4 ways to automate your job search

Looking for a new job is a highly time-consuming task. If you're currently employed, you likely don't have much time to look for new opportunities, and if you're unemployed, it can seem like your job search takes up your entire day.

By automating aspects of the hunt, you can focus on developing new skills, writing personalized letters and meeting with like-minded professionals. Here are four ways to automate your job search:

1. Network with local professionals

One of the best ways to find unique job opportunities is to network within your local community. Traditionally, professionals would attend alumni meetings or business association gatherings. But it's 2017, and now you can network from the comfort of your home. The Muse recommended using the smartphone app Shapr. Think Tinder, but for professional purposes.

The app lets you chat with local professionals in a relaxed setting, so you can get to know the person before you decide to meet up in the real world. Always remember to take precautions to stay safe when meeting new people.

2. Set up Google Alerts

Typing in your desired job title into the Google search bar and hitting the refresh button every 15 minutes is not a productive way to spend the day. Instead, let Google do the searching for you!

Simply set up a Google Alert using a few keywords, then step away from your computer. You can tell Google how often you'd like to receive alerts, so you can adjust whether you'd like to get alerts as they happen or rather as a digest at the end of the week.

3. Create a professional social media profile

If you don't have a LinkedIn profile yet, now is the time to make one. If you have one, but haven't updated it in a while, you need to revisit your page. When a potential employer searches for you online, they're likely to find your social media pages at the top of the results page.

Keep your personal profiles such as Facebook private so only your friends and family can see what you post. Your LinkedIn profile, however, should be open to the public, so employers can get a better understanding of your experience and education. Recently, LinkedIn added a writing platform, where users can create and share articles with their network. If you have a niche specialty or unique insight about a professional topic, consider writing an article and publishing it on the platform.

Don't let your profile go stagnant for too long. Check back regularly to make updates as needed and find groups to engage with. The more connections you make, the more you increase your chances of meeting someone who can help with your career search.

4. Speak with a recruiter

"With the speed that many open positions are filled today many potential applicants never get a chance to see potential job listings, let along get a chance to apply. One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is coming to a recruiter too late," says Bryan Mulhern, Division Director for Beacon Hill's Financial Division in Philadelphia. "As recruiters we spend all day of our work lives networking and learning about openings in the current market and many times we are 'keeping an eye out' for that right role for our candidates. However, unless we have had some preliminary conversations and meetings with a candidate, we do not know what to let them know about. The advice I give most people is if you are not sure you want to be in the job you are in today a year from now, you should start a relationship with a professional recruiter who specializes in your field and local market. The job market shares numerous similarities to the stock market and one major similarity is that it is nearly impossible to time the market. If you are thinking of making a move in the next 12 months, the benefit to having a recruiter keeping an eye out for the right job is essential to landing the right fit for you in your next role."

The only thing better than having a machine on your side is having the help of a professional recruiter. A recruiter will act as your personal cover letter, touting your expertise to their network of interested employers. Plus, an experienced recruiter can help you prepare for interviews and introduce you to new contacts.

To jumpstart your job search, contact the expert recruiters at Beacon Hill today.