Defining a Job Search Strategy

When you've made the decision to search for a new job you need to be prepared that this will take up a lot of your time! Now rather than go in 'blind' with your approach, the best thing you can do is set yourself up with a Job Search Strategy.

So what is a Job Search Strategy?

A job search strategy is where you develop a well-planned approach to finding suitable employment opportunities. It involves a series of steps and actions aimed at maximising the chances of securing a job that aligns with your skills, qualifications, and career goals. Here are some key components of a job search strategy:

1. Self-assessment: Begin by understanding your skills, strengths, weaknesses, interests, and career aspirations. This self-assessment will help you identify the type of roles and industries that best suit you.

2. Define your goals: Clearly define what kind of job you are looking for and set specific, achievable goals for your job search.

3. Tailored resume and cover letter: Customise your resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the requirements of the position.

4. Networking: Build and expand your professional network both in person and online. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with people in your target companies or industries through platforms like LinkedIn.

5. Online job boards and company websites: Regularly check job boards, career websites of companies you're interested in, and job search engines to find open positions. Better still set up job alerts on the job boards - saves you time having to go in an 'search' everyday.

6. LinkedIn: Utilise LinkedIn to showcase your skills and experiences, engage with professionals and companies in your field, and search for job postings.

7. Job search engines and aggregators: Use online platforms that aggregate job postings from various sources to save time and effort in searching for opportunities.

8. Recruitment agencies: Consider working with recruitment agencies and headhunters who specialise in placing candidates in your field.

9. Informational interviews: Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your desired industry or companies to gain insights and build relationships. This could be as simple as asking a professional if you could meet them for a coffee, this could be face to face or virtual.

10. Follow-up: After submitting applications or attending interviews, follow up with thank-you emails to express your appreciation and interest in the position.

11. Online portfolio or personal website: If applicable to your profession, create an online portfolio or personal website to showcase your work and skills.

12. Skill development: Continuously improve your skills and knowledge through courses, workshops, or certifications relevant to your field.

13. Stay organized: Keep track of the jobs you've applied to, interviews you've had, and follow-ups you need to do to ensure you're managing your job search effectively. Think about the best way to do this, that will work for you including making use of folders and files on technology platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.

14. Stay positive and persistent: Job searching can be challenging and may take time. Stay positive, stay persistent, and be prepared for potential rejections. Build your resilience when it comes to achieving your career aspirations.

By implementing a job search strategy, you can increase your chances of finding the right job and advancing in your career. Remember that consistency and adaptability are key to a successful job search.

Now obviously to design, develop, and deliver on your personalised job search strategy you need to spend time doing this, and if you are still balancing full time work, and your personal commitments, you may feel you do not have the time to do it!

This is where I can come in and work with you to co-design your personalised job search strategy. This could be as simple as a 'strategy on a page', with actions for you to implement, or I can add additional wrap around services including;

• Writing your CV, and cover letter for each job you wish to apply for,

• Setting up an administration system to manage the 'paper work' associated with job applications,

• Searching for relevant jobs for you,

• Creating an Evidence Portfolio to showcase your work, and

• Creating or reviewing your LinkedIn Profile.

You can check out the full range of career services I have on offer HERE or contact me today to discuss further your needs for your job search strategy. career_strategist@outlook.com