by Jason Banks, CSP, Executive President, LLoyd
They say that the three of the most stressful things in life include moving to a new house, health issues and finding a new job. If this is true, especially the last one, it continues to stump me as to why so many job seekers approach their job search with absolutely no plan, no organization and will submit to working with practically anyone, without considering if it’s a good fit.
When you are looking to buy a home you go to a real estate office or a recommended realtor. You chose one and you work closely with them to find the right home. Knowing they understand the type of place you are looking for and your price range is critical to finding something you like and can afford.
If you are not feeling well you start by going to your regular doctor, and then perhaps to a specialist who focuses on your problem so that he or she can diagnose what’s wrong and treat it.
So now let’s go back to that third stress – finding a job. Too often this important life situation is treated hit or miss, like throwing spaghetti at a wall and watching what sticks. Job seekers send their resume blindly off to unknown recruiters, post to job boards, respond to blind ads and keep no record of where and when they’ve sent it out. How come? How can you treat your own potential employment with so little regard?
This is not a blog about working with me or a particular recruiter or search firms in general. This is about YOU as a candidate taking control of YOUR job search, and ultimately your career. Plan for it like you would for a new home. Give consideration to what neighborhood and community you want – what type of residence – what must you have and where are you willing to give up items on your wish list. Now, plan and do the same for YOUR job search.
Here are a few tips to help you make the job search process less stressful.
• Identify the role and growth you want in your career.
• What is missing in your current role that you would like to see in a new position.
• What industries?
• Name some actual companies and organizations you would like to target.
• What is absolutely important for you to make a move.
• Identify specialists in the area or industry you seek (Many recruiters do specialized search as do placement firms – they are experts in niches or industries.)
Perhaps the most important take away from these comments is to ORGANIZE your search. This means keeping track of who you talk about what jobs and which openings. This can be as simple as a black/white composition book or as handy as a mobile app. Track where you send your resume and what date it went out.
JOB SEARCH ORGANIZER APPS
jobaware.com
myjobsapp.com
jibberjobber.com
evernote.com
toodledo.com
When you are disorganized about your search, it transfers back to hiring managers, recruiters and internal recruiters. They’ll sense your disorganization in a phone call or interview. Recently, we were representing a candidate who sent his resume to two different openings at the same company. He was also presented by our firm for another position at the same company. While the company liked his background, they quickly released him from consideration because of the “perceived desperation” that came from over-applying. It’s considered renegade application when you start submitting your resume for “any” position. Select, don’t settle. You can take something to hold you over during unemployment, but always keep your eye on what you ultimately want.
Elevate your candidacy and communicate your serious (and organized) intentions by being totally in control of your search! After all it is YOUR new Dream Job and just like your dream home, you want to live there happily ever after – don’t let someone else move in to the place you really want.