What Is Profile Optimisation, and How Will It Help You #SEEKBetter Jobs

Employed but interested in knowing the available career opportunities out there? Even if you’re not too keen on finding a new job now, it helps to stay updated regarding the job market landscape. So, what should you do to keep yourself on hirers’ radars and be discovered for available jobs? You can unlock your full potential once you learn what profile optimisation is.

What is profile optimisation?

Having an optimised profile means that you have a curated social account that highlights your best self to relevant employers. To achieve such, your profile must include the following:

• A powerful headline that summarises your career 
• A strong list of skills relevant to your target industry
• Work experiences and notable accomplishments
• Certifications and credentials

As you can notice, optimising your profile is not a long process. Aside from adding relevant work, make sure to include strong keywords applicable to your industry. 

Profile optimisation can help you stay open to job opportunities by making yourself actively visible to recruiters. Perhaps, they have not posted an opening yet but are already eyeing applicants to invite to apply. If they run a search based on your skill set or background, you are more likely to appear in their results.

Optimising your JobStreet profile to #SEEKBetter jobs

1. Make sure that your JobStreet profile is updated. 

Whether you are happily content with your current job or on the lookout for a new one, it always pays to keep your JobStreet profile updated. The same rule applies too for your physical resume and social media profiles. It signals to hirers that you are ready and open to exploring new career opportunities.

A bonus of keeping your JobStreet profile updated is that our system shows potential employers recently updated profiles first. This ensures that each candidate, whether actively or passively looking for work, and those just always browsing for openings are easier to spot. Don’t forget to update your contact details as well so recruiters can reach out at any time.

How else can you stay open to job opportunities?

Being open to work is more than just knowing what profile optimisation is about. Here are tips on how you can get recruiters to notice you and stay updated on potential job openings.

1. Join networking opportunities. 

Networking is one way to get your name out there. You should never underestimate the importance of networking in job hunting. Your professional network not only helps you establish yourself but also allows you to connect to people who can help you find work. A professional network can also recommend you for job openings. 

What’s great is that networking can be done online and offline, so you have options to choose from. You can easily search for events and organisations that will help you meet and greet the industry movers in your industry. If you think your professional network isn’t strong or wide, networking is one way to get started.

Make the most out of industry events where you can meet new people and exchange contact details. Do not forget to also stay in touch with them. Once you have established a relationship, you can mention that you are open to exploring job opportunities if they know of any. They can pass the message to recruiters or share openings that they come across. 

This said, do not limit yourself to networking events. Look at conferences you can join and meet new people there. Even better, check if you can participate in events where you share your knowledge. Make a name for yourself and increase your visibility in the industry. 

2. Never stop learning.

You want to be attractive to hirers and recruiters. The best way to get noticed is to have the most sought-after skills in the job market. “The headhunters I know seek people who have developed themselves and contributed to their industry,” says Karalyn Brown, a resume, interview and job search consultant over at Undercover Recruiter. This is why upskilling and reskilling are important. Learning also helps you be prepared for future skills that may not even exist now but will come up as needed in the work that you do. 

There are many ways to go about this. Enrolling in classes, whether for full degrees or short courses, is one. You can also learn on your own by reading books, going online, or joining workshops. You should take any chance to help you develop your skills, not just for career opportunities but also for self-fulfilment and personal growth.

Also, consider upskilling. Look at job openings that are closely related to the work that you do. For example, if you work in marketing, try studying UX and UI. Not only will you have a better understanding of how products work, but you will also have a newfound appreciation for how that can affect your marketing efforts. Upskilling also gives you an opportunity to pivot to a different role if that becomes something you would want to explore.

3. Stay connected and updated on industry insights. 

Interested in climbing up your industry’s corporate ladder? You need to be on the lookout for the trends and happenings in your chosen field. Preparation is the key to success in life, and the same rule applies here. Keep an eye out for movements in the industry or job market so you can plan out your strategy and stay ahead of the competition. Do not just follow trends; look at what professionals and key opinion leaders share on their social media profiles. This gives you an idea of what is new and can clue you in on what skills you may need to advance your career. 

4. Go beyond expectations at work.

You do not even have to go far to start your quest. By doing your work right and exceeding expectations at your job, you are already sending out the right signals that you are due for great things in your career. Make it a point to deliver what is asked of you, and even go the extra mile if you can. Your higher-ups will appreciate your efforts and will remember them during evaluation time. You might find yourself getting promoted, or you may get the opportunity to explore new roles in the company. 

You might not be looking for a new job right now, but that does not mean that you should settle and close your door to potential opportunities. Believe that opportunities can come your way, and always keep an open mind if you come across them. You never know, an opening might be of interest to you, or it could be the game-changer in your career. 

Never close your door to potential job openings. Be inspired by success stories of people who found passion and purpose, so #SEEKBetter!  Update your profile at JobStreet and find work that is fulfilling for you. 

For more expert tips and advice on job hunting and career movement, check out our Career Resources Hub.