Create targeted job search to generate the strongest results
Dear Sam: I was just laid off and do not know how to even begin a job search. What should I do to get my search off the ground? — Ron
Dear Ron: I’m really sorry to hear of your layoff. Let me outline the critical steps to get you started in the right direction.
1. Define your purpose.
Have you considered what type of opportunities you want to pursue? This is the most critical step to ensuring a targeted and effective search. Don’t get stuck conducting a “general” search, which will only result in watered-down results. Instead, position yourself for something specific (not everything), and be strategic with where you send your resume. I promise, conducting a targeted search, while reducing the overall number of positions you may apply for, will yield stronger results and a higher average return rate.
2. Develop a great resume.
Once you’ve defined your target, create your resume, infusing it with language found in job postings of interest. In essence, consider your target audience — the hiring managers you are trying to attract — and make sure you are speaking their language. To do that, you need to know how you want to market yourself and translate your past experiences to create a strategic image of what you have done that positions you for what you now want to do. This is the key to an effective resume.
You may have heard that keywords need to be included in your resume. Speaking the right language, as mentioned above, means you’ll be incorporating appropriate keywords and key phrases to secure the attention of your target audience. Keywords are simply the skills, experiences, abilities and credentials your targeted hiring managers are seeking. If you’ve defined your purpose and are qualified for the jobs for which you are applying, incorporation of those keywords will come naturally in the presentation of your background and key qualifications.
Lastly, in creating your resume, develop a unique aesthetic that reinforces the tone of your candidacy. Don’t use old resume formats. Instead, check out recently written books or websites like mine, or create a resume from scratch that showcases a little personality, working alongside your content to differentiate your candidacy.
3. Create an effective, strategic jobsearch action plan.
Once you’ve defined your purpose and marketed yourself on paper, begin to outline where to look for a job. Don’t get caught in a rut of simply applying for jobs on the open market; instead, leverage networking, prospecting, referrals, LinkedIn, professional affiliations and job-search events as additional elements of a multipronged distribution strategy.
4. Track and follow up.
Create and maintain a job-search journal to track your search. Make a record of every job you apply for, noting why and when you applied, why you would be a great fit for the position and when you followed up on the opportunity. This tool will be invaluable during your search, not only serving as a resource when a potential employer does call you for a phone or in-person interview, but also as a tool to evaluate the effectiveness of your search.
5. Keep a positive outlook.
Remaining positive is critical in conducting an effective job search. Find a support system to keep you on track, accountable and optimistic. Many associations have job-transition groups, where you can network with like-minded professionals — many of whom are still employed — to gain insight into value-added distribution opportunities. Continue to reflect and refine your approach and search strategies until you see responses, remembering that targeted searches generate the strongest results.