websites for reasons I’ll discuss in a separate article, it’s not a bad idea to use them, time permitting.
While uploading a resume to a job site may seem like an easy way to apply for jobs, it is not the most effective strategy. Job sites use scanning systems (Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS) to screen candidates based on employer-specified keywords and criteria, which may not capture the full potential of a candidate. Moreover, job sites are impersonal and don’t allow candidates to showcase their personalities and present themselves as people to hiring managers.
The Power of Personal Connections
In my experience, the best way to find a job is to leverage personal connections, such as friends, relatives, colleagues, and professional contacts. These people can provide referrals, introductions, and insights into the companies and industries that interest you. They can also help the job seeker prepare for interviews and negotiate offers. You’d be surprised at how many success stories I’ve heard when candidates have used this technique.
To build and maintain personal connections, job seekers should join and participate in trade and professional organizations, attend events and workshops, and reach out to people who work in their desired fields. They should stay in touch with their existing contacts, too, and update them on their job search progress.
The Role of Job Search Websites
But job seekers also need to use job search websites to research companies, discover opportunities, and apply for jobs. Some job search sites aggregate job listings from various sources and allow candidates to search and apply for them. Others are standalone websites with proprietary functions, usually for employer companies. Some also provide other features, such as company reviews, salary information, and interview tips.
There are a lot of job search websites out there, but some of the most popular and reputable ones are LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Each of these websites has its strengths and weaknesses, and job seekers should use them wisely and strategically.
LinkedIn: The Largest Professional Network
LinkedIn is the largest professional networking site in the world, with over 500 million users. It allows job seekers to create a professional profile, showcase their skills and achievements, and connect with potential employers and recruiters. LinkedIn also has a dedicated “Jobs” section, where users can search and apply for job opportunities across various industries and locations. Users can also set up job alerts and receive personalized job recommendations based on their profile and search history.
One of the main advantages of LinkedIn is that it allows users to see who they know at a particular company, which may help them get a referral or an introduction. Referrals are one of the most effective ways to get hired, as they can increase the chances of getting an interview and a job offer. LinkedIn also provides users with valuable insights into the company’s culture, values, and goals, as well as the skills and qualifications required for the job.
However, LinkedIn also has some drawbacks. One of them is that it is very competitive and crowded, as millions of users are applying for the same jobs. Another is that it relies heavily on keywords and algorithms to match candidates with jobs, which may not capture the full potential and fit of a candidate. Moreover, LinkedIn is not user-friendly or intuitive, since it has a lot of features and options that can be confusing and overwhelming for some users.
Indeed: The Largest Job Search Engine
Indeed is one of the largest job search engines in the world, with over 250 million monthly visitors. It aggregates job listings from thousands of sources, such as job boards, company career sites, local news sites, staffing agencies, recruiter listings, and blogs. It allows users to search and apply for jobs across a wide range of industries and locations, using various filters and criteria. Users can also upload their resumes, create job alerts, and receive email notifications when new jobs are posted.
One of the main benefits of Indeed is that it has a huge and diverse database of job opportunities, covering almost every sector and region. It also has a simple and easy-to-use interface, which makes it convenient and fast for users to find and apply for jobs. Indeed also has a feature called “Indeed Apply”, which enables users to apply for jobs with one click without leaving the site.
However, Indeed also has its limitations. One of them is that it does not provide much information about the companies or the jobs, such as company reviews, salary data, and interview questions. Another is that it does not allow users to network with employers and recruiters, as it does not have a social media component. Furthermore, Indeed may not be very accurate or reliable, as people have told me some of the job listings may be outdated.
Glassdoor: The Best Source of Company Information
Glassdoor is a website that focuses on company reviews, salary information, and job listings. It allows users to research companies and find jobs that may be a good fit for their skills and experience. Users can also write reviews, rate companies, and share their salaries and interview experiences.
Glassdoor: The Best Source of Company Information
One of the main strengths of Glassdoor is that it provides users with authentic and transparent information about the companies and the jobs, such as the work environment, the management, the benefits, and the challenges. Users can also compare salaries and benefits across different companies and positions, which may help them negotiate better offers. Glassdoor also has a unique feature called the “Interview Questions” section, where users can see the questions that have been asked in previous interviews for specific jobs, which can help them prepare and practice.
However, Glassdoor also has some flaws. One of them is that it does not have as many job listings as other job search websites, as it depends on the companies to post their jobs on the site. Another is that it may not be objective and representative, as some of the reviews and ratings may be biased, exaggerated, or fake, provided by current and former employees. Moreover, Glassdoor may not be very secure and confidential, as some of the information may be traced back to the users, which may jeopardize their current or future employment.
Use Job Search Websites Wisely and Strategically
Job search websites are useful and powerful tools for job seekers, but they are not the only or best way to find a job. Job seekers should use them sparingly and strategically by combining their use with personal connections, referrals, and introductions. Job seekers should also use multiple job search websites, and compare and contrast the information and opportunities they find. Job seekers should also be careful, and verify the authenticity and validity of the job listings and the company information. Finding a job in the digital age requires a smart and proactive approach, and job search websites are only a fraction of the equation.
With so many negative factors associated with using the many job search websites available, it can be tough to know where to start. My best advice? Start with people you know and ask for introductions.