Taking on a job search can be intimidating. Whether you are a recent grad looking for your first opportunity in your chosen field, an experienced professional looking for an opportunity to advance, or a person reentering the workforce after a hiatus, certain techniques will bring in opportunities you may not otherwise find. Use these tips to help make sure you see every opportunity available and get your job search on the right track.
Network, Network, Network
Many job openings are not advertised, up to 80 percent according to some studies, but that doesn’t mean you don’t know someone who knows about them. In order to gain access to these semi-exclusive openings, you need to get your network working for you.
How do you put your network to work? It’s simple…tell them you are job hunting.
If your network doesn’t know you are in the job market, they might feel that telling you about openings is being pushy, or judgmental, even if their motives are pure. By letting them know you are looking, they can use their network to see if a position seems like a match.
Identify Your Target(s)
Are there particular companies you’ve had your eye on for a while? Or did you hear a great piece of news about a business that might be a good fit? If so, create a list, or, more precisely, a spreadsheet.
Write down the names of employers that likely have positions that match your skill set. Gather job search and contact information, such as their job posting board of choice and the names of those working in human resources, respectively. Then, reach out.
Craft professional communications that express both what you like about the company and what you have to offer. Keep the inquiry simple and professional. This message is going to serve as your first impression. So focus on how you can help the business solve their problems, not how they can solve yours.
Job Fairs
Job fairs give you an opportunity to meet new potential employers from your local area. It is an excellent opportunity to grow your network regardless if there are any current openings. Bring professional copies of your resume, even a few versions to target different positions if you are casting a wide net. Dress appropriately as well, as job fairs are closer to interviews than basic meet-and-greets.
Collect business cards from any company or recruiter that may have something to offer and take some time to speak with them if possible. Add them to your social networks to help you connect later, or follow up on any potential opportunities, and add them to your business connection spreadsheet.
Staffing Firm
Professional staffing firms have connections to a wide variety of local employers, and in some cases, may even be the exclusive hiring point. This means they have access to opportunities that are not available to the general public.
Additionally, a staffing firm can work as your advocate, essentially advertising you and your credentials to local companies that can benefit from your expertise. Even if a position isn’t officially open at the time, a company may choose to make a new position if the right candidate comes along.
By instituting some, or all, of the techniques listed here, you significantly improve your chances of finding the right position for you. The Squires Group can help you find new opportunities. Contact us today to add another weapon to your job hunting arsenal.
