As a retained executive search firm, we get hired for very specific leadership roles for our clients. While we don’t help people find jobs, we want to be a helpful resource for those in job transition. Below is a collection of job search article links and resources.
** Read these articles in order. Why? The content is crafted in a way that builds upon prior sections. This system is proven, but it requires you to take a step back before going forward. Most of the challenges in a job search is getting focus and clarity. Your resume and interview strategy success depend on gaining clarity on where you are today and where you want to go next in your career.
This insight is developed from working on the front lines of hiring for 20+ years working with for 300+ clients and reviewing resumes of tens of thousands of candidates.
In other words, these are proven recruiter insider tips on how you can stand out from the pack and land that next job you want.
1. PREPARATION // Are you ready?
- Get recharged. Invest 24 hours to rest, exercise, and do things that clear your head and give you energy. Laugh.
- Check your dashboard indicators. Remember the big picture and assess what you could be learning during the job search. Appreciate your blessings, take responsibility for your life, and forgive others so you can move forward.
- Get organized. Clear out clutter and get your workspace, computer, calendar, and contacts in order. Create folders and a spreadsheet to track your job search.
- Don’t apply anywhere right away. A quick and successful job search requires a focused strategy. Exhale. Trust this proven process and don’t spam your resume.
2. STARTING POINT // Where are you now?
- Know your personality. Take a quick personality assessment online (DISC, Myers-Briggs, StrengthsFinder) for added insight on what makes you unique and what drives you.
- Get wisdom. Share what you been learning with trusted friends, family and past co-workers. Ask for authentic feedback from those who know you best.
- Unpack your career. Evaluate past experience to determine what you want to continue doing (or not) in the future. Create a checklist of criteria for your next job, including: Title, location, compensation, culture, and professional development areas. Download Unpack Your Career worksheet (PDF).
3. IDEAL DESTINATION // Where do you want to go next?
- Expand your perspective. Open your mind to the many options and create a “Big List” of companies you would be interested in exploring further. Download Target Company Tracker worksheet.
- Narrow your focus. Identify the industries, companies and role(s) that interest you most. Narrow your big list down to a top dozen target companies. Aim smart at where you target your job search.
- Visualize your ideal destination. Think about where you’d like to be down the road in your next job. Visit someone actually doing a similar job to gain inspiration and focus.
4. BE DIFFERENT // What’s your story and how can you stand out from the pack?
- Update your resume. Now that you know where you are and where you are going, your resume will be more clear and effective. Update your Linkedin profile to match. Spice it up with some personality and use action words. Download your free PDF “The Resume Template” 36-page resume best practice guide.
- Research your network. Who do you know? Find connections at the companies where you want to work. Look for an angle, and a way to stand out to help give you an edge over other candidates. Upgrade your LinkedIn profile (download LinkedIn Tips PDF).
- Ask for help. Tell your friends, family and social networks how they can help you with your search. This can lead to great referrals.
- Rehearse interviews. Practice and make mistakes with friends instead of a future boss. Be ready for the two questions you’ll get asked at every interview. Develop case study stories to describe your prior roles and accomplishments. Use the Rule of 3 technique.
5. GET ROLLING // How do you land the job?
- Email your resume. Now you’re ready to apply for jobs and send your resume to targeted companies. You can skip the cover letter.
- Track your weekly progress and success. Measure things you can control to keep you on track and moving forward. Download your weekly success tracking template.
- Negotiate your offer. Learn a few insider tips to land the best offer. Provide references if requested.
- Say “Thank You”. Remember to follow-up with all of the people who helped you along the way. If you are still employed, finish strong and give notice professionally.
