When facing a job change, it’s easy to get caught up thinking there is only one way to find work — by applying online. Confusion will set in if nothing is happening – or you perceive – nothing is happening. Job seeking is like trying to lose ten pounds. If you keep jumping on the scale every two days, you won’t see much progress, end up getting discouraged and falling into a hopeless mound of chocolate to soothe your woes. It takes time and consistency to find another job, let alone a good job.
If all else fails, try these quick tips to beef up your job search.
Think of the job search as a process or a simple check list. Each day, you follow the bullet points and then let it go. Following is the simple, four-step process that I have given to many clients:
- Go where you know. Yes, you should look at and respond to online postings. You know there is an open job there. You know they are hiring. An ad posted only means three things: someone was fired, someone went on maternity leave and didn’t come back or they added headcount. Put some energy into that activity, but know also that you will also have considerable competition, as others are sure to see the ad and apply. Any more than 2-3 hours a day (if you are unemployed) will make you crazy, and frustration will set in. Limit online applications to a set amount of time each day.
- Create a target list of 10-15 companies that you would love to work for in the future. Choose places about which you’ve heard good things, or places where you love the product or technology that they produce. Does Apple excite you? Wells Fargo? Starbucks? You should have some level of passion and excitement for the organization where you work. Do some preliminary exploratory work on each of the organizations that make your list, and then search for a contact within each of those organizations. That individual could be your conduit for future job opportunities — advertised or not — within that company. Approach them. Ask them if they like working there. Start some sort of dialog
- Network. Ah, the dreaded word: Networking. Why is it that we shy away from this critical piece of the job hunt? Statistically, most jobs are found through who you know and not through random postings. This tidbit of advice is valuable if you are Director level and above looking for work right now. The market is showing that jobs at the top are showing a lot of candidates apply, but fewer job openings. Competition is steep at the top and easier at the technical individual contributor. Last week I posted a Director level ad and 92 people applied within 5 business days. I killed the ad purposely. For this segment of the workforce, networking is your best bet – like it or not – to land your next job.
- Expand your LinkedIn Network – Strategically. Whenever possible, connect with owners, C level people or people above your pay grade. This small step could lead you to the hidden job market. Yes, that exists. While I don’t put an overwhelming amount of stock in online networks, and I haven’t seen them produce a lot of jobs. The downside of this approach is, at the end of the day, people connect with people. If you connect with an unknown contact you found on LinkedIn this month, will he or she remember you in sixty days if a position comes up? Do you think they will remember your title? Maybe. Maybe not. Face-to-face networking is more effective, but there is still a chance something may come of online activity, so if you can spend some time pumping up your LinkedIn network, it may pay off.
Regardless of the activity, the one constant you need to continually impress upon yourself is that you are moving on. Whether you are currently employed or unemployed, you still have to put in the legwork to produce a successful job search. Following the steps above is a constant reminder that you really are intent on getting another job. Energy collects and spins into motion. If you employ a process and see it through, you will achieve results.
Bio:
Elizabeth Lions Author, “Recession Proof Yourself!” and ”I Quit! Working For You Isn’t Working For Me” www.elizabethlions.com and 806 283 8811