Job searching in the digital age

The tools you need for an effective job search

To start your job search, get a computer with basic office software installed to create your resume and cover letters. Your CV represents you and should highlight your skills, knowledge and experience. It is therefore essential to take care of its presentation. Think about the quality of its content, about a readable and pleasant layout and about including a photo. Nothing should be overlooked so that the recruiter can see the best of you. Use Word or PowerPoint to create it but remember to always send the final version as a PDF file so that your layout remains intact. Finally, think about the title of your CV: it will help the recruiter to understand your expectations straight away and to know if you are a potential candidate.

Once you are ready to apply, use the Internet! The Internet has become a crucial tool in the job search process, and is very effective to browse online offers and apply for jobs. In fact, a study shows that 91% of employees and jobseekers prefer at least one digital tool in their job search¹.

Useful websites to help you in your job search

There are a multitude of local job sites, called "job boards", which act as intermediaries between job seekers and recruiters. These include Moovijob.com, Jobfinder.lu, Jooble and Monster.lu. Thanks to filters (type of contract, sector of activity, geographical area, etc.), you can simplify your search and consult only the offers that interest you. Other international job boards, such as LinkedIn or Indeed, are also very useful and offer job search sections.

If you are particularly interested in a company, consider going directly to their website to find out more about their vision, culture and news. There is also often a section called "career" or "jobs", where vacancies are published and where you can apply online. Finally, if there is one, subscribe to the company's newsletter. This will allow you to be regularly informed of their news.

To complete your online applications, put all the chances on your side by registering with recruitment agencies like Spring Professional. This will make you more visible to recruiters. Remember to regularly update your profile and search criteria to increase your chances of being found among all the candidates.

Finally, remember to keep yourself informed about the job market. This will enable you to find out which sectors and fields of activity are recruiting at the moment you are looking for or which will need new employees in the near future.

The importance of a LinkedIn profile to gain visibility

Having an active LinkedIn profile is now almost inseparable from a good visibility in the professional community. Particularly useful in the financial, administrative, marketing and IT sectors, this professional social network has many advantages.

First of all, LinkedIn offers you a certain visibility with recruiters. To do this, make sure you complete your profile as much as possible. Use keywords and apply directly on the platform when an ad corresponds to what you are looking for. In addition to helping you to be discovered, LinkedIn is also your showcase, where you have the opportunity to work on your professional image. Through your information sharing or your publications, you position yourself as an expert in your field of activity and thus inspire the confidence and respect of your contacts. Finally, LinkedIn also allows you to develop your professional network. Through interactions and reactions, you develop your contacts and maintain a regular relationship with them, whether they are colleagues, collaborators or partners.

Find out our tips about LinkedIn: The do's and don't's of the job search on LinkedIn

Develop your professional network to make the right connections

Networking is a very useful method for all job seekers. By developing your professional network, you can meet the right people who can inform you about your sector and areas of interest or, even better, help you find a job. To help you grow your network, LinkedIn is the first effective tool, as mentioned above. You can also turn to specialised media, directories and professional associations. In Luxembourg, there are many such associations in all fields of activity: the ABBL in finance, the FEDIL in industry, the POG in HR, the Chambers of Commerce, etc. To find out what's going on with professionals in your field of activity, don't hesitate to follow specialised media such as ITnation (IT field), Marketers (marketing field) or Agefi (finance field). Finally, the Paperjam Business Club offers events that allow you to train but also to meet professionals in your sector.

Control your e-reputation

Assume that everything on the Internet is public. When a recruiter is attracted to a candidate, they may go beyond the CV and LinkedIn profile and do some Internet monitoring.

90% of recruiters will enter a candidate's name on a search engine². It is therefore very important to control your image on all online platforms. Check the results that appear when you type in your name on Google and Bing. Don't hesitate to delete confidential data or data that is too personal and anything you don't want to make public. On the other hand, take advantage of this trend and think about the importance of a positive e-reputation which can sometimes make the difference for the recruiter!

To be read: E-reputation: 4 tips to control your image on the Internet

Sources:

⁽¹⁾Étude « La recherche d’emploi à l’heure du numérique », CSA.
⁽²⁾Les cinquante chiffres à connaître sur l’e-réputation, Semji.