In this day and age of the digital era, there are many ways to stay on top of the recruitment and hiring processes. So, it's not a surprise that as job seekers, there's a tendency to stack up as many tools as possible that can give an edge with job searches and opportunities. Industry requirements may evolve, and hiring systems change, but keep on reading for must-have essentials that job seekers need to have and be on top of.

 Cover letter (in addition to your customized resumé)

An oldie and a goodie. While a cover letter is not mandatory, jobseekers must include it as a default when sending job applications to recruiters or potential employers. A cover letter in resumés is what the foreword is to a book. It's the first thing that the recruiter will see and is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself, the unique set of skills and abilities that makes you the right candidate, and showcasing your personality that just won't translate in a resumé. A cover letter is also a great way to explain work gaps – if you have any, or backing up any details on your resumé that may need further explanation. According to CareerBuilder's study, 49% of HR managers account for cover letters as one of the more effective ways to bolster up your resumé.

 An online presence

Having a professional online presence, specifically on social media, is the best way to put yourself on the map and be visible for recruiters and prospective employers. When a recruiter or hiring manager wants to conduct a quick background check on you, the first thing they turn to are search engines. Having zero online footprint is worse than having an outdated one. But it goes without saying that your public social media accounts and web presence should be professional, polished, and reflects the most refined version of you that an organization would want to hire.

A LinkedIn account is a must-have. Business owners, hiring managers, recruiters, and professionals maximize LinkedIn as their own personal branding and marketing page. Having an active LinkedIn profile also displays and reinforces your credibility as a professional in the industry that you are experienced in.

This is precisely the kind of marketing tool you should have for yourself and your professional brand for recruiters and hiring managers to know that you are open to work. LinkedIn equals a public resumé: accessible and searchable to a range of recruiters and hiring managers, user-friendly, and a great way to network, too.

 Updated career portfolio (including your brag box)

Take this with a grain of salt. A portfolio works really well for job seekers who need visuals for show-and-tell to effectively convey their skills and serve as an affirmation for one's capabilities. If your industry is in graphic design, a catalog of your layouts and the finished product is a valuable testament to your skills. If you're applying for a vacancy in social media or digital marketing, data analysis and presentation of your marketing strategies' impact will give the hiring manager a clear viewpoint of what you can bring to the company. A portfolio is a valuable addition and reinforcement to the qualifications and competencies written on one's resumé. If applicable, don't omit this tool.

Video conferencing apps

This is an absolute must! Thankful for technological advancements, showing up to an interview location has been drastically minimized to online interviews – mostly for convenience and partially for health and safety reasons due to the ongoing pandemic. While Skype has been a household name for video calls and online interviews for years, Zoom has gained popularity due to its reliable large video conference capacity. Zoom has now become a staple app for professionals and remote workers alike, so it's wise to have the app downloaded and an account ready for when you get that online interview scheduled.

A chic interview outfit

It never hurts to have a well-thought-out, professional, interview-ready outfit or two in your closet. Having an appropriate attire handy to represent your professional brand shows your dedication to the opportunity, and you understand that first impression matters. Showing up well-put-together is also an indication that you take the recruiter's time seriously and respect the time they're taking to talk with you.

 The saying "quality over quantity" holds true within a vast day-to-day scenario and life events. And that includes recruitment tools and job search essentials.

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