Most job hunting now happens online, so your digital presence is part of your application. Employers search candidates before they interview them. A CareerBuilder survey found that 70 percent of employers use social media to screen candidates, and 54 percent have decided not to hire someone because of what they found.
Check what shows up when you search your own name. Remove or hide posts that could embarrass you. Keep a professional photo and a consistent name across your profiles.
Use job boards with a plan. Pick two or three sites and set up alerts for your target roles. Apply quickly when a good fit appears, and tailor each application to the posting.
LinkedIn matters most for professional roles. A complete profile with keywords from your field shows up in recruiter searches. Building connections on LinkedIn and reviewing profile optimization tips will improve your visibility.
Networking still beats cold applications. Ask people in your target field for short conversations about their work. Most people will help if you are polite and specific about what you want to know.
Keep a record of every application. Note the date, the role, and what you sent. Follow up once if you hear nothing after two weeks. For more help, review career support services and resume formatting tips.
