Simplify and Control Your Search

With many states seeing unemployment rates at an all time high, searching for a new opportunity is daunting. Add on the overwhelming process associated with applying, interviewing, and tracking your efforts, and one can be left overwhelmed. Today, let's step back and look at simplifying the process, allowing focus and more control over factors impacting outcomes. Here are the most important components of a job search in today's workforce that you can impact positively with the right organization and execution.

1. Your Personal Brand. What will others say about you? If asked to speak candidly, what will those who have worked with you, for you, and led you, say about you? Your "brand" starts with each exchange from college through career, with your image being defined by your actions, words, and deeds. Become intimately self aware of your personal brand and be open to candid input on areas to improve. Take note of those willing to speak on your behalf in reference with a potential future employer.
2. Your Network. Identify who you know within a sphere of influence. Who has contacts in your industry or area of expertise? Create a visible, trackable representation of who you will reach out to proactively. An electronic spreadsheet seems to be the most common tracking tool, but a paper notebook may work just as well.
3. Your Elevator Pitch. When you get the opportunity to engage these people in your network, what will you say? What value will you bring to them in the conversation? How will you explain why you are looking? You need a tailored, well thought out quick explanation of what value you bring to an organization and why you are available.
4. Your Online Profile and your Resume. These go hand in hand. LinkedIn is the world's largest professional networking organization at the moment, and regardless of the platform name, having media representation of yourself is here to stay. Create a robust profile that reflects your resume. A personal website is a trend that is allowing you to share a simple link that offers insight into your expertise.
5. Network at Scale. As you identify your network, platforms like Linkedin allow you to meet and follow other people and companies of interest. Get the attention of the individuals at certain companies by reading their content daily, "liking" and/or sharing. Spend time everyday putting notes out to individuals of interest that speak to your valuable experiences you could bring to a team. Virtual conferences are also good opportunities to learn who individuals are in what areas of specialty, and this year we have seen more than ever.

Losing a job is stressful, and finding another is difficult. Although speaking with recruiters and applying for positions are important, there are actions of which you can control that can move your towards optimal outcomes when exercised every day. Spend time investing in your relationships where you can add value, and the organizations that most align with your expertise, and the investment will pay off.