While the employment market may have changed over the past few years, many basic job searching techniques have not. Katy Piotrowski, author of "The Career Coward's Guides," told the Coloradoan that many avenues for finding a job are largely the same - through advertisements and face-to-face contact with potential employers and professional contacts. However, Piotrowski said that an updated job search should include a technology-friendly resume that can be scanned by a computer for keywords and industry phrases that will help it stand out in a crowded field of qualified candidates. Social media also plays an important role in today's current job market. With more than 80 percent of hiring managers and recruiters using the internet to find skilled professionals, it's a low cost option that can help job seekers make important contacts. One thing that has not changed, according to Piotrowski, is the fact that more than 70 percent of job seekers still find work through people they know. Candidates should make sure their search includes contacting former colleagues, friends and family to help them brainstorm future prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were approximately 3.2 million job openings in the U.S. as of December 2011. |