My Number One Tip if You Are Job Searching or Career Planning

My number one tip if you are job searching, looking to change careers, or even planning ahead for what is next in your career…………………

……………………..WRITE IT DOWN !

I always encourage my clients to write absolutely everything down. This serves two purposes:

1. It keeps you focused and motivated and ensures you do not forget anything.
2. It reminds you of what have done and still must do. Job searching is hard work!!

Many people have a lot of ideas but lack a detailed plan and way of recording and checking on what they are doing. Ideas are great but without a plan and a way of measuring your actions, it is very easy to get side-tracked and possibly lose focus. If you are job searching now or even if you are currently in a job and looking for a move, then I encourage you to write it down.

Start with a blank Excel spreadsheet and design your own Activity Tracker. Create 10 columns like this:

1. Date
2. Name
3. Company
4. Position in the Company
5. Email
6. Phone
7. How Do I know Them?
8. Action Taken
9. Result
10. Follow up

Creating a List of People to Contact

To create your list of contacts in your activity tracker, start by looking through your first degree connections on LinkedIn. You should be able to click on “contact info” on their profile and you can then view their email address. Then email each of your contacts to let them know you are in the job market. Create an email template that you can reuse and personalise for each email you send. Track all of this in your Excel Activity Tracker.

Many people do not check LinkedIn daily, so reaching out through LinkedIn can be a much slower process. However, sending a direct email will usually get a response. If someone then suggests they are happy to meet up or speak with you, then organise it. Do not expect your contact to do this! Email them back and say thanks, then offer two or three dates/times that you can meet them or speak with them. Lock this in and ensure you do not cancel.

Then prepare and focus on structuring an informational interview to help you make the best use of their time. People are happy to help, however you do need to let them know what you are looking for. Keep everything positive and remember to ask about them, it should be a reciprocal meeting. Then make a note of all of this in your activity tracker.

The Hidden Job Market

What is the point of doing all of this? Why can’t you just find a job through a job board or a recruiter? Well, you potentially can, and this should still definitely be part of your job search. However, research says that only 30% of jobs are found through job boards and recruiters, the remaining 70% are found through networking. This is what many people refer to as the hidden job market. This refers to jobs that are not advertised or posted online. They are jobs that are primarily filled through people’s network. Creating an activity tracker and mapping out your contacts is a way of reaching out to that 70% and making them aware you are looking for work.

Additionally, you can also reach out to companies and contacts directly. To make this work, aim to have someone or something in common. The “something” might be that you have just finished up with a large FMCG company and are now approaching other FMCG companies and contacts to let them know you are available.

Always write a note in your LinkedIn connection request. It might read something like this, “Hi John, I have recently finished up with XYZ Company and am looking to build my network within the XYZ industry. It would be good to connect with you. Thanks, Angela”

If you do apply online for a job at the company, then do your research and find out who your boss would be if you did work there. Use LinkedIn to research who that might be. Reach out and connect with them, let them know you have applied for a role and why you are a great fit. Additionally, “follow” the company and also connect with the internal talent team so they know you exist.

Job Search Routine

Three months ago, I published a blog on my website on how to create a job search routine. It continues to be my most viewed blog. As humans we crave routine and certainty, especially in these unusual times! Having a job search routine is crucial and helps keep you focused. Writing it all down and tracking what you are doing is just as important.

At the end of each day, make a list of the things you need to do tomorrow. At the end of each week, make a list of what you need to do on Monday. Keep your Activity Tracker spreadsheet that you are continually updating. Incorporate all of this into your job search routine.

Remember, once you do find a job you can keep all this info in case you need it again in the future. Many of the people on your list may have moved jobs and have new things happening they can tell you about.

Finally

This can all take months, but it is something you control. The more effort you consistently put in the more you will get out of it. The number one trait required in any job search or career change is PERSISTENCE.

So many people are afraid they will be considered a pest if they follow up. However, those who follow up in the right ways are exhibiting leadership and decision-making qualities. Showing how much you really want to work for an organisation is an indicator of the dedication and hard work you will bring to the job. It is a competitive job market now, but there are definitely still jobs out there. DON’T GIVE UP!

If you would benefit from assistance with your job search or career change then contact me today to discuss how I can help you.