Job Search Strategy

Hi everyone! 

Today we will be speaking about how to position yourself as a job seeker and sharing some job strategies that will help you in the planning of your next dream role. Because, let’s face it, job searching is hard work. It can also be confusing, frustrating, and disappointing. But it doesn’t have to be. Having a strong plan and strategy in place absolutely can help. Here are some key points to remember. 
So what do we mean by strategy anyway? Let's define the term strategy: it’s a method or plan chosen to bring about a desired future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem. It's also the art and science of planning and using resources for their most efficient and effective use. 80% of jobs are posted, the other 20% are filled internally. A recruiter has about 6 seconds to spend on your resume. You are 5 times more likely to be hired if you are referred. I also want to speak about the 80/20 rule for job searching. 20% of job seekers take a passive approach to job searching by searching job boards, apply online, and then wait to hear back. The other 80% take more of an active approach. They research and target companies, have informational meetings, and develop relationships with advocates who can help them get an interview. 
You need to come up with your story as a candidate and connect the dots. Your job search is all about storytelling. One of the ways that you are able to tell your story is in person in networking events or meetings, through your elevator pitch, or through interviews. Next, is on paper through the creation of your resume, cover letter, or portfolio. Last, you are able to tell your story online through LinkedIn, a personal website, or simply google results. You want to tell a consistent story of who you are and why you are different. 
Also, another important fact especially these last couple of years is that people are changing careers more often and your path is not necessarily linear. However, it is your job to make it sound that way. You need to “connect” the dots to help the employers understand how your unique blend of experience and skills will meet their needs. You want to tailor your approach to each opportunity. Here are some steps in order to create your story:

1. Know your strengths and accomplishments. 
   
2. Do research for your destination. 
   
3. Translate your experience into a story and use the language that the industry you want to go into uses.
   
4. Craft and practice your story. 
   

In researching your destination you want to get involved and build experience. You can volunteer, board service, get courses and certifications or work on paid or unpaid projects. You also want to make connections and learn the language. You want to get involved in networking, publications, groups, events, social media etc. You also want to share your “WHY’ and what is most exciting or meaningful to you. Also, you want to consider how this ties into your overall story. As I mentioned before, draft and practice your story. When you draft and put together your story, you want to answer the following questions:

1.  Who are you? 
   
2. What relevant skills, experience do you have? 
   
3. What are you looking for? 
   

You want to create several versions of your story and also practice saying it out loud to a safe person such as a friend and improve on the feedback given to you. 
Relationships and networking are the most important factors in your job search.
Building the right connections and expanding your network is the single most important factor in your job search success. You also need to remember that you have more control than you think in your job search. You cannot know when, where or how you’ll find your next role but with enough persistence, patience and a plan in place you will eventually get results.
Here are some networking principles that will also help you in your job search. When you are networking, it should be based on give and take--you should do both. It requires you to be strategic yet opportunistic. Remember that it also takes time, patience, and follow through. You have to move beyond your comfort zone and put yourself out there. 
When you first start networking, you should start with connectors and supporters. Identify your top 10 target companies that you are interested in. Think beyond the immediate connections--second degree connections are most valuable. Also, you want to follow up on every lead. Remember that your network is bigger than you think and so is your net worth. It's not who you know but who knows you. 
There are also three steps in your networking process. 

1. Research: This includes your job alerts and industry news, target organizations and contacts list. 
   
2. Reach out. You want to aim for a “warm” introduction. If it's a “cold” introduction then it's easier to start with something that you both have in common. 
   
3. Follow up within 24 hours. You want to show gratitude, confirm the next steps and ask for more intros. 
   

You want to also create a target company list. Identify 5-10 organizations you’re interested in and don’t worry if they have openings or not that are a match. Some factors to consider are industry, size, geography, growth stage, and culture/mission. Some places to look are industry websites/publications, local company lists, LinkedIn and job search sites, where friends/contacts work, products and services you love. 
Rule of thumb: always follow up with the connections you make. Just like any other project, your job search needs a plan. You want to decide how much time you can spend and how you will spend it. You want to set goals and milestones and track your time. Find an accountability buddy such as a friend or coach (ideally one who’s going through a job search journey as well). You increase the probability of achieving what you are after by 95% if you  have an accountability partner.