How Technology Can Give Young People the Edge When Job Hunting

Applying for a job may seem like an area of our lives which will never change, but the truth is that throughout history technology has constantly changed the way we seek and apply for roles.

The Evolution of the CV

The CV has particularly been one that has changed over the last 500 years since it was first created by Leonardo Da Vinci. During the 20th century the CV became an institution of applying for a role, and in the 1970s technology allowed them to become standardised with the evolution of word processors.

Now CVs and job searching as a whole are taking on another life with further advancements in technology. Long gone are the days where you were only able to discover jobs through the local paper or through an online jobs board.

The Benefits of Technology

Technology allows several benefits to job hunters. Firstly, it can demonstrate expertise and not just your computing skills. A good use of new age methods can demonstrate you have marketing talent and a creative thought process. Both are key attributes to be able to demonstrate when writing a CV for positions in the design, social, advertising and PR industries.

The new methods available to job hunters can also help them reach important hiring managers and develop close connections. Word of mouth is still one of the better methods of recruitment and if you have already formed connections online, proven your knowledge and impressed with your personality you might find you are approached before the next job is advertised.

The advancement in technology has also allowed job hunters to learn new skills quickly. There are many online courses which can be taken at the pace of the student which can add credentials to your application.

So how can technology give you an advantage when job hunting?

Creative CVs

In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a rise in the standardisation of CVs. This has continued for a number of years, but now it seems there is move towards less standardised CVs. This could be because of the rise of CV writing companies and templates which hiring managers are often adept at viewing.

Therefore a number of enterprising youths have gone to great lengths in creating unique and creative CVs. These have included a CV on a chocolate bar wrapper, an Amazon sales page and infographics detailing their work history.

Setting yourself apart often helps – yet it has also been a problem on more than one occasion. The key tip to remember is to keep the information on the CV relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance a “My Little Pony Resume” is not really suitable for an IT position.

Yet a CV that is tailored for your industry can be highly effective. For instance one which was designed by a software student who wanted to join the computer games industry developed a CV game to apply for a position. The hiring manager had to play through several levels which replicated platform games like Super Mario Brothers to discover more about the applicant.

Social Media

Social media is often cited as a great method of securing a new position and one which the younger generation seem to be taking up more.

Social media is not just good for searching for jobs it can be used to connect you with important and influential managers and decision makers within your industry. By connecting and interacting with these people you can demonstrate your skills, talents and the exact reasons they should hire you.

LinkedIn is by far the most highly regarded Social Media platform for recruitment but Twitter is also another good platform to consider.

You might also want to consider other social media platforms for certain industries like Houzz for those looking to work in architecture and room design industries.

When using social media, hashtags can be a great help. Try to be creative and use hashtags your industry will really be looking for not just the generic #jobsearch hashtag.

Mobile Apps

Another area to consider is where to search for jobs. Job boards are often seen as a major job source – but there are many iPhone apps out there which can help.

Some will use your location to automatically search for jobs within a certain radius with a set of keywords. The apps all vary in cost and ability. Many apps will email you suitable jobs to apply for later – whereas others will allow you to apply straight away.

Not all these apps are free however and although some cost relatively little – there are some costing a regular monthly fee.

Yet it is not just job searching which could get you noticed. There have been some apps released that allow you to create a profile online – a sure way to be discovered for those searching for a new applicant.

Conclusion

These days, there are many ways in which you could get ahead in the process of seeking a new job. Right from the start of your search you could discover jobs on the go through excellent apps stored on your phone or through individuals you have connected with online. Then you can create an innovative and relevant CV to impress and stand you out from the crowd.

Josh writes on a wide range of topics within the realms of employment and digital. This article was written with Workfish in mind, a recruitment agency in London, UK.