5 Steps to Success in Your Job Search
Looking for new career opportunities could be overwhelming at any time. And the anxiety around it has certainly gone up a notch after the pandemic and with talk of a recession. Seeing the big picture of the process can help reduce overwhelm and lead to more success in your search.
Here are the 5 steps we recommend to help you find success in the job search process.
Gain Clarity.
Why are you looking for a shift? Is it the actual work tasks you are doing or is it something about the work culture or expectations? Does it have to do with the direction you want your life to go in? Are you moving towards something or away from something?
Are finances a priority? Yes, it is okay to take a job solely because of your financial need. Work is a vehicle to help you be who you want to be in life. What does that financial stability afford you in other areas of your life? And, be thoughtful about your sanity. Be clear about what kinds of tasks and environments are a good fit for you, and seek out those opportunities. If you are pursuing options that you know are likely to make you miserable, it won’t be a sustainable situation. Be smart about your energy; a lack of enthusiasm will surface somehow–either in your resume, your cover letter, or your interview, and that makes it less likely to get a job offer or produce the outcome you are hoping for.
2. Be Targeted in Your Approach.
Many job search experts agree that a targeted approach is much more effective than a “spray and pray” blind application process with your resume, which can burn you out quickly. In your searches, choose two or three position titles that are realistic and satisfying and will work for you. It’s important to be open to other options, but don’t overwhelm yourself with possibilities if many of the postings are not current or relevant to you. Connect with recruiters that are working with companies or roles that you are interested in.
3. (Selectively) Communicate Your Strengths.
Highlight what you WANT to be doing. You don’t need to dump everything you’ve ever done on your resume. Focus on what you want to do more of. Don’t drive yourself crazy, but do make sure your resume, LinkedIn profile and other social media are accurately capturing your strengths–what you’re good at, and what you enjoy doing– for the positions you target. Use numbers (outcomes, budgets, increases in efficiency or outreach) that provide context, and help the reader understand how well you did your job. Make sure the keywords and transferable skills on your resume align with the keywords in the posting. Ask your network to endorse the skills on LinkedIn that you enjoy and are good at; this will increase the percent match that you are for positions with those keywords.
4. Connect with Your Network.
It’s estimated that about 75% of people get jobs through someone they know. Who do you know that works for the companies and opportunities you seek? Do you have neighbors, friends, relatives, former classmates or colleagues who can offer you an introduction to your ideal organization? How can you develop relationships with kindred spirits in those circles?
If there’s no one you can immediately look to for an introduction, here are some alternative suggestions:
See what the alumni of your university/college are doing. Are you connected via Handshake or any other alumni networking platform? Through Facebook groups, Twitter, or Instagram? How can you leverage that network?
Look up the profiles of people who (1) Work where you want to be and (2) Have the job title you have identified on LinkedIn. What are their interests? What conversations and groups are they a part of on LinkedIn? Can you contribute to these conversations? What listservs work for you?
Start volunteering. Is there a way you can contribute 5 or so hours a week to an organization or a cause that you are authentically passionate about? Then you’ll be spending energy on something that you care about AND broadening your circle. These kinds of authentic connections are good for your soul, while connecting with others who have shared values and connections; which is helpful when it is time to apply for a different or new position.
Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters. Using a recruiter can be an effective way to help you find your dream role. Making contact with a recruiter as a follow up after you’ve already submitted your resume for a position can also set you apart from other applicants.
Develop relationships now with neighbors, classmates, colleagues, etc. Expand your circle, and put your wisdom, kindness, and courage out into the world.
5. Nourish Your Soul.
It’s true: the labor market is in a transition. Since the appearance of COVID, we have collectively been holding a lot of fear, stress, and anxiety. However, much of what happens during this process is not personal. There are lots of variables that affect position postings, resume reviews, and interviewing. So be committed to taking care of yourself and viewing this process as an opportunity to grow into a new possibility for your life. Connect to hope, try not to take things personally, dance with levity, and have a sense of humor. Be gentle with your thoughts about yourself. Remember that you are more than how you earn a living.