Job searching is hard. Sometimes you find a great job immediately and sometimes it can take a while. Plus, you’re busy and it can be difficult to devote all of your time to a job search.
At Care.com, we want to help you find a match as quickly as possible. Here are eight secrets we’ve picked up along the way about how to use Care.com to find a job fast.
Need more advice? Read up on the 12 Ways to Get Families to Respond to You on Care.com »
1. Promote Your Profile
Get the word out to your network that you’re ready and willing to work. Share your Care.com profile on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Email it to friends, family, former co-workers, your first-grade teacher, etc. Anyone you can think of! You never know who is looking for care.
2. Apply Only to Jobs That Are Right for You
It’s not always about how many jobs you apply to, but if they’re the right jobs for you. Think quality, not quantity.
Take the time to run specific searches to narrow your focus and sort opportunities by categories, such as distance, keyword and hourly rate. Apply only to the jobs that are a good match for your experience.
3. Write Personalized Responses
Take a few minutes to say why you want this position and why you would be the perfect person for a childcare job, pet care job, housekeeper job, senior care job, etc. You don’t have to tell a family your life story — and you shouldn’t. Write a few brief sentences about why you are excited about this specific job, how it relates to your previous experience and why you’re a good fit. Then suggest they check out your profile.
4. Update Your Profile
Members with new or updated profiles usually appear at the top of the page when families are searching for care. Commit to updating your profile every few days. You’ll jump in the results and get viewed quicker by families.
Add new information to your profile that sets you apart from other candidates. Have you picked up any new hobbies, read any new interesting child care books, learned a great cleaning secret or signed up to run a 5K? Be creative. This additional information will give a family a more complete picture of who you really are and why you might be perfect for them.
5. Add the Right Photos
The photo is one of the most important elements in a profile. If you don’t have one already, ask someone to take a conservative headshot of you. The results will be worth it.
Then add up to five additional photos that continue to tell your story and your personality. Families are looking for someone who will fit in with their family’s values, personalities and interests, and a variety of interesting images will help.
Want more advice on what photos to include or having problems uploading photos? Check out this article on Is Your Profile Picture Hurting Your Job Search? »
6. Change Those Photos
Updating your profile pictures regularly can help you get a job faster. When people see a new face, they assume it’s a new profile and may click on your name again. More clicks mean an increased chance of finding a job.
7. Upload Documents
Give families considering hiring you more confidence and show you’re serious about being a caregiver by uploading documents such as CPR and First Aid Certificates, background checks, references and more to your My Care.com Profile. Click on the “Add documents” link in the upper right-hand corner, and select documents from your files.
8. Increase Your Availability
Another important area of your profile is the “Availability” section. Take a hard look at it. Is it up-to-date? If you really need a job ASAP, can you add more days or hours that you’re free to work? The more open you are, the more jobs you’ll fit and the faster you may get hired.
Did you sign up to be a back-up care provider? When you edit your profile, select yes when you’re asked: “Are you available for last minute care?” Then when families unexpectedly need last-minute care you will get a notification. Who knows? A one-time job may lead to a full-time position.
The big secret to getting hired fast is being detail-oriented. You need a job now, but don’t rush into applying for everything immediately. Figure out what type of job you’re best suited for, make sure your profile is detailed and up-to-date and take the time to craft individualized applications to the jobs that fit your expertise. Then spend some time each day on Care.com and you’ll finally find that perfect job.
8 Tips for Finding a Job Faster on Care.com
