Are you seeking employment and feeling challenged by the process? You are not alone! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job search is currently taking 5.5 months. Many candidates are also facing a competitive market with little to no response from employers—especially if candidates are making a career pivot from one industry to another. When facing such factors, it is understandable that candidates may feel defeated and discouraged. However, taking a step back and reviewing your strategy just may provide you with more promising results!
You may have heard that “finding a full-time job can be a full-time job itself.” While you may relate to this statement, there is one factor that may provide a greater impact than any other—consistent action. Taking small, consistent steps related to your job search strategy may lead to greater opportunities than you have experienced up to this point. Many key elements of a strong job search strategy are not meant to be implemented in a “one-and-done” fashion; rather, to obtain desired results, candidates will oftentimes need to incorporate elements of a multifaceted job search strategy repeatedly.
Elements of a strong, multi-faceted job search strategy typically include the following. How many of these elements do you currently practice and what may you add to your strategy for different results?
- Create structure and document.
In order to maximize your time and promote consistent actions, it is recommended that you create an organized approach to your job search. For example, it is oftentimes best practice to create at least an Excel spreadsheet where you document items such as position for which you applied, date of application submission, closing date (if applicable), follow-up information, and follow-up attempts. You may also want to save original job postings in an electronic folder to refer to later on. In addition, you may want to consider entering time on your daily calendar related to “job search time,” which could be further divided into smaller tasks, such as LinkedIn connection time, searching job postings, etc. In addition, creating S.M.A.R.T. goals using a worksheet will offer tangible structure to reach your job searching goals.
- Include viewing of key job boards/job search resources for your discipline, but only incorporate this as one part of your strategy.
Many job candidates spend a bulk of their time searching through job boards and applying for relevant openings that they see. Using sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Handshake may be effective but they should also be supplemented by other activities. You may also want to view company websites of interest directly for possible openings.
- Invest time in a networking strategy to expand the strength of your professional network.
Start by writing down a list of people who you know directly who are in your field of interest. These professionals do not need to be hiring managers or recruiters; they may simply be people who are working in your field of focus. Next, utilize the LinkedIn Alumni Tool and WGU Ask-a-Grad to connect with other professionals of interest and consider scheduling informational interviews to learn more about professional employment histories while getting your name in front of others. Conducting informational interviews is a unique way of networking with others which requires building rapport first instead of directly asking for job leads or referrals. Further, you may find our Networking Toolkit to be of assistance when preparing to connect with others.
- Research possible in-person opportunities.
Conduct a Google search for “Upcoming Business Job Fairs” near your closest city and see about attending in-person events to connect with employers. You may also want to research brick and mortar colleges and universities in your area and see if they are offering any upcoming job/internship fairs. If these institutions are offering such events, you may want to inquire with the Career Services offices to see if these events are open to the general public. Further, you may want to research Meetup or Local Interest Groups in your area, such as “Women who Code,” to investigate possible in-person networking available through these channels. Lastly, you may want to view and attend Employer Information Sessions of interest under the “Events” tab in Handshake; doing so will allow you the opportunity to learn more about companies in general while providing you with the opportunity to interact with employers in a virtual environment afterwards.
- Celebrate small wins and recognize what IS working.
When conducting a job search, it may be quite powerful to stop and recognize even small “wins,” such as a new, valuable connection made through LinkedIn or positive feedback received after an interview. You may also want to pause and reflect upon what IS working with your job search strategy, which will help to promote job search resiliency and confidence. Actions such as keeping a daily Job Search Gratitude Journal or setting a goal to write down one “win” per day may be a helpful element to add to your strategy.
In closing, what consistent actions might you add to your job search strategy? If WGU Career and Professional Development may be of further assistance, please visit our website for contact information and more details about our services. Best of luck to all candidates on landing that next opportunity!
