Dont Let Job Titles Limit Your Job Search

Dont Let Job Titles Limit Your Job Search Dont Let Job Titles Limit Your Job Search A job title is a handy label that can tell potential employers in a nutshell what skills you possess, and demonstrate how far you’ve progressed in your career. These are good signals to send, of course, but if you’re in the market for a career change, being tied to a specific job title can really limit your options. It’s easy to get boxed into the mindset of thinking that what you do at the moment defines you as a professional.  Instead, when it comes to career change and transition, try to think more broadly about what it is you enjoy doing, the skill sets you possess,  the state of the job market, and who you might like to work for. These tips may help to get you thinking about how expanding your “job definition” can expand your job search: Broaden Your Search Engine Terms Don’t confine your online job search to your current job title. Rather than simply typing in the job title you hold now (e.g. “school teacher”), think about using specific skills that will help you define and target your search (public speaking, group leader, youth counseling, etc.). Especially if youre in career transition mode, consider searches using keywords that might link to job titles that could lead your career in a new direction. Explore Job Categories Brainstorm by looking at a wide range of industries  to get ideas about what people who share some of your same skills do for a living. Whats more, hobbies that bring joy to your life may transfer to your career, so when thinking about where your career can take you, keep in mind the things that bring you satisfaction in your free time. Target Your Resume Stay nimble when it comes to diversifying your resume. Many career advisors recommend customizing your resume to the specific job to which you’re applying, rather than offering a generic, one-size-fits-all resume. Resume-writing services  can help you create different versions of your curriculum vitae, or have some fun coming up with your own versions that highlight different skills that target the job you’re seeking. Research Employers As important as what you want to do is who youd like to do it for. What companies do you admire? Which workplaces make you sit up and take notice? Which employers have great reputations in your area? Rather than focusing your search on job titles, think about job environments or job providers, and focus your job search by researching employers that youd like to work for. Readers, do you have any tips to share about using different job titles in your online job search? Tell us in the comments section below!