Managing your Job Search
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Whilst most job seekers focus much of their time on CV drafting and interview preparation, one thing that is commonly left out is a structured job search plan.
I would argue that structuring your search from the outset is key and means the difference between finding a job (if at all) and finding a truly great job.
There are three steps to setting up your search that all job seekers and candidates should be aware of. And importantly this is information that you should save after your search is done to revisit the next time you decide to dip your toes in the market.
Tracking
For whatever reason you find yourself searching for a job. The very first thing you should do is create a tracking spreadsheet (through word, excel, google docs or whatever you are most comfortable with)
Why do this? Sometimes a job search is completed in a matter of weeks, but quite regularly job seekers find that they are not in a rush and as such spend a more protracted period on the market. Having an easily retrievable summary of your activity can be very useful later in your search.
The type of activity which you record can be anything all. Some of the things you can track are:
- CV Submissions – where applied, date, CV version, Date for follow up
- Recruiters – where has your CV been submitted to, version, Date & follow up
- Interviews – performance notes, outcome, key information provided (salary / notice)
Engaging the Market
- Direct Engagement
Make sure you open several fronts when engaging the market. Browsing job boards is a good first steps or set up alerts for more efficiency. Look at companies you are interested in, and see if they are recruiting or identify companies that exist in a similar space as your current employer and do the same.
- Recruitment Agencies
The next step is to engage with recruitment companies. Partner with a recruitment company who you trust and who provide you with a good service. Companies that specialise in your sector are the most ideal to work with.
Make sure you manage the recruitment relationship closely so that everyone is on the same page at all times and maintain regular contact with recruiters so that they think of you first when opportunities arise.
- Networking
Use tools like LinkedIn to identify decision makers in the market so that you can engage with them. Attending networking events is a terrific way to meet with hiring managers, recruiters and professionals with a view to furthering your job search. If you are nervous engaging in direct networking this blog might be of interest.
Don’t forget to follow up anytime you make a new connection either by phone or by email. At networking events I would always recommend that you are subtle and try not to be overt about your job seeker status. Rather direct the conversation to market activity or recruitment in a general sense and allow things to flow from there.
Increasing your visibility
The final tasks at the start of your job search is to increase your visibility online – most notably through LinkedIn.
Ensure that you are joining with groups and networking with decision makers, colleagues and competitors. Check your profile for how well it is key worded. This blog will give you plenty of additional information regarding keywords.
Make your personal email visible on LinkedIn as this will dramatically increase the chances that recruiters will get in touch and remember to be active in discussions and groups as this will raise your overall visibility.
If you would like more information please feel free to contact us.
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