Key Takeaways
Network and Join Professional Associations: Prioritize networking within the EDI industry and stay informed about industry trends by joining professional organizations geared toward EDI professionals.
Utilize LinkedIn and Job Boards: Peruse popular job boards like Indeed and EDI-specific job boards to land your next EDI role. Make the most of LinkedIn to support this process.
Keep Your Skills Updated: Keep your skills current by taking courses and obtaining relevant industry certifications.
The EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) field is competitive and the roles are very specialized. As a result, effective job search methods are essential. There has been an increased demand for EDI professionals in large part because of the number of companies who have transitioned to automated data exchange. Job seekers are well advised to actively network within their industry and stay updated on industry trends as well as follow other tips for how to find EDI jobs.
Utilizing Job Search Engines and Websites
Indeed is a go-to job website for many job seekers. The site aggregates job openings from many sources including company websites and open job boards. LinkedIn is a popular professional networking site that lets its users network to strengthen their industry connections and apply for jobs.
There are some tips to optimize search queries for EDI jobs. It’s helpful to use specific terms that include variations of EDI because the exact job title can vary by company. EDI Specialist and EDI Analyst are both variations that companies use interchangeably. You can also pair EDI with the name of an order management system to further identify available jobs. Try searching for “EDI IBM Sterling” or “EDI SAP.”
Depending on what platform you’re using, the specifics will vary when you’re attempting to set up job alerts, but most job search sites offer the option to set up alerts. Identify your preferred location and experience level and choose how often you’d like to be notified of new opportunities.
Networking and Professional Associations
Networking is crucial in many industries, but it’s especially important in the EDI field. Knowledge sharing with other industry professionals will ensure you’re up to date on industry trends and new technological development.
Your industry connections help you identify potential clients. By joining professional associations, you can stay informed of regulatory changes affecting the EDI field. The Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) is a professional organization aimed at establishing standards for electronic and physical information management, including EDI.
Industry events and conferences are a great way to make connections. It’s beneficial to head to a conference with a clear idea of what you’re hoping to achieve there whether you want to find new clients or learn new technologies.
Leveraging Social Media
Many job seekers find it very beneficial to rely on LinkedIn to find EDI job postings and connect with recruiters. You can start by focusing on optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Make sure you include keywords in your “About” section that reflect your EDI experience. If you’ve spent 10 years as an EDI consultant, highlight that experience. Find recruiters who place candidates in EDI roles.
Try showcasing your expertise in EDI on LinkedIn and social media. Share your unique insights and opinions on EDI articles in a thought leadership capacity. Identify key players and thought leaders in the industry and follow them, commenting on their content displaying your own informed perspective.
Recruitment Agencies
Consider recruitment agencies in your EDI job hunting strategies. Reach out to your network to see if any of your colleagues can recommend recruitment agencies that have a focus on EDI. Pair up with a recruitment agency that has a successful history of placing candidates in EDI roles.
Using a headhunter for your EDI job search has some distinct advantages. Headhunters have access to the hidden job market. Many jobs aren’t advertised publicly, and a headhunter can help place you in an exclusive role that isn’t available publicly.
Make a strong impression on recruiters with clear communication and present a professional-looking resume.
Company Career Pages and Direct Applications
A wide range of industries rely on EDI for various needs including supply chain and logistics, retail and e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and banking and finance. Focus on identifying companies within those industries that have a need for EDI professionals.
Even when companies post an open role on LinkedIn, it’s always best to apply directly on the company’s website for greater visibility. Make sure to tailor your application for the specific role you’re applying for. Hiring managers can tell when you’ve sent them a generic, canned cover letter. Also, always include a cover letter, even if it says a cover letter is optional.
Additional Resources and Tools
Use EDI-specific job boards to quickly hone in on EDI roles. Tech-focused job boards are also a good option as well. Use resume optimization tools to improve your application success rates. Consider using Jobscan to determine how compatible your resume is with application tracking systems and optimize for relevant keywords.
Technology is always changing. That’s why it’s so important to keep your skills up to date. Consider taking online courses and pursuing relevant certifications to enhance your EDI skills and improve your job prospects. Coursera and Udemy are two popular options for learning specific technical skills. LinkedIn Learning is also a good choice. Regardless of which option you choose, always be sure to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date with your current certifications.
Conclusion
Remaining competitive in the EDI job market is difficult but definitely manageable. The above tips for landing EDI jobs serve as a good reference point. The best EDI job search methods are dynamic, changing as the industry changes. Keep a pulse on what jobs are available on popular job boards and still devote some focus on EDI-specific job boards as well. Don’t neglect networking even when you feel time is limited. When you do identify a suitable job role, maximize your chances of landing it by applying directly and reaching out to the hiring manager. Prioritize professional development by taking courses on emerging technologies and earning industry-recognized certifications. Most importantly: Don't change who you are for a career in integration consulting.
