Doing the same things over and over again gets the same results. Use spring to refresh, revitalize and reenergize your job search – and make some changes for the better.

Polish Up Your Resume

Make sure your resume is up-to-date, and plan tailored versions to highlight job-relevant accomplishments, skills and credentials. Delete any extraneous information.

• Make sure your resume is no longer than two pages. A good rule of thumb is to omit experience beyond the past 15 years, unless it is especially relevant to a job that interests you. In that case, you may want to consider a skill-based versus chronological format.
• Keep it keyword rich. Scan your resume for keywords that will be quickly spotted by search engines. Make sure they’re prominent in your content.

Kick Networking into High Gear

Break away from simply searching job boards and get out and meet people in your industry. You can’t use the weather as an excuse now that spring is here!

• Seek guidance from people in your network or those you’d like to bring into it. Referrals are essential to getting hired, as many of the best positions aren’t even advertised. Use your mobile device for real-time networking while on the go.
• Join or reactive your participation in professional associations. Attend events, get involved and utilize online forums.

Socialize Your Search

Research shows that 86 percent of recruiters and HR pros review candidates’ social networking profiles. Of these, 70 percent have turned down applicants based on something spotted online. Regardless of the season, keep a close eye on your social media presence and on how you utilize various platforms to advance your search.

• Set up Google Alerts for your name to actively monitor your brand.
• Increase your security settings, especially on any personal accounts that you don’t want associated with your professional image.
• Create a job search “concierge” using monitoring tools including TweetDeck and HootSuite.
• If there’s a specific company you want to work for, connect with them on Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and any other relevant channels. Use these venues for due diligence and for connecting with recruiters. Check out the employer’s careers page.

Ring Your References

If it’s been a while since you spoke with your professional references, now is a great time to contact them and let them know where you are in your search. Send a note or email or better yet, set up a time to have coffee, lunch or a drink.

De-Clutter

Here’s where the term “spring cleaning” literally takes hold. Something as simple as an organized desk and de-cluttered inbox can go a long way toward enhancing your job search productivity.

• Throw away anything you’re not using and delete unnecessary email. By eliminating clutter and distractions, you’ll feel less stressed and more organized.
• Do your most important work when you’re at your best. Schedule times during the day when you’re the most alert and can dedicate quality time to high-priority tasks.

Round out your springtime career search strategy by considering a partnership with a professional recruiter who specializes in your desired field. It won’t cost you a dime, as hiring employers foot the bill. You’ll benefit from your recruiter’s contacts, expertise, and industry knowledge and market intelligence. Review our Candidate Resource Center for more helpful tools or contact recruiter@cpsrecruiter.com for more information!