Are You a Passive Job Seeker?

You don't have to be a full-time candidate to get a great job. In fact, more and more employers seek out people who already have decent jobs and seem like a great fit for their companies. This happens when you're a passive job seeker. Here are six tips that help define this type of job search in a competitive employment market.

1. LinkedIn Is the Key

The key to becoming a passive job seeker is a robust LinkedIn profile. Make sure your experience, skills, education and recommendations are updated. Your job history should be searchable and verifiable. Add a professional-looking headshot, post a few blogs, and keep your personal brand message the same.

2. Hints Abound

You don't want to be obvious that you are open to other opportunities while you're still employed. This is when you need to leave hints about being a passive job seeker. Mention to your vast network of colleagues that you are open to finding another position if the right opportunity presents itself. Talk about how you like your current job, but you're always keeping your eyes open for something better.

3. Job Notifications

Request automated job notifications from within your industry. This can happen on industry-specific websites or huge online job boards. Similarly, subscribe to the social media feeds of the HR departments of companies you find the most interesting. If any job opening looks intriguing, it's time to turn the passive job seeker into a slightly active one and investigate the opening a bit further.

4. Network Additions

Use LinkedIn and networking events to expand your network on a constant basis. Insider information is the best way to land a new job, so you must maintain contact with the most relevant people in your network. In a survey published in April 2016, nearly three-fourths of HR professionals, or 71 percent, said that employee referrals are the number one way to find new hires. HR pros also said that a passive job seeker with a robust network has a better chance of landing a fantastic job versus an active job seeker.

5. Resume Ready

Have your resume ready at a moment's notice. Even though you use your network of contacts in a contemporary employment market, you still need to prove your background. Update your resume every time you learn a new skill, attend a new training and earn a new certification. Updating your resume can take a minute or two within your word processor.

6. Recruiters

Work with a recruiter to perform job searches for you. A recruiting agency knows what's out there and what types of jobs might interest you the most. A recruiter costs money; however, this type of company saves you time and money so you can focus on your current employment while it's someone else's task to find you a job. The future payoff by using a recruiter could be well worth the investment.

A passive job seeker uses several techniques to leverage talents and land a better career. These tips and tricks can lead to better professional fulfillment over the long term and not just serve as a stepping stone to a higher-paying job.

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