The process of finding a new job can exhaust your mind as well as your confidence. It’s not uncommon for job seekers to apply to hundreds of opportunities before even going on one interview. Most importantly, don’t give up!
To help you persevere, here’s a guide for navigating some common challenges to increase your chance of success.
Network, Network, Network
It goes without saying how important it is to leverage people you know in your industry, community and even your neighborhood. But we are still saying it. Sometimes it may be embarrassing especially if your job search is involuntary.
However, as Janis Joplin said ’freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.’ Networking allows you to bypass those gatekeepers that are so difficult to overcome.
Cast A Wide Net
In today’s job market, it’s essential to create and explore multiple opportunities simultaneously. Proactively reach out to headhunters who specialize in your industry. Don’t rely on just LinkedIn as the source of job opportunities. Look for industry specific job boards, associations and leaders.
Take Every Call
Your network is a great source of referrals for recruiters. And someday you may have roles to fill yourself. So whether you’re in an active job search or not, take the call. Learn about the role and if you are not interested, refer someone fabulous in your network. (Christy and Elissa always keep lists of diverse talent who’re considering moves so that they can refer great talent to great leaders.)
Clear Communication is Key
Initiate clear and concise conversations with recruiters about your expectations and ask them about their process. Ask about timelines for updates, feedback, and next steps. This doesn’t guarantee you won’t ever need to track them down, but establishing open lines of communication help to manage expectations and stay the course.
Professional Persistence Pays Off
If you don’t receive the promised update, follow-up! A brief email, Linkedin message or text is quick, easy, efficient and typically greatly appreciated. It demonstrates your commitment, keeps you top-of-mind, and makes it convenient for the recruiter to reply.
Stand Out
Differentiate yourself from other candidates by always sending thank you notes (really emails). This may seem old-fashioned, and I’ve even had a CEO mock the value of them. In this day and age of minimized common communication, it can really make you stand out.
Expect the Unexpected
Realistically manage your expectations to prepare for unexpected delays and uncertainties. It can feel like an emotional roller coaster but understand that factors outside of your control are at play in every hiring company – budget approvals, internal workflows, and drawn-out interview processes may not follow a linear path. Hang in there.
Feedback is a Gift
If one recruiter doesn’t pan out, seek constructive feedback from someone you trust. This can help you surface blind spots, misunderstandings, and areas for improvement that can be invaluable for refining your approach and landing the right role. While some can be reticent, the best recruiters put great talent in great roles and give great feedback when you ask for it.
Character Counts
Even if you are ghosted, or face a challenge with a recruiter or hiring manager, take the high road. Avoid burning bridges in this interconnected world; our paths are all very tangled and positive impressions – even in difficult situations – build positive reputations that can lead to future opportunities down the line.
Volunteer Your Skills
If you have the time, most likely if you’re unemployed, consider participating in skills-based volunteering. These positions can be only an hour commitment and can have significant benefits to your self-confidence and your community.
Bring the Joy
Then spend time each day doing something for yourself. This can be a reward for the grind, and reinvigoration to dive back into the next call or application.
It takes Strategy and Resilience to navigate the recruiting dynamics of this challenging job market. Though your patience may be tested, use these tips to weather the storm – keep at it and before you know it you’ll emerge successful.
Hang in there – you’ve got this!
Share any tips below on you managed your last job search.
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