10 Things Every Productive Job Search Needs: A Target

At the most recent Career Club, I presented on 10 Things Every Productive Job Search Needs. Over the next few weeks I will write articles that go into all 10 job search actions.

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#1: A Target

You need a target for a successful job search. A target makes it clear what kind of job you are looking for, how you contribute and specifies the sector/environment.  

Examples of lazy targets:

“I will take anything in communications”

“I can do all kinds of work, I’ll even do entry-level to get my foot in the door”

“I want to work in a big organization where I can grow”  

The above examples are lazy targets because they are not specific and they sound a tinge desperate. They are focused on the job seeker instead of what they will do for a employer.

Let’s make the targets above a little clearer.

 "I am looking for a small company where I can assist other people with managing their files."

“I am looking for a HR role where I get to hire and onboard employees within a large multi-site organization. I set people at ease and have trained over 1,000 people in the electronics sector.”

But won’t a target stop me from getting offers?

I've never seen that happen.

What I have seen is people being recognized for being ultra-specific about their targets and having other jobs proposed to them.

 Why?

 Because people who have their stuff together and know what they want are way more attractive than people who seem desperate or confused.

 Advertising that you are open for anything makes you look confused or uncertain. A potential employer might think, “they don’t actually know what makes them happy or what they want to do. This could be an expensive hire.”

Me, a Dating Coach?

If you have read any of my articles, you will know I brand myself as a career coach. But recently people have reached out to ask if I do dating coaching. What???

They say “well, you help people figure out what stories to share, what makes them special, what they want out of life and then how to show that. So a LinkedIn profile could be an online dating profile, and the interview coaching could be used for the first date.”

I never made that connection before, and honestly it sounds like fun. (I have a handful  of client/friends who are testing the process. If you’d like to test that too, send me a message).

But, I didn't make that connection for them. I have clients who are ultra clear about their target, and they get calls for work they want to do, and proposals for jobs outside of their area. They get more calls/opportunities by being specific than being too open.

People also ask if I want to do recruiting or presentations on labour laws. All of this because they like my style and are thinking of ways to work with me, even if they are happy in their work. This can happen for you too. Once you get clear on your target.

Some questions to figure out your target.

 What kind of work do I want to do?

How do I want to help?

What kind of results will I get the organization?

What kind of work environment supports my work style and personality?

How do I work differently than other people in my field?

Happy Targeting!

I’ll be back soon with more of the 10 activities every job seeker needs to be doing.

Thank you,

Kerri

About Me (Kerri Twigg)

I have helped people gain confidence in themselves through their stories for over 15 years. I am a career coach who has worked with clients ranging from accountants to robotic engineers. Most clients express how supported they feel in making informed decisions about their career. I am serious about it, but also know that landing an ideal job also includes a little magic and luck, combined with great resumes and knowing what skills you are selling. 

I'm a Certified Resume Strategist. I have a BA in Theatre and Psychology, M.Ed in Humane Education and an HR Certificate. My website is Career-Stories.com.