We are in the final stretch of the year, and as most of us know, it is a time when companies start making plans for hiring in the New Year. Whether you are actively looking for a new job or simply keeping your eye open for interesting opportunities, keeping your resume and professional online presence up-to-date will ensure you are prepared when the right opportunity comes along. Our IT recruitment team has advice for the steps you can take to tidy up your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to include the most relevant information for the job you want.
As you advance in your professional journey, you accumulate valuable experience and skills to enhance your resume. Simultaneously, you gain insights into your career preferences and priorities. When reviewing your current resume, dedicate time to assess potential updates that align your experience and skills with your desired career path. Not everything you do or can do needs to go on your resume or LinkedIn profile, and by removing irrelevant information, you create room to showcase new skills and experiences that are more aligned with your current career goals.
Refresh your LinkedIn banner, resume, and cover letter design.
Is the style of your LinkedIn banner, resume, and cover letter a true reflection of your personality and career path? Resumes go beyond basic Word documents, and there’s a plethora of user-friendly design templates accessible on platforms like Canva. You can find vibrant, eye-catching resume templates that can be great for creatives and sleek, professional templates perfect for a traditional corporate environment. When considering a design update, evaluate your industry and current career level to choose a style that aligns with your professional identity and the positions you are interested in.
Ask for recommendations on LinkedIn.
Recommendations on LinkedIn can help your profile stand out. While you don’t need too many, having at least 3-5 strong recommendations can showcase your skills and help recruiters and potential employers better understand your work history. Identify individuals who can speak to your strengths and reach out to them. When you contact them, let them know you are building your LinkedIn profile and want to include them in the recommendations section. While LinkedIn provides a direct recommendation request feature, consider sending an email, especially if the person is not consistently active on the platform. Email outreach tends to be more personalized and increases the likelihood of your request being noticed.
By addressing these aspects, you position yourself not only as a candidate with valuable skills but also as someone proactive and forward-thinking in their approach to career development. As the year comes to a close, these strategic steps ensure that you are well-prepared for opportunities in the New Year!
Searching for a job in the IT industry? Check out our job board.