I know a lot of people in the US are looking for work right now. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some strategies that will help - dramatically. Even if they've been unemployed for a long time.
So if you know anyone who is struggling to find a job please pass this post along. It's something I'm passionate about. I know they work.
Using robust and multiple job search strategies will make all the
difference in how long you look for a new job, especially if you are
unemployed.
Many people simply
rely on recruiters to find them a job. They believe that recruiters will
act as their talent agents and simply sit back, letting others control
their job search.
This approach is extremely problematic! Why?
Think about who actually pays recruiters? The client company. Their
service is free to you, the candidate. This distinction is subtle, but
very very important. Recruiters are paid to find talent to fill roles.
They are not paid to find roles for candidates. The best recruiters do
act as a quasi talent agent for the best candidates, certainly. But it’s
a little known secret that even the best recruiters can only place 1 in
8 to 1 in 10 candidates. Many roles are filled through the company’s
own network before they ever hit a recruiter’s desk.
Job search preparationSo, what other strategies can you use to find a new job? Plenty! But first need to develop a couple of tools.
The
most important tool in this process is your “Value Statement”. This is
your 30 second elevator pitch that not only helps you remember and
articulate the value that you can add to a prospective employer, it
changes your mindset from one of, “Please Mr. Employer give me a job” to
“You are one of several people I’m talking to in the market place. I’m
here to see if there is any synergy between what you are looking for and
what I have to offer.” See my previous post on how to develop a Value
Statement.
Incredible mind set shift and one that has led to more
than one of my previous clients successfully finding work quickly after
struggling for months (and in one case years).
The second tool
you need is an achievement based resume. Statistics show that the best
of resumes are only read for 15 seconds. Don’t take any chances with
yours! Download my
free resume format.
I’ve had many many people tell me that they started getting calls for
interviews within hours after submitting their resume using my format,
even if they hadn’t been called for months previously. It works.
Job search strategiesSo, you’ve got a great value statement and a killer resume. You’re now ready to go out and find your next job. What’s next?
Certainly,
work with recruiters. Good ones are worth their weight in gold. But
make sure they do never send your resume out without your prior
permission.
But in addition to recruiters you need to be prepared
to market yourself online, use your own network of contacts and
approach companies directly.
Online marketingI
LOVE social media. It’s such a great tool! And you can use it to find
your next job. If you’re not on Linkedin sign up today. It’s
interviewing while you sleep. There are lots of resources available to
help you set up a profile and make sure people find you. Google them.
I’ve also got a free PDF with top level bullet points on the Career /
Job Search Tools section of
my website.
But
Linkedin isn’t the only online job search tool. Almost every job site
has a resume database. Make sure your resume is online. There are also
several independent resume databases coming online now. Google them and
get listed.
Use Twitter. Here are a couple of really good articles on this:
http://www.loveforbiz.com/using-twitter-for-business-networking-and-even-finding-a-jobhttp://mashable.com/2009/03/13/twitter-jobs/http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1903083,00.htmlTake the direct approachMake a target list of companies that you want to work for that have the types of roles that you want to do.
Monitor their websites regularly to look for open jobs and apply immediately.
- Make a list of absolutely everyone you know in your local area.
- Former supervisors
- Former subordinates
- Former Peers
- Former classmates
- Friends
- People from your church, child's school or other community organisations that you are involved in
- Acquaintances
Cross reference the two lists above. Who do you know that can make
introductions to people within the companies on your target list?
Develop a calling plan and start to contact them.
Call the other people on your list to find out who they might know that they can introduce you to who will help you find a job.
Network, network, networkWhere
do the hiring managers who hire for your roles hang out? Are there any
groups or organisations that they may join? If so attend their meetings.
Better yet, get involved in their organisations to develop deeper
relationships with people of influence.
Treat finding a job like having a jobIf
you are unemployed it’s extremely important to have discipline around
this area. Go to "work" every day; keep regular office hours, set aside
some place in your house just for "work", dress like you're going to the
office.
And finally, treat your job search like a project with
KPI's; set a goal for a certain number of outbound phone calls, coffee
catch ups, roles applied for, etc. Then manage yourself to achieve those
goals and reward yourself when you do.
Order business cards with your contact details on one side and the types of jobs you are searching for on the other.
Keep mentally fitAnd
finally, keep mentally fit. You will project what you feel in an
interview so make sure you feel great! One of the most fun and effective
tools I use with my clients is to create an “I Rock!” file. A physical
file of evidence reminding themselves that they do rock! Cards, notes,
letters, or maybe just memories. All kept in once place and frequently
referred to. It's actually my "
Tool of the Week" this week.
If you follow these steps rigorously I guarantee that you won’t be unemployed for long.