3 Easy Moves to Update Your Job Search for the Digital Age

We all still don a suit and tie for an interview, and a cursory glance at the office work place might leave you thinking nothing much has changed in business over the last thirty years.

But in reality, wearing a red power tie is about where the similarities between your grandfather’s office job and yours end.

So how do you adapt to a world moving away from the traditional business structure of apply, interview, show up, and die from 9-5?

Here are three quick moves to make sure you’re ready for the digital age:

1. Set Up a Home Office

Dig that print/scan/fax machine out from under your graduation gifts and give it a prominent place in a dedicated room. Then add a desk, a few pencils and pens and the obligatory inspirational poster.

Even if you don’t work from home, you should set up a space where you could work from home—especially now that more of us are working a side hustle.

For now, it might just be a desk with a pile of bills and check books. But all it takes is one late-night work call or freelance project to turn you into a bona fide Modern Worker. And you’ll need a space to get it all done.

2. Build Yourself an Online Presence

You don’t necessarily have to blog, but you do need a few hyperlinks for the PDF resume you’re emailing that HR scout. (You do know how to put hyperlinks into a PDF resume, right?)

Here are a few great resources that take a small investment but can give you a professional online image:

• About.Me – Create a quick, interesting online business card.
• Re.Vu – Type in your resume stats, customize the format and colors and make something unique to showcase your skills.
• If you include links to Twitter and LinkedIn (you should avoid Facebook), make sure your accounts look professional.

3. Take Your Address Off Your Resume

This is a bold move, but think about it: Most companies assume you’re local (unless you’re applying for a remote position), and no one’s scanning to see what neighborhood you hail from.  Just be sure to note (depending on the job description) whether you would be a virtual employee or an office regular.

Depending on your formatting, losing your address can let you reclaim two to three lines of space, and you can use that to add important and valuable details about full-time work and part-time passions.

HR no longer needs to know your home address because what they’re hiring is not a friendly face to hum “Happy Birthday” every few months. They’re hiring your expertise, professionalism and experience, all of which can be proven online and over the phone.

What have you done to update your job hunt style?

Sarah Greesonbach is a Content Management Specialist with a lot on the back burner (if you count LOLCats and Words with Friends). She manages and writes for the lifestyle and personal finance blog Life [Comma] Etc and is studying to be an Accredited Personal Financial Counselor.