Accelerating a 'Stalled' Job Search

OK, it's more than a month into your new job search. Your role was eliminated or you were downsized or rightsized or whatever they called it. Let's call it what it was. You are no longer employed period.

It may have come as a shock to you. It may have come out of the blue (or out of left field) or however you want to describe it. Maybe, after some reflection, you realized it wasn't such a shock. There were signs. Maybe--maybe not.

Your pride took a beating. For many people -- despite what we may say -- our roles define us. We spend more time at work and with work colleagues than we do at home and with our family and friends. In many get togethers, often the first thing someone asks is 'what do you do?' So now you no longer have your job. The rug has been pulled out from under you.

At first you may have thought you'd find a job easily. After all, you have a good education and some great experience. How hard can it be? Once you got the ball rolling, you may have had several interviews. You explained away the first few rejections. The company was 'pipelining' candidates for future roles. The role was really too junior for you and the company didn't want to take a flyer on you knowing you might move as soon as a more senior role presented itself or be bored in the role. That other role wasn't quite right. That other company had a poor culture and you wouldn't have fit in or been happy there. That HR recruiter didn't know what she was doing. She asked all the wrong questions and just 'ticked the boxes' on her scorecard.

You get my drift. What started out for you as positivity has now gotten you depressed. Perhaps your severance is running out and you are starting to get anxious. Finding that next job was not as easy or happening as quickly as you had thought.

What should you do?

1. Bear in mind that finding a full time job IS a full time job. It's not something you do when you feel like it. This is one instance where being pro-active and being disciplined pays off. Put the time into your job search each and every day. It doesn't have to be all day. Perhaps get up in the morning and focus on your job search and then do what you want to do for the remainder of the day. Get the tasks you don't like to do done early (i.e. cold calling) so that you aren't stressing over them all day long.
2. Have a job search strategy or as I like to call it a job search "game plan". Write down your strategy for your job search and hold yourself accountable. This will keep you focused and build your self-confidence. It will also allow you to review the plan periodically to see what has been working for you and what needs tweaking. Know what your objective is (and it's not just to get a job!). Be clear on the types of roles you want, the types of companies, etc. Make a list of the actions you need to take to help you find that role. Hold yourself accountable. Include a list of what you need to do (finalize your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile, contact search firms, reach out to your network, etc.)
3. Now execute on that plan. Many people think that spending hours a day crafting customized cover letters and resumes and responding to job postings is the way to find your next job. Sure, for some roles that may work. Other people put all their 'eggs' in the basket of a search firm. They are sure that a search firm will find them their next great job. News flash. Companies post roles even if they don't exist (to get resumes for their database) or post roles for which they already have identified a candidate simply because their policy is to do so. The odds of a positive response to a posting has been cited as 2 out of every 100 resumes you submit. I think it's more like ONE. And that search firm you are banking on? Well, many of them won't even bother with you unless they have a role to find right away that is perfect for you. They make their money by placing candidates into roles they have, not in being your best friend. Many companies have avoided using search firms and choose instead to bring recruiting in-house to save money. Bear that in mind.
4. Network, network, network. I can't stress that enough. Think about everyone with whom you've worked in your career. Think about former classmates. Think about your friends and family. The more people you know and who know about you and what you are looking for, the more likely you are to find that next great opportunity. Many people say they are not natural networkers. When they think of networking they think of having to shake a bunch of hands and meet a bunch of strangers. Not so. Our network is everyone we know or have come into contact with and those who are acquainted with them. Someone told me recently that they don't believe people want to help. Not true. I believe people genuinely want to help each other. At least that's been my experience. But you can't just email or text or used LinkedIn to reach out to someone with whom you've not been in touch and ask for a job. No, No, No. How you ask for help and what you ask for is key. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone. Remember, not everyone is on LinkedIn all the time and sees your outreach. Many emails go directly into a spam or junk folder. Pick up the phone and reach out directly.
5. Keep a journal and keep track of everything you do so that you can see what is working and what is not. My recommendation is to keep an Excel spreadsheet of your outreach which includes names, titles, companies, email addresses, phone numbers and status. Ensure you keep track of who you've called/spoken to and when and what the outcome was. If they refer someone to you, add that person to the spreadsheet and ensure you make a notation next to the referral so you can thank them. Consider color coding it. Pale blue (cool) if the outreach did not bear fruit. White if you have not yet reached out. Bright yellow if follow up is required. Check it every morning and have a game plan for the day.

What else should you be doing on a daily basis?

1. DAILY review ads on-line and apply to those that are relevant. Follow up with key people in those organizations (and not necessarily HR or recruiters; they are far too busy to reply). Look for people at your level or one above or hiring managers directly. Connect with them if you are not already connected or look for someone to make that introduction. Ask to learn more about the role. If you don't ask, you don't get. That's for sure.
2. DAILY be active on LinkedIn. Share stories of interest. Post articles of interest. Comment on items of interest. The more you are active, the more your profile will be noticed. But be strategic. You want to be seen as a subject matter expert on something. Be too generic and you will be passed up. Roles are highly specialized these days and the old 'jack of all trades' just doesn't cut it anymore.
3. DAILY call or meet up with a pre-determined number of people on your networking list. If you dread making phone calls, do them first thing in the morning and get that out of the way. Don't hide behind your computer. Pick up the phone!
4. DAILY conduct research (on-line and in print) on companies of interest. Stay current. Know what's happening in your field. Glassdoor often posts questions asked by interviewers at various companies . Practice answering questions until you know them cold.
5. DAILY seek networking opportunities. Connect with and meet new people. Plan to attend at least two actual networking events or seminars or conferences a month.
6. DAILY take time for yourself. Exercise. Get out. Work from a coffee shop or library. Make sure you get up, get dressed and get out of your house! Change your environment and be among people.

And remember the most important piece of advice of all -- review what you are doing. If it's not working, change it up. Don't keep doing the same thing if it hasn't been working for you. If you are fortunate to have a transition coach, use her! It will be well worth your time.