Job search approaches vary from person to person. Networking, social media, online job boards, recruiters, temp agencies, head hunters, and did I mention Networking? The best approach is to use several methods rather than relying on just one way of finding work. Using our time wisely has been a recent topic of discussion with my clients. I like to think about using my time efficiently because it makes me feel like I have some control over my day and my job search activities. By dividing the day up into chunks you give your brain a rest, get a burst of energy when you start something new and become more productive than if you were to spend 5 hours on the Internet looking for work.
Ok, so how to split up the day?
It's a good idea to consider the success rate of each job search method and divide your time accordingly. We know that Online job search is the least effective way of landing a job. So don't spend your whole day or even more than an hour on a job search method that won't pay off as quickly.
Be diligent in not following links to sites or interests that don't line up with your goal. Your goal could be researching companies, opportunities, networking events...whatever the case...don't let yourself get distracted. The kitten videos on Youtube can wait.
Ok, so one hour out of your job search day is accounted for what about the other 5 or 6? These early days of job search will be lighter than an employed persons work day. You might want to spend an hour on your marketing tools: resume, Linked In profile and cover letter.
Getting in touch with your references will be another task to work on. Having more than 3 will ensure that if someone is unavailable then you are not left scrambling. Once an interview is set up its a very good idea to notify your references of the opportunity. Send them the posting and highlight where you are a great fit. You can even remind them of your awesomness by pointing out shared work experiences which are relevant to the opportunity. I call this planting seeds.
Another activity to add to your job search day will include getting out of the house. Away from the computer and technology and actually talking to a live person. Face to face meetings or coffee breaks to let your network know what you are looking for. Networking will lead you to the hidden job market which makes up for 80% of the positions that are out there. Spend 80% of your job search time networking, getting referrals, going on information interviews and connecting with those who are either doing the work you want to get into or those who have the decision making power to hire you.
I like to keep a log of who I'm contacting, when we spoke, outcome and any follow up that's needed. This will help you stay on top of your job search efforts and ensure that you don't miss out on a potential opportunity by missing a follow up action.
All of the elements that make up your job search are important. Each one standing alone will not result in a job offer...it's the whole package...how you look, your responses, your personality, your marketing tools...all of these combined will make an impression on the employer. And how you conduct your job search represents how you will conduct yourself while on the job. So do a sloppy job search and they will assume you will do the same if they hired you... Let your job search activities demonstrate your potential, thoroughness, professionalism and drive.
Now Go Get'em!
Ok, so how to split up the day?
It's a good idea to consider the success rate of each job search method and divide your time accordingly. We know that Online job search is the least effective way of landing a job. So don't spend your whole day or even more than an hour on a job search method that won't pay off as quickly.
Be diligent in not following links to sites or interests that don't line up with your goal. Your goal could be researching companies, opportunities, networking events...whatever the case...don't let yourself get distracted. The kitten videos on Youtube can wait.
Ok, so one hour out of your job search day is accounted for what about the other 5 or 6? These early days of job search will be lighter than an employed persons work day. You might want to spend an hour on your marketing tools: resume, Linked In profile and cover letter.
Getting in touch with your references will be another task to work on. Having more than 3 will ensure that if someone is unavailable then you are not left scrambling. Once an interview is set up its a very good idea to notify your references of the opportunity. Send them the posting and highlight where you are a great fit. You can even remind them of your awesomness by pointing out shared work experiences which are relevant to the opportunity. I call this planting seeds.
Another activity to add to your job search day will include getting out of the house. Away from the computer and technology and actually talking to a live person. Face to face meetings or coffee breaks to let your network know what you are looking for. Networking will lead you to the hidden job market which makes up for 80% of the positions that are out there. Spend 80% of your job search time networking, getting referrals, going on information interviews and connecting with those who are either doing the work you want to get into or those who have the decision making power to hire you.
I like to keep a log of who I'm contacting, when we spoke, outcome and any follow up that's needed. This will help you stay on top of your job search efforts and ensure that you don't miss out on a potential opportunity by missing a follow up action.
All of the elements that make up your job search are important. Each one standing alone will not result in a job offer...it's the whole package...how you look, your responses, your personality, your marketing tools...all of these combined will make an impression on the employer. And how you conduct your job search represents how you will conduct yourself while on the job. So do a sloppy job search and they will assume you will do the same if they hired you... Let your job search activities demonstrate your potential, thoroughness, professionalism and drive.
Now Go Get'em!
RSS Feed