Expedite Your Job Search
The days are ticking by, and you find your job search has been less than fruitful. Companies you contact have their budgets on hold until the new year, and you’re left feeling unsure of what your future holds.
If you’ve experienced the mentioned scenario in your employment hunt, it’s time to take your job search to the next level. Let’s discuss three little known strategies to get your foot in the door with a target employer – no matter what time of the year it is. We’ll also talk about creating a “reasonable” time frame for which you should expect an interview invitation, before moving on to a different opportunity. Finally, we’ll take a look at the possibility of creating your own opportunities, when your employment prospects are dropping the ball.
We’ve already mentioned that you’ve come up against a lot of rejection in the job market, simply because many employers put their hiring budgets on hold this time of year. This has absolutely nothing to do with you as a job seeker. Depending on where you live and want to work, and based on the current economy, you may be up against more rejection than you ever thought possible. The issue here comes down to supply and demand. There are more qualified workers so the supply is high; creating a decrease in demand. The goal of this article is for YOU to become in HIGH demand.
To put yourself in a position of demand, you must begin using one or all of the three strategies listed below:
Create a written “marketing plan” for yourself. Yes, you must out-market your competition – those other people applying for the same positions as you! Remember the old saying, “no one plans to fail – they fail to plan.” This absolutely holds true for any individual who is currently a part of the unemployed pool. Whether you are looking for an entry-level job or an executive opportunity, you MUST create a working marketing plan….and follow it.
It’s not what you know, as much as WHO you know. If you’re looking for your next job opportunity, are you actively going above and beyond to connect with the hiring decision makers within your target companies? If you’re not, then you’re missing the boat – and missing out on incredible opportunities. Utilize the telephone and find out who the hiring authority is for the position you are applying for. Log in to every business social network you are on, and research this decision maker. Find out if he or she attends any local networking events, has a favorite charity, or participates in their child’s school. Find out every possible thing about that individual, and find a way to insert yourself into their world. If you can connect with the employer on a personal level, I guarantee they will be willing to hear more about you on a professional level.
Consider working with a reputable recruiter who specializes in your field. Many job seekers believe working with a headhunter is costly and simply not an option based on their industry or field. The truth is a professional Recruiting Specialist can be exactly what you need to save time and money. Most recruiters are well-connected, and many have personal relationships with hiring managers from some of the most sought after companies on a global basis. Working with a recruiter allows you to leverage your career and tap in to resources you would not otherwise have access to.
Now that you have three solid strategies to take your job search to the next level, it’s time to assess whether or not companies in your area are hiring for your particular industry. It’s time to realize that you may have to relocate to stay in your current field. While this is a reality many job seekers do not wish to face, it’s necessary to look at the facts. Depending on where you live, and what industry/field you are in, you may find this economy makes it a requirement for you to make a move. It’s not the end of the world, and it’s not forever – it’s just a fact of life right now. Go where the jobs are for your specialty.
What happens if you’re an accomplished executive, and you can’t find any opportunities that compensate in the “ball-park” of your former job? Consider consulting, working as a temp in your field, or starting your own business. This is one way to ensure you are working during the down economy, and keeps your name out there once we reach a growth phase again. Who knows….you may find that you make a great boss.
Article by Christina Archer
Courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates seeking entry-level jobs and other career opportunities, and posted on GadBall Blog.
