Job Search Mindset Shift #4: Build a Targeted Search Strategy

"The answer is to develop a targeted job search strategy, which starts with identifying & researching companies where they would like to work."

When I ask new clients to tell me about their job search process so far, they will usually tell me the number of jobs they have applied to... They are often applying to as many jobs as possible on a daily basis. Without creating a job search strategy and, more specifically, deciding on the top 3 to 5 companies they would like to work for, they are going to be left with counting more job applications than interviews or job offers about 95% of the time. The answer is to develop a targeted job search strategy, which starts with identifying & researching companies where they would like to work. They may be pleasantly surprised to find their ideal job posted on the company careers page. When their ideal job is not posted yet, the next step is to join the company's talent community and/ or create a job alert for the job title or functional area on the company career site. As a result, they will receive an email alert when a job in their area of expertise immediately when it is posted. This will give them the advantage of knowing about a job before it appears on all of the job boards and the opportunity to apply before it does.

"Most people know that being in an active job search can be challenging so networking contacts will be willing to help if they can and may refer a job applicant in their network to the recruiter or hiring manager."

The next step once they have applied is to determine if they know someone who works there or someone who knows someone who works there. Once they do, they can reach out directly or ask their connection for help to reach out to the person who works for their target company. This type of networking allows them to have a 'warm introduction' with a point of contact, share that they have applied, and express why they are interested in working for the company. Most people know that being in an active job search can be challenging so networking contacts will be willing to help if they can and may refer a job applicant in their network to the recruiter or hiring manager.

"...as companies are eliminated from their target companies list for one reason or another, they need to identify 3 to 5 more companies where they would like to work."

Then, they need to start from the top with this process - also known as a 'rinse and repeat' strategy - and, as companies are eliminated from their target companies list for one reason or another, they need to identify 3 to 5 more companies where they would like to work. For example, this can be a brand they have always liked and/ or a company that is geographically close to where they live. This process will continue to define their targeted company search and begin to hone where they would really like to work.

"This is one of many job search strategies that work."

The combined strategy of a target company list which they continue to refresh plus actively networking with known contacts and potential new connections builds a job search strategy instead of applying to any job and any company that happens to be hiring. This is one of many job search strategies that work. Try it and see....you've got this!

#jobsearchhelp,?#strategy, #networking, #nowhiring, #jobalert

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