Tips for Finding a Job in Kansas City

Man Applying for a Job on the Internet

 

A few weeks ago, we talked about a CareerBuilder survey that found that 21 percent of employees are vowing to find a new job in the New Year. But even though the job market has rebounded in the past few years, finding a new job is easier said than done.

If you’re one of those planning on seeking new opportunities in 2016, follow these tips to improve your chances of finding a new job in the New Year.

 

Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

According to Herd Wisdom, 89 percent of all recruiters have hired someone they found on LinkedIn. At Morgan Hunter, all of our recruiters use LinkedIn to locate the best talent available. If you want to give yourself the best chance of landing a new job, it’s imperative that you optimize your LinkedIn profile for your job search.

  • Make sure that your profile picture is professional.
  • Edit the Summary section to target your audience by including keywords a hiring manager in your industry might search for when looking for a candidate.
  • Highlight your past accomplishments in the Experience section using stats or numbers to back up your claims.
  • Solicit Recommendations from coworkers and connections.
  • Customize your LinkedIn URL so it is short and reflects your professional brand.

Read How to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile for Your Job Search for more ways to optimize your LinkedIn page.

 

Work with a Staffing Firm

One of the best ways to find a job is to work with a recruiting agency like Morgan Hunter.

At Morgan Hunter, the job seeker pays nothing for the service. Our recruiters act as an advocate for you. Many times, a staffing firm is not paid for their work unless their candidate is hired — so it’s in our best interest to work as hard as we can to land you the job.

Staffing firms also have access to many jobs that aren’t publicly listed, increasing your chance of finding the right opportunity.

Search our available jobs or contact us for more information about how we can help you with your job search.

 

Join Local Clubs/Networking Groups

There are a number of local networking groups for professionals. Some are industry specific and other are for professional in general. Here are just a few:

American Advertising Federation-Kansas City

One of the largest AAF clubs in the country, AAF-KC holds multiple events throughout the year geared toward marketing and advertising professionals.

Network After Work

Network After Work is a national networking company with monthly mixer events. Launched in 2009, it has become the largest and fastest growing organization of its kind.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

The KC Chamber of Commerce holds multiple events and networking opportunities for both members and non-members.

Kansas City Young Professionals Networking Society

This networking group for young professionals holds regular happy hour events throughout Kansas City.

 

Target Your Resume

Most job seekers tend to use the same resume for every job application. While using a generic resume for every job application saves time, there is a higher chance your resume will get lost in the pack. By tailoring your resume for each job opportunity, you are able to speak directly to the specific responsibilities and qualifications of the job. Review the job posting and tailor your experience to target the type of candidate they are seeking. Hiring managers can easily spot generic resumes and will appreciate that you took the time to communicate how you would be an excellent candidate for their specific job.