As someone who has been on both sides of the recruiting fence, I know what works and what doesn’t. Not losing yourself in the process of job hunting is one of the keys. Becoming obsessed with the process serves no-one, so whilst I guarantee that if you apply these steps you will hugely increase your chances of success, be mindful and create a balanced approach to ensure you keep your spirits up and your confidence high.
1. Be clear about what you want
Knowing your goals before you begin is so important. If you don’t know what you want, how will a future employer pick you out from the crowd?
If you answer these 4 questions today and use them as the foundation of your job search criteria, you will start getting results:
What element of your work brings you the most satisfaction? (What could you imagine yourself doing all day that would be 100% satisfying?)
What physical environment uplifts you most? (Do you want to be mainly outside, working from home, have an office with a view, or travelling?)
What kind of people do you want to work with? (What are their values, attitudes and behaviours?)
What else needs to be present to make you happy and fulfilled, and bring out your best work?
2. Become an expert
Becoming known as a specialist in the area of your work that brings you the most satisfaction will help raise your profile above everyone else in your field. Write reviews, articles, reports and blog posts on your chosen subject and get yourself known as the go to person.
3. Review your CV
Once you’re clear about what you want, your CV is a lot easier to write. Remember to tailor it to each specific job you see, using the keywords mentioned in the job ad.
4. Update your LinkedIn Profile
With 94% of recruiters using LinkedIn as a tool to find the ideal candidate, make sure your profile is working for you, even while you sleep. You never know who is looking for your skills, talent and expertise. Make it easy for people to find you, and stand head and shoulders above the rest.
5. Purposeful job hunting
Job hunting requires focus. Throwing around a few CV’s and hoping they’ll land in the right place is not going to get you the best results. Research your area of interest and using the job search function on LinkedIn, job boards relevant to your sector, and most importantly your contacts, make a plan and commit to it.
6. Network
Most of my clients find their next job by making the most of their contacts. Make a list of all your contacts and ask for their help. If you haven’t been in touch for a while, re-establish contact with an email and ask for a follow up phone call.
Use LinkedIn to establish new contacts and build relationships. Be smart about how you approach new people. Build the relationship first, by commenting in groups and providing useful information so that you grow their confidence and trust in you.
Visit job fairs and industry events. Speak to your friends about what you want and get your contacts working for you. You never know who knows who.
7. Be You
There is absolutely no point in creating a persona that you hope will bag you that job, if it means stuffing the real you in a box. As well as your skills and experience, a future employee buys into your personality, your behaviours and your overall attitude. Stay true to yourself and allow those things to be visible so that when you do get a job, you know you’re going to fit right in.
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If you’re interested in my free 20 minute LinkedIn Review that will provide you with helpful objective feedback about your profile, contact me to arrange.
Alternatively, I can help you gain clarity about any of the above 7 Steps, as well as help boost your confidence and raise flagging spirits. Sometimes one session is all it takes to get a bit of perspective and get you back in the driving seat of your job search. Contact me, or check out my career change services.