New year, new career. Whether you’re tired of your old sales job and looking for a fresh opportunity or you’re thinking about getting into the sales field to finally reap all of its benefits this year, you’re going to have to get out there and search for a job if you’re going to make the change.

Although there are many sales openings to suit a wide range of sales professionals, new and old, things are going to be a bit different in 2016 when you search for sales jobs. Expect to have to change your job search process in order to adjust to the new trends in the job market.

Get Active on Social Media

Social media sites, like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter will be critical tools for your job search in 2016. A new hiring trend this year is to submit job applications with social media profiles. Not only that, but social media platforms allow you to connect and network with a variety of sales professionals and hiring managers that you wouldn’t meet otherwise, which can help you land your new sales job.

More companies are also posting their open sales positions on social media sites now, so it’s important for you to check out your favourite companies’ profiles to see if any opportunities are available. And once you do find positions you want to apply for, social media is a great place for you to find out more about the companies you’re applying to.

Become a Job-Seeking Internet Sleuth

Ever hear about reverse reference checks? Probably not, but they’re a hot trend in 2016. Employers aren’t the only ones who should do their due diligence during the hiring process to see if you are really who you say you are. As a candidate, you should be doing the exact same thing. Don’t just believe what an employer advertises about the company and the open role. Dig a little deeper to understand what the company is really about so you can make sure that you don’t make a big mistake by taking a job that isn’t right for you.

Have More Informal Conversations

Interviews are so staged and awkward it’s almost impossible to be your true self and to really show off your real personality. In 2016, have more informal conversations. Ditch the fancy suit and the resume and start chatting with sales professionals and hiring managers. These types of conversations will allow you to be more at ease so you can effectively reveal who you really are and what you have to offer.

Show Off Your Soft Skills

Have a desire to learn about new inbound sales techniques? Have the drive needed to gain new clients and meet your sales targets? Can you have an effortless, comfortable conversation with just about anyone? Show off these skills. Employers aren’t so focused on your sales experience anymore. They care more about who you really are, what drives you, what values you have, and what soft skills you can offer.

Apply Near and Far

Don’t hold back from applying to an awesome sales organization due to distance. So what if you’re too far from the office? There are many travelling and remote sales positions available. Plus, big companies that truly want to hire you will find a place for you at one of their other locations, so go ahead and apply so you don’t miss out on an opportunity.

Use a Staffing Agency

You can search for a job on your own but why should you if you don’t have to? Let a sales staffing agency search for a job for you. You’ll make the job search process a lot easier on yourself. Your recruiter will do all of the legwork—finding you appropriate opportunities, sending in your application, and setting up your interview.