Your client is feeling lost in the virtual job search jungle. How can you guide them to success?

I would have have the client start small on a platform such as LinkedIn. Having a "strong" profile on LinkedIn takes a LOT of time and is not a "one-off." Getting the first 500 followers is not something that happens in a week or two. We need to set realistic and manageable expectations. It also depends on "where" they are in the LinkedIn. If they have a profile, if they have a banner, if they have a professional (does not have to be studio-style) headshot, and many other factors.

To guide a client feeling lost in the virtual job search: 1) Clarify Their Goals: Help them define specific career goals to focus their search. 2) Optimize Their Online Presence: Strengthen their LinkedIn profile, resume, and portfolio for maximum visibility. 3) Teach Networking Skills: Encourage virtual networking through professional platforms and connections. 4) Target Opportunities: Guide them in researching and applying for jobs that align with their skills and aspirations. 5) Build Resilience: Instill a mindset of persistence and adaptability for handling rejections. These steps empower them to navigate the virtual job market with confidence and direction.

O primeiro passo é ajudá-lo a focar em objetivos claros e definidos. Isso começa por alinhar suas competências e aspirações com oportunidades reais, orientando-o a otimizar seu currículo e perfil online para se destacar nos algoritmos dos portais de emprego. Ofereça suporte em estratégias de networking, mostrando como construir conexões genuínas que possam abrir portas. Além disso, ensine-o a utilizar ferramentas de busca com eficiência, filtrando as vagas mais adequadas e monitorando suas candidaturas de forma organizada. Com paciência e orientação, você pode transformar o caos em uma trajetória de sucesso.

I've seen many resumes come in different formats and styles. My number one rule when creating a resume is to ensure it's easy to navigate and understand. Avoid using too many colorful designs or borders, and instead focus on the actual content such as a detailed description of your job, accomplishments, and career goals. In my experience as a recruiter, job seekers with a detailed LinkedIn profile are more likely to attract companies, recruiters, and headhunters. It doesn’t take much effort to write a comprehensive explanation of your expertise on your LinkedIn profile, and it can significantly increase your visibility.

Company culture can be challenging to find and discern from the company's LinkedIn company page and the company website. Just because folks are in distressed jeans and T-shirts does not make it a "good company" to work for. Look up the top leadership, search them out on podcasts. You may be surprised on what you learn about that leader on a podcast that's not on the company's website.

In my experience as a recruiter, job seekers with a detailed LinkedIn profile are more likely to attract companies, recruiters, and headhunters. It doesn’t take much effort to write a comprehensive explanation of your expertise on your LinkedIn profile, and it can significantly increase your visibility.

No doubt, networking—whether in person or virtually is incredibly powerful. I recommend being more strategic by focusing on events that are relevant to your industry. Also, diversify your network by connecting with recruiters, headhunters, HR professionals, talent acquisition specialists, and hiring managers.

If the client/person is an introvert, even online networking may seem daunting. They can start by attending events, taking note of 1-3 persons--it does not have to be the entire "room." Can use LinkedIn to find something about them that's interests you and personalize the connection request (never "not" personalize a LinkedIn Request). Start of with 1-2 and as you confidence builds, then you can do more.

Antes de iniciar la etapa de postulaciones, es necesario definir tres (máximo cuatro puestos) objetivo. Esto permitirá reducir la cantidad de alertas recibidas, y por tanto, centrar nuestra atención a ofertas que realmente encajen con nuestras aspiraciones profesionales. Analizar detenidamente una oferta, imaginarnos en el puesto y en la empresa, es un ejercicio que nos puede ayudar a decidir si aplicar o no. Al final, vamos a ver cómo se reduce ese listado de aplicaciones pero crecen las posibilidades de tener una entrevista, justamente por el mejor encaje oferta-perfil profesional.

I call it "Professional Persistence." If the company/recruiter, etc. has given the client a timeline as to when they will circle back, wait for that time to arrive and add a day or two. Recruiters and hiring managers get busy with other duties. Then if the client hasn't heard back, a gracious and brief email expressing your continued interest and thanking them for their consideration wouldn't hurt. Again, keep the follow up email brief.