Are you considering changing jobs or careers? My top tip if you are job searching or career planning tips is………. WRITE IT DOWN ! Simply thinking and stating, “I want to get a new job this year” is too vague. I encourage my clients to write absolutely everything down. This serves two purposes:
- It keeps you focused and motivated and ensures you do not forget anything.
- It reminds you of what have done and still must do. Job searching is hard work and can feel like a full time job in itself.
Many people have a lot of ideas but lack a detailed plan. They lack a 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 easy to lose focus. If you are job searching then I encourage you to write it all down. My top tip if you are job searching is to do this. Start with a blank Excel spreadsheet and design your own Activity Tracker. Create 10 columns like this:
- Date
- Name
- Company
- Position in the Company
- Phone
- How Do I know Them?
- Action Taken
- Result
- 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 your 1st connections profile and view their email address. Then email each of your contacts to get their advice and tips on the job market. Create an email template that you reuse, but personalise for each email you send. Track this in your Excel Activity Tracker. Many people do not check LinkedIn daily, so reaching out on LinkedIn can be a slower process. However, sending a direct email will usually get a response. If someone suggests they are happy to meet up or speak with you, then organise it. Do not expect your contact to do this. Email them and 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 on structuring an informational interview to help you make the best use of their time. People are happy to help, but you need to let them know what you are looking for. Keep everything positive. 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 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 your contacts is a way of reaching out to that 70%. Making them aware you are looking for work. 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 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 apply online for a job, do your research and find out who your boss would be if you worked there. Use the LinkedIn filters 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
Any blogs I publish on job search routines, are always popular. 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. This would be my top tip if you are job searching. 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 continually updated. Incorporate all of this into your job search routine. Remember, once you do find a job you can keep 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. 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 want to work for an organisation is an indicator of the dedication and hard work you will bring to the job.
If you would benefit from assistance with your job search or career change then contact me today to discuss how I can help you. Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
- Career crossroads and need clarity? Click here
- Maximise your LinkedIn and Resume for a successful job search, click here
- Nail that job interview and get the job offer, click here
Alternatively, if you are feeling overwhelmed or are unsure where to start and need help with EVERYTHING click here