30 second sneak peak: Searching for that next job is...HARD. But I will share some things that have helped me.

I was talking to my mother the other day and she shared when my father was looking for a job back in the 1960s...he sent out over 100 resumes.  Even though he graduated with great grades from a well known school it took a lot of work to get that 1st job post graduation.  He was able to get his first job through his college professor.  In the beginning of 2018, I started my own job search.  I had been with Marriott(as a Contractor) for about 2 years.  I made a decision to start a job search because I was uncertain about my future at Marriott and I also wanted to see what the candidate experience was like.  After 90 applications across the country, I had 14 calls with companies due to the activity.  This led to 4 formal interviews and 2 offers.  This spanned from January 2018 to September 2018.  9 Months!  What did I learn? 

Talent Acquisition for most companies is not high on their priority list.  In all fairness this has changed dramatically over the past 20 years due to the ease of applying.  The no responses, the response initially and then no response was incredible.  The false promise to follow up with candidates from one well known company shocked me.   The screening tactics of a large publicly traded company also was very disappointing.  It did not provide the feel of an elite company seeking great talent.  I kept trudging along even though most of my experience was not good.    That said I got a job! 

Okay, what helped me?  Since I am an Executive Recruiter I know that Recruiters can see 100s of resumes a week.  That is just how it is today.  Anyone can click the apply button and the Recruiter has to review the profiles that best align to the role they are working on. 

Patience is a big deal when it comes to searching.  You need to execute patience.  I would get an email 2,3,and even 4 weeks after my application.  That is ok.  We want the hiring process to work fast but the truth is that is can be a 3-6 week process from start to finish for experience to manager level hires.  Months for the Executive....which I want to change!

Next is Activity.  You have to keep up the activity.  Track all of your applications.  I set up a spreadsheet and I applied and then followed up.  Go to Linkedin and send a message to a peer that closely aligns to your role.  I do not recommend any more than 1 or 2 follow up emails.  If you do not hear from a Recruiter as a result then move on.  All you need is 1 job. 

Networking.  Over my career, I have been able to obtain jobs through my network.  Family, Inner circle, past colleagues, college roommates, etc.  Do not be afraid to network.  Grab a cup of coffee with someone or jump on a call with someone.  Do not say I need a job but instead say you may be looking for new opportunities.  Be clear.  State the kind of jobs you are seeking.  "Manager in Digital Products", "Financial Analyst with budgeting and forecasting", "Recruiter placing experienced hires in the space of Sales and Marketing".  

Okay, so we are over 30 seconds but the last thing I want to say is to be Cooperative.  He/She who cooperates gets the job.   Yes, you are special as a candidate but the more cooperative you are there is a higher probability that you will be considered versus those who are not.  

Thanks for reading!