How To Succeed In Finding A Job
The job market is conducive to finding a job. At the time of this blog, the unemployment rate is down. There are more jobs open than potential candidates available to fill those roles. If you have been job searching for a while and with limited success, it is reasonable to ask yourself why that is, and what you can do to succeed in finding a job.
With many online job search tools available today, it is easy and convenient to find job postings and apply. It is a surefire way to keep busy. Some people believe it is a numbers game – you submit so many applications, one will eventually lead to an interview, possibly to an offer and a new job. But there is a better way!
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED GOING ABOUT YOUR JOB SEARCH STRATEGICALLY?
Treat your job search as a work project. If not, why not? “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” (Albert Einstein)
If you want different results in your job search than what you’re currently getting, you may need to try different approaches.
Some of these techniques include networking, job fairs, research, cold calling, informal interviews. Also working with recruiters, headhunters, and a personal career management consultant.
Networking as part of your job search. Wow! Think outside the box!
Of course, you want to include your family and friends, neighbors, and college alumni. Also co-members of associations, co-board members and your professional connections… In addition to asking them for support, also ask whether they have relevant contacts in your desired job role. Maybe they know someone in your industry, company, or geographic area. And if they do, ask for an introduction. Be sure to add new contacts to your network. Attend events, research and connect with contacts at companies you admire. And of course, network through sites like LinkedIn.
WHY ATTEND CAREER FAIRS?
- They offer an excellent opportunity to network, much like industry-association meetings. At job fairs, everyone talks about the job market. You can find out which companies are hiring, laying people off, or looking for specific skill sets.
- Recruiters attend career fairs. It’s a great way to mingle with the recruiting community and practice interviewing skills.
- Save time by attending online job fairs. Always research job fairs. Attend those that are most relevant for your skillset. And be well-prepared before you show up.
RESEARCH SHOULD BE A CORNERSTONE OF YOUR JOB SEARCH!
Research all companies you would like to work for. Visit their websites. Review the job roles you would like to apply for. And find out who at those organizations works in your areas of interest and reach out to them. Continue with national, regional, and local professional organizations in your field. Connect with peer professionals and find field-specific job listings on their websites or printed publications. Apply out-of-the-box thinking to your job search and be strategic about how you invest your time.
COLD CALLING
Once you know where you want to work and found out who may be in a position to hire you, reach out to them. When calling, be prepared and have your pitch ready to launch.
This will give you the chance to make yourself known to the employer. You will make a connection. Build a relationship. And you can inquire about skills and qualities are required to work within the company.
INFORMAL INTERVIEWS
Make informal interviews or exploratory sessions part of your job search strategy. These are a great way to get to know and learn more about a potential employer. Keep in mind, of course, that this is a two-way street! Come prepared with research about the company and your contact. Be ready to discuss your career path and goals, as well as ideas on how and on which level you could fit within the company. Working with a personal career consultant can help you with all types of scenarios you encounter during your job search.
WORK WITH RECRUITERS AND/OR HEAD HUNTERS
First, understand that recruiters, etc. are paid by their corporate client companies, either by retainer, contingency – or salary, in case of internal recruiters. In all cases, the service they provide is filling open job orders. Accordingly, a great deal of their effort is expended on obtaining these job orders and winning favor with the HR department and hiring executives so the stream of job orders continues. They do not get paid to get people jobs; indeed, a private individual can’t “hire” a recruiter, as they only work for companies, not job seekers. For more information on how to effectively work with the recruiting community, click the button below.
THE UNPUBLISHED MARKET
Keep in mind that 60%-80% of all jobs are never advertised. Tapping into the unpublished market is completely different than working through job postings, creating job feeds, dealing with 3rd party recruiters and head hunters. It takes about two to three months to successfully market your reputation and leverage your value/social capital to targeted companies. This approach requires more personal investment and you may need to step out of your comfort zone, but it supplements every job search and possibly offers greater rewards in a shorter time span.
CAREER MANAGEMENT BY THE BARRETT GROUP
The Barrett Group is a professional career management firm that specializes is helping clients land at their dream jobs faster and at a higher compensation package than they would be able to achieve without our team of career management specialists by their side.
We’re proud of our 90% success rate and invite you to introduce yourself to our team and tell us about your background and where you want to go next.