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Launching a Productive Job Search

So you're ready to land your dream job. You've made the conscious decision that where you are currently isn't where you want to be. Great! Now what?

Sending out resumes and applying to every job position imaginable is one strategy, but I wouldn't call that productive. Your search should be targeted and strategic. Ask yourself: "How can I get the gatekeepers (hiring managers and recruiters) for the type of positions I'm interested in to pay attention to me?"


Here are the 6 steps you need to launch a productive job search:

  1. Gain clarity on what you want and need.

    1. This is an important step! Seriously, don't skip this step!

    2. Make a list of your must-have non-negotiables. Typically, this will include things like pay, benefit offerings, location, position level, work schedule, etc. Next, make a list of your nice-to-haves. This could be anything extra like advancement opportunities, company size, or other perks or incentives.

  2. Be Realistic

    1. No amount of resume editing or LinkedIn optimization will land you a position that you're not qualified to do.

    2. Some positions require specific education, certifications, licenses, or experience.

    3. Setting realistic expectations can prevent lots of time wasted pursuing opportunities that aren't the right match.

    4. Read the entire job posting to be sure you meet the requirements and have all of the qualifications needed.

  3. Ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up to date

    1. Review your resume and ensure that everything is up to date. Check out this blog post for more info on how to craft a tailored resume that stands out.

    2. Optimize your LinkedIn profile and ensure your bio clearly explains your goals and value add. Check out this blog post on how to write a bio that sells.

  4. Ensure your most up to date resume is available on sites like Indeed

  5. Reach out to your network

    1. Seek out those who work in the industry or company you want to work for. Even if their company isn't hiring they may know of other opportunities they can refer you for.

    2. Internal referrals go a long way. As the old saying goes, "sometimes it not what you know, but who you know"

  6. Research specific companies in the specific industry you want to work for

    1. This is where the targeted strategic approach comes into play.

    2. Sometimes companies are working to fill positions that they aren't necessarily advertising.

    3. Customize your cover letter and resume to specifically target that industry. Ensure that your using that industry's language.

Still not sure about what to do next, no worries! Let's connect to create a tailored plan to get you started!


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