Job Search Strategy - Own your career

In my privileged position, I speak with individuals at various stages in their careers.

From observing how businesses scrutinise CVs to witnessing the rollercoaster ride of the interview process, I might not have seen it all, but I have seen a lot. ?

Job searching in a competitive market can be daunting and to be honest we are still very much in a challenging period. I understand the frustrations that come from elusive feedback and getting sudden role cancellations at the last moment.

That's why I highly recommend you use a Job Search Strategy (for the purpose of this article lets call it a - JSS).

Let's look at what a good JSS entails, how to shape it, and its significance in steering your career success now and in the future.

Dedicated Email:

Begin with the basics – your email setup. Do you lump all correspondence into one inbox? I recommend creating a dedicated email solely for career-related matters. This streamlines your communication, making it easier to locate crucial emails when needed. Keep it professional and not the email you set up in college (007Jenkins…or something along those lines).

Make sure you keep alerts on this email or check weekly as you don’t want to miss important updates.

CV:

It is so important to have this ready to go – Is it up to date? Have you had it professionally reviewed? Ensure its ready to be sent at the drop of a hat.

This is not a CV formatting article, I have and will do articles on that. (Please see link below for what a good one should look like).

Recruiter Relationships:

Build a connection with a select few recruiters you trust. View conversations with them as invaluable investments, irrespective of your current job hunt status. Nurture these relationships consistently; a monthly catch-up ensures you remain on their radar. Don’t just use a recruiter when you need them, work with them and I guarantee it will pay off in the long run.

Organisation:

Create & maintain records of your job search using an Excel spreadsheet. Track discussions, applications, feedback – everything. This structured approach provides invaluable insights into your career.

How many times have you spoken to a recruiter and gone ‘ I think I applied there once?’….With this spreadsheet you will know exactly, with who, when and the outcome.

Networking:

Regularly engage with your professional network – congratulate peers on their successes, attend industry events, or catch up over coffee. Consistent networking can only lead to an increase in success in the long run, start now.

Challenge: Can you commit to one networking activity a month?

Consistency:

Like anything in life, consistency is key. Implement your JSS regardless of your job search status.

By doing so, you'll reap the benefits whether content in your current role or actively seeking new opportunities.

Conclusion:

In summary, a well-planned and actioned JSS is the next level in long term career progression. I picked the picture of a chess game for this article because that is what navigating your career is.

A bad strategy is likely to result in poor career choices and outcomes.

A great strategy gives you the best opportunity to enhance successful ones.

Implement the above strategies, keep consistent and own your career.

Never take your career lightly, don't assume, things can change fast, stay ahead of the market and be ready if & when the time is right.

Do you have a JSS? Are you going to start one?

Best,

Rich

?

?

?