To land a new job, you simply have to post your resume online and apply to job openings that meet your parameters, right? This strategy may work for some people, but for most, it leads to a lot of frustration. A winning job-search strategy is just that: a strategy. Landing your ideal job isn’t about luck, it’s about uncovering that opportunity by getting proactive on several fronts. Use these tips to help set up your search for success.

Tell People You Are Looking

Don’t announce to your colleagues and boss that you’re searching for a new job, but feel free to share it with your friends, family, fellow PTA members, recreational basketball team, church group, etc. You never know who might be able to help you make an important connection.

Take advantage of LinkedIn’s new “open candidate” feature which alerts recruiters you are open to new job opportunities without making a public change to your profile. This will ensure you can keep your search confidential while taking advantage of the opportunities available on LinkedIn.

Get Involved in Your Professional Community

If you aren’t a member of at least one professional organization, you are missing out on key networking opportunities. Not only can you make new contacts in your field by attending their events, but many companies post their jobs to professional groups first, before sending them out to the general public.

If formal professional groups aren’t your thing, try to find a local meetup group for people in your niche. There are vibrant tech communities all across the country, and your local area is sure to have a group that will interest you.

Open Yourself to Consulting and Contracting

There are a wealth of short-term contracts available to tech professionals in today’s job market. These engagements expose you to new work environments and new projects while allowing you to expand your network and focus on the skills you enjoy using the most. It is possible to make a full-time living out of consulting or parlaying a contract into a full-time position with a great organization, so open yourself up to these exciting engagements.

Work With a Niche Recruiter

Niche tech recruiters help connect companies with talented IT professionals. They often know of positions that haven’t been advertised to the public, and they focus on connecting candidates with openings that meet their priorities, needs and goals. They can take much of the stress out of a search, since you know their recommendations will be targeted, and professional recruiters understand the importance of a confidential search for candidates who are currently employed.

If you are an IT professional seeking new opportunities, PEAK Technical Consulting can set you on the path to accelerate your career. Contact our staffing professionals to learn more about our commitment to your success, or take a look at our current openings.

About PEAK

PEAK Technical Consulting has created connections with employers nationwide, where you can find projects and roles to make the most of your abilities and advance your career. Since 1968 PEAK has helped IT professionals find jobs that offer flexibility, challenges and rewards. We are committed to giving you the resources and support you need to build the career of your dreams.

Take a look at some of the IT jobs we offer.

If you are looking for employers and opportunities that will take your IT career to the next level and help you to achieve your goals, contact a PEAK recruitment expert today.