You're Using Job Portals Wrong: Here's How to Master Them

Set up to be found

Before applying anywhere, get the foundations right. Choose portals that fit your industry, location and level instead of signing up for all of them, then build a profile that actually surfaces in recruiter searches:

• Use the right keywords — the exact skills and titles recruiters search for, woven through your headline, summary and experience.
• Complete every section — contact details, experience, education, skills and a sharp summary that says why you fit.
• Set up job alerts — so new, relevant openings come to you instead of you refreshing the page.
• Track your applications — know what you sent where, and follow up.

Tailor, don't spray

The single biggest mistake is sending the same resume to every job. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role, mirroring the language of the posting and leading with the most relevant skills.

Proofread carefully, apply before deadlines, and always follow up. A handful of tailored applications beats a hundred generic ones.

Make LinkedIn work harder

LinkedIn rewards activity and specificity. Optimise your profile with keywords, turn on "Open to Work," and use advanced search — including Boolean operators like AND, OR and NOT — to find roles that genuinely fit your skills and experience.

Personalise every connection request, share the occasional useful post to build visibility, and reach out to recruiters directly. The platform's algorithm favours those who show up and engage.