This is a guest post.
For many job seekers, working in our nation’s capital is a dream. Washington, D.C. offers a number of jobs in both the private and public sectors. The city is home to many large corporations. Government jobs are more than plentiful, and in the last two years, the city’s unemployment rate has dropped from 8.4% to 8.1%.
While the city has plenty to offer, job seekers may find themselves overwhelmed or unsure of where to start their search. If you’re searching for a job in the D.C. area, use the tips below to help you get started.
1. Look for Jobs in the Right Places
While you can still find job openings in the local papers like The Washington Post, online job search sites tend to be a better option. On these sites, Washington jobs are updated daily unlike the listings printed in the paper. Job fairs are also a great option as is the Federal government’s official job site.
Knowing where to find jobs is half the battle. If you start looking in the right places, you will be surprised at how many opportunities are available.
2. Don’t Rely Solely on Social Media
Social media can be a great networking tool, but do not rely on these platforms as a means of landing a job. Use them to make connections with people who matter in the industry.
Start following industry leaders on Twitter or connect with them through LinkedIn. Once you have made that connection, make the effort to nurture and build your relationships with these contacts to improve
your chances of nailing your dream job.
Keep an eye on the Twitter accounts of job posters too, like The Washington Post and USA Jobs.
3. Search in the Right Sector
Just like any other job market in the country, certain sectors in Washington, D.C. are more promising than others.
Not surprisingly, Government is the largest sector and offers the most job opportunities. Education and health services are also a smart pick. Professional, technical and scientific services are the third largest sector in the city.
4. Optimize Your Resume
Optimizing your resume to tailor the needs of your potential employer is essential. What skills is the company in need of? What is the biggest challenge the company is facing right now? Tailor your resume to include these skills. Highlight your best attributes in a way that is appealing to that particular
company. Exclude irrelevant skills. Instead, place emphasis on your relevant skills and experience, particularly on your cover letter.
Also, many larger companies now use applicant tracking systems. These search and sort through resumes automatically based on the employer’s preferred keywords. Without the right keywords, your resume will be buried in the sea of applicants.
5. Donate Your Time
Washington, D.C. is home to a plethora of non-profit organizations. You can keep your resume up to date by volunteering your time and services to a local organization. The key is to make sure that you are volunteering at organizations that are relevant to your field. This will make the experience more attractive and relevant to potential employers.
Picture provided by Freedigitalphotos.net
