4 Tips for a Modern Online Job Search

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.

Did you mail in your resume for your last role? Or maybe you’re old enough to remember what a fax machine is?

If it’s been a while since your last job search, a lot has changed. And it can feel overwhelming when you need to find a new job that better fits your needs.

We’ve got you covered. Below, we’re sharing a few essential tips to help you hit the ground running with your modern job search.

Tips for a Successful Modern Job Search

If it’s been a while since you’ve looked for a new job, don’t worry. Here are a few tips to help you nail your job search.

1. Get Clear on What You Want

The method of applying for any and all jobs isn’t effective in getting recruiters’ attention and is a surefire recipe for burnout. Instead of applying to every job you think you could do, get clear on what type of job you want.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• What kind of work do I want to do (i.e., talent acquisition, software development)?
• What soft or hard skills do I have (i.e., collaboration, SQL, proofreading)?
• What certificates or degrees do I have (if any)?
• What kind of job am I looking for (part-time, freelance, hybrid, alternative schedule)?
• Do I want to travel for work?
• Am I willing to relocate (and if so, where)?
• If my industry is not hiring, do I have skills that translate to other fields?

2. Target Specific Companies

Once you answer the above questions, use it to target companies. Don’t just go into a job board and search for every position across the country that has the job title you want.

There are too many listings to comb through, and the company may not be willing to offer what you need. It’s much more effective to develop a list of companies and target their open roles.

For example, if you need a remote job in a field such as health care, maybe you want to target companies like UnitedHealth Group or CVS Health.

Targeting companies helps focus your job search and can lead to you landing a new role faster.

3. Leverage LinkedIn

Did you know that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to fill roles? You’re severely limiting your access to opportunities and career growth if you’re not on there.

LinkedIn is completely free and easy to get started. Plus, it can be a valuable tool to network with other professionals and recruiters, as well as research target companies.

Some general LinkedIn best practices include:

• Fill out your profile completely to achieve “All-Star” status to be found in more searches.
• Follow relevant hashtags to keep up with industry news and trends.
• Be professional. Remember, employers can see all of your LinkedIn activity.

4. Have a Portfolio

A portfolio is a great way to stand out from the competition in your job search. It also provides employers with proof of your skills and achievements.

Many sites, like Journo Portfolio and WordPress, provide easy, no-code options to showcase your professional work.

You could have a portfolio site with your latest graphic designs or links to magazines where you’ve been published. You could also include testimonials from freelance clients.

Prepare for Job Search Success

A lot has changed in the last few years regarding job searching.

The modern job hunt has become increasingly digital, making social media networking sites like LinkedIn a necessity. By following these tips, you can seamlessly land a new role that fits your lifestyle.