Most people begin their job search by saying to themselves, “I’ve had it. I think it’s time to make a change.” They know what they don’t want but haven’t taken the time to figure out what will satisfy them or what will please them.
Organizing a job search is not about flipping resumes to job ads like a cook in a fast food restaurant, nor is it only about what you want to do. It also involves careful thought and understanding about how your experience “fits” the job market.
In addition, you must know who you are and what motivates you as well as what criteria are important enough to be uncompromising about and on which ones you’re willing to be flexible.
For example, you must know if you function better in a large environment – whether or not it’s corporate, or a non-profit environment, a team one, or one in which you’re required to motivate yourself in order to perform. To do this examine your previous jobs — what you liked and didn’t like, what worked or didn’t work, and why.
Once you know what you want, then start reading ads on the job boards, research some search professionals that specialize in your field, network with your co-workers from previous jobs, contact employers at companies in the area that seems right for you.
Now the work really starts.
Do you really think your job search should solely begin by applying to job ads?
If so, you will be missing out on sooooooooooo many opportunities because most jobs are filled as a result of networking with people you don’t know yet. As a matter of fact, 70% of all positions are filled as a a result of network and 70% of those are filled as a result of introductions to people that you didn’t know at the beginning of your job search.
Your LinkedIn profile also needs to be updated. After all, LinkedIn is now the marketplace where you want to establish that you want to be “hunted” for a new position. A great profile coupled with LinkedIn’s Open Candidate feature will let recruiters, but not sure boss know that you are looking for a job (that is what LinkedIn claims).
So far, I have spoken about tactics for finding a position. You also need to start practicing for all the interviews you will be involved with. Those interviews include the ones were someone calls you up out of the blue to review your resume and the various types of in person interviews. Each type has their own agenda for employer evaluating you. Get yourself ready in advance and don’t learn the hard way how unprepared you really are.
No actor or actress walks out on stage without memorizing their lines. No athlete in any
sport avoids the repetition of practice and consistently excels. Why do you think you can perform at a higher level and earn the money that you want without practice and without coaching?
Michael Jordan was not “Michael Jordan” when Doug Collins was his coach. He became “Michael Jordan” when Phil Jackson became his coach. Michael Jackson had a coach, as did Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Kevin Kline and Vanessa Hudgens. His name is Seth Riggins.
Have you noticed that extremely successful people rehearse and receive coaching?
For years, I used to say that winners find the way to win but that is only part of it. In fact, winners learn the way to win by hiring people to help them learn it.
I know you have been conditioned to believe tat you should “figure it out” and that you don’t need help but why do you need to risk and actually lose opportunities while getting on the job training?
Working in this way will keep your search focused on what it is you want in your next job and not just on sending out resumes and going on interviews. Getting coaching will fast track your efforts and help you avoid many costly mistakes.
And, if you make one, your coach will help you sort through things and help you learn from the experience.
© The Big Game Hunter, Inc. Asheville, NC 2016
Do you think employers are trying to help you? You already know you can’t trust recruiters—they tell you as much as they think you need to know to take the job they after representing so they collect their payday.
The skills needed to find a job are different yet complement the skills needed to do a job.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter has been a career coach and recruiter for what seems like one hundred years.
JobSearchCoachingHQ.com changes that with great advice for job hunters—videos, my books and guides to job hunting, podcasts, articles, PLUS a community for you to ask questions of PLUS the ability to ask me questions where I function as your ally with no conflict of interest answering your questions.