How to get a job in 2019 using Job Sites and Job Boards

First, congratulations! I’m going to be explaining exactly how to get a new or better job in 2018 using Job sites and Job Boards. This is going to be a long article so please read everything carefully as it will really help you.

What is a Job Site or Job Board?

Basically, they are different words for the same thing. Job sites are websites dedicated to connecting people (or CVs) with jobs. Examples include http://reed.co.uk, http://monster.co.uk and https://linkedin.com

Think about a job site as being a giant database made up of two sections. In the CV or applicant section, people upload their CVs or profiles to the job site because they are looking for a new or better job. The other side of the database is the list of jobs placed or advertised there by recruiters or companies looking to employ people.

Job Sites

Registering and uploading your CV to a job site is pretty simple. Register for an account, upload your CV, save some preferences regarding the types of jobs that you are looking for and save your details, that’s pretty much it.

Keyword optimising your CV

In the same way that people with a broken toilet will use a search engine to find an emergency plumber using search phrases such as “emergency plumber” or “24/7 plumbing service”, keywords in your CV are vital. If you’re searching the internet for a plumber, you don’t want to see results for electricians and it’s the exact same issue with your CV.

Recruiters or employers searching these databases will use keywords such as job titles, skills or technology used in the role to find appropriate people (CVs) that match their requirements, i.e. to fill the vacant job.

Example keywords that would be used could be (for a Sales Management role) include some of the following: Sales Manager, Sales Management, Targets, KPI’s, FMCG, Man Management, Field Sales, Previous companies worked for including competitors, CRM software, etc.

It’s pretty easy to keyword optimise your CV by using keyword terms appropriately in the profile, key achievements, work experience, training and qualifications and other sections of the CV. If all else fails, create a “Recruiter Keywords” section at the end of your CV for that sole purpose.

How do recruiters work?

Recruiters get paid by their clients (employers) when they place an appropriate person in that company. Commissions vary but can be around 25% of the first year salary of the individual placed. It stands to reason then that recruiters are motivated by the fact that they get paid when someone joins a client company.

Recruiters generally don’t care whether it’s you, me or someone else who gets placed as long as they are the ones placing the candidate.

Make it easy for recruiters

As recruiters see so many CVs in a day (up to 1,000!) then the simple truth is that they won’t be spending long on each CV they look at (1-6 seconds at most).

The top section of your CV has to stand out and it has to satisfy the recruiter that you are the person that they are looking for and you are a good match for the role they are recruiting for. Make the most of the space at the very top of your CV and include a short but detailed profile explaining what you do, a bit about your track record and include the job title(s) that you are targeting.

Your profile or objective is a bit like a speed networking or speed dating introduction. You’re explaining very succinctly exactly what you do and how valuable you are going to be without overpowering the reader.

Including a key achievements section at the top of your CV (below the profile) is another good idea. You can continue making that strong first impression by highlighting achievements throughout your career and impressing the reader straight away.

Keep it fresh!

As the recruitment sector is competitive and recruiters want to secure the best talent, they often order the search results by date order. This is done so they see straight away who is new to the market and try and get to people first. If you don’t update your profile or don’t log in to your profile for a period of time, recruiters will stop contacting you as they will assume that you have found a job or they have found people equally qualified who are actively looking for a job.

My advice then is to continually refresh your CV, log in to your accounts, apply for jobs and generally keep active in every job site that you register with. If you aim to log in and apply for at least one job a week then that should keep you at the top of the pile.

In summary

Recruiters aren’t generally lazy (obviously some are) but try and make it easy for them. Knowing these simple tricks will keep your CV in the forefront and well ahead of your job competition and get you that job.

Using job boards isn’t a complete answer to your job search but understanding how they work really helps. If you aren’t getting interviewed for roles that you are qualified for and are doing what I talk about in this article, maybe it’s your CV. Get in touch or fill in the form below and attach your CV, I’m sure we can help.