I was recently contacted by a prospective client who had returned to the United States after a few years overseas, but had quickly become disillusioned with the online job search process. Despite numerous resume postings and online applications, she quickly realized that finding her ideal job was not going to materialize on the internet.
No matter how hard we try, it seems like we are all victims to the "hypnotic" appeal of the Internet that promises new jobs in a short period of time. While there is great value in online tools like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, VisualCV and many more, you have to diversify and expand your techniques to be successful in today's competitive job market.
I have found that too many executives feel that they are not being active in their job search unless they have sent out tons of resumes and visited hundreds of websites. That is simply not true! In reality, the more time you spend in front of the computer means less time interacting with other colleagues, industry leaders and key individuals who can be very instrumental in helping you land your next opportunity.
Want to break away from the online job search addiction, but don't know where to start? Here are seven steps that you can employ today to get you moving in the right direction.
1. Have a Clear Target
You must decide what type of opportunities you want to focus on - you should be able to describe your target position by title, function, industry and location. Trust me, your job search will go in circles without this important first step.
2. Determine Your Job Search Tactics
We already know that while online job searches can be part of your strategy, it should not be the entire focus. Decide if you will attend career fairs or trade shows, participate in annual conferences, join the Chamber of Commerce, seek out local networking events or secure informational interviews.
3. Compile A List of Target Companies
Resist the urge to only apply for your target positions through online job openings. Develop a solid list of about 10 to 15 companies that regularly hire someone with your qualifications and skill. Following this step gives you a better understanding of the level of experience and expertise that companies require and how you can better position yourself for interviews.
4. Develop Your Resume & Career Marketing Documents
You might be surprised that I did not suggest that you create the resume before finding a list of companies. However, if you are now clear on the skills, experience, qualifications, education and expertise that your target companies are frequently seeking in potential employees, you have an advantage when it comes to creating a focused, targeted resume.
5. Start Researching Job Opportunities
Notice that I said "job opportunities" and not "job openings" - the job openings that appear on job boards and company websites will attract hundreds if not thousands of applicants. By reaching out to internal company contacts or soliciting information interviews, you have a greater chance of learning about upcoming job openings before they are advertised to the masses.
6. Get To Networking & Building New Contacts
Your personal and professional network is much, much bigger than you give yourself credit for - there are family members, neighbors, former co-workers, ex-bosses, church friends, current and former classmates, your hairstylist, your doctor, dentist - the list simply goes on. Get beyond being embarrassed about not having a job and start talking to everyone.
7. Enhance Your Online Visibility
Whether you like it or not, employers and recruiters are going to "Google" you long before they contact you for an interview. Did you know that not having an online presence can hurt your job search?
Get a headstart with LinkedIn, ZoomInfo, Ziggs and Naymz and expand to VisualCV portfolio or purchase a URL in your name and create your own web portfolio.
Sounds like a tall order? Well, looking for a job is a job - expect to spend at least 25-30 hours a week in job search activity, just make sure that time is not wasted sitting in front of a computer.
