Job Search Blog

It is better to be strategic and narrow your search than to throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. Eventually, the spaghetti falls off and hits the floor anyway. Get specific in your career plans and keep your search targeted. If you find it’s not working, then simply change your focus. It may feel like you’re starting over, but you’re doing so with a much stronger foundation than if you were to keep doing the same thing over and getting the same results. There’s on

The job search process is similar to a roller coaster ride. Just when you think you’re making progress and are at the top of your game, you’ll drop back down when you learn you didn’t get the job. But the next day the friend you run into at the grocery store might remind you that you know someone who works at another company and that person might be able to get your resume in the right hands. Could it be the big break you need to get the job? Maybe. Or, it could be another st

Pick a group related to your area of interest and get involved. If you’ve aren’t already active on LinkedIn, this is the place to start. At least once a day “Like”, “Comment”, and/or “Share” with a post. The more you work it, the easier it will get. Don’t know where to start? Join my group, the Job Search Lean In Circle: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13937252/

From a study by LinkedIn, research shows that 70% of all jobs are not published publicly on jobs sites and as much as 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections. That said, the smartest job hunters should prioritize their time and focus on the 85% of job openings that are never advertised. This means they should be networking. Find the job listing, yes, but network around it before you apply.

Make it a goal to connect with one person, outside your family, every day. One way to do this is to ask for help. Here’s how: Set a specific goal each day to ask for help. Over time, you’ll have made it a habit. Plan each morning what “the ask” is going to be and who it’s going to. Put a reminder in your calendar with an alert so you don’t forget. Start with your family. You can practice on them with simple things. This has at least two benefits: the first is that it’s an opp

Follow-up is critical. In sales, it takes 7-10 “touches” with an account to close the deal. Create a system for keeping track of all your job search activities and develop a process for following up. That means following up on every resume you send, every networking contact you make, every interview. Know what you need to do and when and put it on your calendar so you don’t forget. Download this worksheet to get started:

If there was ever a time to hone your skills, a job search is it. And with the vast amount of online classes available, it’s easier than ever. You can start with MOOC.org. MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, are free and available for anyone to enroll. Need more reason? In a 2014 Coursera study of people who have taken its classes, 72% of survey respondents reported career benefits, with 43% reporting improved candidacy for a new job and 26% actually landing a new gig. I

A resume serves as a strategic tool aimed at propelling you to the next stage of the hiring process.

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LinkedIn will default to your job title unless you edit it. When you’re job searching, it makes the most sense to make it stand out with keywords that match what you’re looking for. Keep it at six to twelve words, 120 characters. Other options: Use your elevator pitch: I help job seekers create their future Share something personable: Content writing, keyword searching and finding the missing piece are a few of my favorite things. Actionable: Empowering job seekers to change