How to have a successful job search
While landing that perfect position is such an exciting feeling, the job search before you get there can be extremely anxiety-inducing. Maybe you’ve sat in so many uncomfortable interviews you’ve run out of clever things to say. Or, maybe you’ve received some rejection letters and your motivation is wavering.
Take it from me, you are not the only person who feels the weight of the job search. I’ve spent the past 20+ years working as a senior level recruiter, and I’ve seen (and heard) it all. Now, I’m here to share some ways you can set yourself up for success before you get to your next interview.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself to get better prepared and feel confident in your search again.
It’s time for strategic reflection. Before you start applying, take a step back and ask yourself some questions:
What do you love to do? What do you NOT want to be doing?
If you could write your perfect day on the job, what would that look like?
What type of team environment do you want to be working within?
How do you define success?
What do you need right at this moment? What’s your perfect scenario?
What skills or experience do you have in your wheelhouse to get you there?
What is the most important next step for you to take?
It’s time to put pen to paper. Here are some ways you can clear up the fog:
Write down your goals, both personal and professional.
Create a list of dream companies and note what makes them so special.
Update your LinkedIn profile and make sure it matches the dates and experience on your resume. Consistency is key!
Update your bio and summary with what you are known for. Be sure to show credibility, value (why you are the best choice), what you have accomplished, and why it matters. These tips can also be used on your cover letter.
Double check your resume for spelling and grammar errors. Limit your resume to 2 pages max!
List your hard skills (job-related knowledge) and soft skills (personal qualities).
Reach out to key mentors or contacts in your network. Share your career goals and tell them your job hunt is on!
Connect with a trusted recruiter in your industry (or work with me. Here’s how!)
Throughout my career, I’ve been asked so many questions from people who are ready to pivot, but seem stuck in place. To help you on your search, I’ve compiled a list of those questions and my responses.
Think of this as your job search FAQ!
How can I fight off procrastination when I feel overwhelmed by the thought of a job search?
Firstly, stop applying to any job you see just to apply. You are setting yourself up to fail and contributing to your own toxic positivity. You feel good that you’ve spent all day applying to jobs, but were any of them realistic opportunities? Learn more about toxic positivity from my previous blog post, ‘Why Your “Good Vibes Only” Could Be Toxic’, by clicking here.
Be strategic in your search and only apply to jobs that make the most sense for you. Overwhelm comes from the stress of not having clarity on what you want to be doing next or forcing something to work out when it’s not the best for you. Get clear on the roles and companies that excite you. Write down five jobs a week to apply (one a day), find the hiring manager on LinkedIn, and send them a direct message.
Remember, it can sometimes take up to 5 emails for someone to get back to you, so don’t think that a one-and-done approach always works best!
How can I feel less awkward about reaching out to people in my network to ask for help or to be a reference?
Stop assuming people don’t want to hear from you or help you. They do! The first step is squashing that limiting belief. Craft a very specific email about what you are looking for and create a call to action. It can be, “Let’s jump on a call at 3pm” or “I’m available for a quick Zoom on Tuesday!”
Kindness goes a long way in asking for help.
What can I say to a recruiter or hiring manager when they question my big gap between jobs (I was a stay-at-home mom for quite some time!)
Own your gaps and do not try to hide them! Everyone has them. If you worked for a company for a month and left, put it on your resume. Hiding anything in a job search is never a good idea. Things will always come out in the end. Be honest about who you are and what you were doing in the gaps. Explain why something did not work out (within reason). Stick to the facts and keep your emotions out of it.
For stay-at-home mom’s specifically, I have news for you! You have been managing little CEOs at home. You took the time to lead your household and no doubt wore multiple hats while doing so. Any new learning that came from your time at home should be mentioned. When you get to the interview process, enthusiastically own it!
When you clear up all of that brain fog and really decide what it is you want (and deserve), your job search will feel a lot lighter. Good luck and happy searching!
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Have you tuned in to the Pivot with Purpose podcast yet? Check out a recent episode with guest Ron Thurston, a Retail Leadership Executive, Board Advisor for Goodwill Stores, and an Amazon bestselling author. We’re discussing the control you have as a candidate when it comes to applying for jobs. It’s a lot more than you think! Subscribe and listen now!
