Three Tips on How to Keep Your Jobstreet Profile Relevant in the Age of the New Normal

We are steadily gaining confidence in navigating the new normal. So, more of us are also thinking about exploring opportunities to give our careers a boost. With most companies and businesses now in recovery mode, it is always a great idea to keep an eye out for employers looking to reinforce their workforce. Whether you are thinking of resuming your job hunt or switching careers, both call for giving your JobStreet profile a fresh update.

The first thing to keep in mind is that job roles, work arrangements, workplace norms, and employment trends have long shifted to the demands of the new normal. While some Malaysian companies have already started getting the office ready for employees, some things have not changed. Communication skills, adaptability to the changing times, and technology skills continue to be in high demand. Digitalisation remains a strong focus for many businesses. As such, candidates must always highlight these in their resumes and cover letters to grab the attention of employers.

In addition, we must continue to remember the lessons that helped us navigate and adjust to the new normal in the previous years. These include trends for job searches and skills retraining or upskilling, both of which will be beneficial to post-pandemic job hunting.   

We at JobStreet encourage you to keep your JobStreet profile up to date. This shows employers that you are actively looking for job opportunities; it will also help you stay on the list of qualified candidates in your chosen field or line of work. Treat it as your CV and, therefore, your first step at introducing yourself to potential employers who are constantly updating their current hiring methods. 

Top tips for updating your Jobstreet profile

Whether you are a new jobseeker or otherwise, your JobStreet profile will help show potential employers why you are the best fit for the role. As more companies open more roles and opportunities, they also use platforms like JobStreet to search for qualified candidates. Use the top tips below to make sure that your profile stands out!

1. Highlight the right job responsibilities and relevant work experience.

As mentioned previously, your profile should reflect relevant work experience and responsibilities that employers are now looking for. Are you applying for a different role or higher position in the same industry? Take note of other major requirements or qualifications it may have and make sure to include them as well. Write a precise and comprehensive work history in the “Experience Description” portion, making sure to indicate job responsibilities that are directly related to your field. Incorporating job outcomes with positive results will also add value to your profile.

Example:

Here’s an example for a Content Writer or Communications Specialist profile: 

Current role:

• Conceptualises and writes copy for magazine spreads, brochures, flyers, EDM, and websites
• Collaborates with graphic artists and project managers to produce communication materials
• Spearheaded the social media transformation of Company ABC, which increased brand engagement by 84%

Previous role:

• Conducted industry studies and developed media communications materials, including press releases for industry studies, events, and products
• Managed media relations activities, including press releases, media interviews, roundtable discussions, and press briefings
• Responsible for monitoring metrics for all media  

2. Let your skills shine.

Employers place top priority on candidates with advanced and suitable skills, with a focus on digital proficiency. As such, it is important that your JobStreet profile highlights your areas of expertise. But before you do so, it is also best to take note of the skills you need to learn or upgrade. In fact, a JobStreet Decoding Global Talent report revealed that 61% of Malaysian workers are now willing to upskill or retrain to keep their skills fresh in the new normal. Not sure where to start? Put together a skills inventory with your skills, educational background, and credentials.

With all these in mind, make sure that your profile contains the digital skills, technical skills, and transferable skills that are in demand in your chosen field. 

3. Optimise your information.

The “Additional Info” section of your JobStreet profile is perfect for reinforcing your qualifications and experience for the roles that you wish to apply to. Fill it up with other details that will complement your work experience, skills, and qualifications. Such additional information for the employer will help them get a better idea of your professional background. 

For example, you may want to mention the fields you specialise in, years of experience spent in sub-expertise, specific details or examples that make you an expert in your field, and tasks or responsibilities that you are particularly interested in.

However, since this is only a supplementary section, make sure that you keep it short, simple, and direct to the point to make it easy to read. Hirers will most likely just look for keywords to determine if there is anything worth noting down for your application. Take a look at this example.

Example:

• Specialising in: Digital Marketing, Marketing Communications, and Public Relations.
• Interested in: Creating press releases and news articles for industry studies, events, and products.
• Skilled at: Developing innovation stories, incorporating data science for storytelling.
• Eight years SEO experience, 10 years marketing experience.
• Adaptable, flexible, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy.  

4. Make your pitch!

Once you have applied for a job through JobStreet, do not leave this section blank. Stand out from other applicants by telling your potential employer in your pitch why you are best suited for this role. Create an impression that you have thoroughly researched the company, and used it as a basis for your decision to apply. Let them know what areas or fields in the company you can contribute to, and what you are looking forward to learning during your employment.   

Example:

“Based on my research, I believe that Maybank offers the best experience in the field of financial technology. As such, I look forward to contributing to the company’s growth in this area, as well as gaining work experience and knowledge on how the backend team works.”

Summary

Making sure that your JobStreet profile is up to date will increase your chances of getting the attention of Malaysia’s top employers. Not only does it allow you to discover more local and international job openings, but it also ensures that you stay on the radar of hiring managers. JobStreet always notifies employers of the most relevant and updated profiles, so they know who to get in touch with first. That can be you!

Also, keep in mind that you can update your profile anytime, not just after you have left your current job. Even if you are only a passive candidate, your profile can enable you to stay open to offers and opportunities, if you so wish. In fact, it may be a lot easier for you to update it as you go, noting down your career highlights and accomplishments as soon as you have them! 

Getting ready to jumpstart your job search? #LetsGetToWork with these top tips so you can create or update your JobStreet profile today! 

Lastly, check out the Career Resources Hub for more tips on job searching, self-improvement, and career advancement!