Managing your job search like a job
Searching for a new job is stressful, but you can quickly land the career you want with the right approach. No one looks forward to unemployment checks or drastically dipping into your savings. So, think of your career search as your job. If you're currently employed and looking for something new, treat it like a passionate side hustle. If you've been unceremoniously laid off or even fired, treat these as opportunities to find something new that will fulfill you.
1st - Get organized
The top priority is to get organized. Set a schedule for when you're going to conduct your job search. Build a spreadsheet (Google Docs, Airtable, or Excel are all great). Setting up your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system (Zoho, Hubspot, or Hunter) is excellent as it helps you keep track of your applications, follow-ups, and interviews, as well as manage your contacts effectively.
It doesn't have to be fancy, and it's up to you how detailed you want to get. But here are the critical elements to include:
Company Name - The name of the organization you're applying to.
Contact—Your point of contact at the company, probably the person to whom you addressed your cover letter, such as a Director of Human Resources or Office Manager.
Email - The email of your point of contact or, if preferred, a phone number.
Date Applied - When you submitted your application.
Method of Applying: Please note if you emailed a Resumé, applied on LinkedIn, or had a Recruiter send your info.
Application Summary - What you submitted: a cover letter, Resumé, and any additional materials, like a portfolio or reference list. You'll want to personalize each Resumé, so keep them filed correctly.
Interview - When your interview is scheduled.
Follow-Up - Did you send a thank you email or letter? If so, indicate here.
Status - If you were rejected, offered the job, asked for a second interview, etc.
Use Google Drive and Calendar
If you like to stay organized online, Google is a great way to go. If you have a Gmail account, you can use Google Drive to create, save, and export spreadsheets and written documents, like your cover letter and Resumé. You can also link up with Google Calendar to ensure you stay on top of important dates.
Or Outlook or something similar to keep track of everything.
2nd Set Up Job Alerts
Most job sites have job alert systems that notify you when there are new job openings that match your interests. Once you sign up, the system will send you job listings via email so you can check for job openings in your field without having to mine through every search engine.
When you decide to apply for one of the job listings you receive, you can use the information in the message to help you keep track of your application.
My personal favorite is Google's job search engine. You can enter multiple parameters and then turn on the Job Alerts. The best part is that it is an aggregation service. They pull jobs from numerous job boards, company websites, and places. So you don't have to hunt on unlimited sites.
Simplify Your Search
There are plenty of ways to keep track of your job search, but there are also ways to reduce the mental overhead. Making an effort to simplify your job search will pay off and provide a sense of relief from the overwhelming nature of job hunting.
Focus on quality, not quantity: only apply to legitimate positions you're qualified for, and make each application count, personalizing each cover letter by addressing it to the hiring manager, mentioning specific experiences or skills that make you a good fit for the role, and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity. I've talked with candidates who have applied for two jobs and received offers for both.
Networking
According to the Wharton School of Business, between 60 and 85 percent of jobs are filled through professional networking. This statistic underscores the value of your professional relationships. Knowing how to network for a job can open new doors at great companies.
Here are a few tips on Networking:
1 - Develop clear professional goals. The first step for any job search should be creating a roadmap to success, which involves goal-setting.
2 - Attend professional events - Ask your colleagues how they have used conferences, networking luncheons, and professional memberships to grow their networks.
3 - Join alum associations. High schools, colleges, and universities all maintain active alum organizations.
4 - Work on your social media accounts. Spend extra time beefing up your LinkedIn profile and adding people you know to your Connections. You may also find LinkedIn's professional groups and job listings helpful in your job search. While you should always be yourself, you still need to look like someone people should take seriously, even when you're not right in front of them.
5 - Keep an open mind. First and foremost, networking is about making connections with people. Get to know a new person first, then bring up your Resumé. Follow the conversations where they naturally flow.
So, ask for coffee, lunch, a drink, or even a phone call to discuss their thoughts on the market and the state of their company.
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Article by Eric Palmer - Chief Recruiter at MySalesRecruiter.co
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With 10+ years specializing in sales recruitment and talent acquisition, I've helped hundreds of Advertising and Tech companies and sales professionals achieve their growth objectives.
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