Job Search Strategy

Job Search Strategy

A job search is much more complicated and time-consuming than it used to be. 

If you are like most job seekers, you may be searching online and applying to lots of jobs without much of a plan, which leads to big-time frustration. This is called "spray and pray" and is rarely successful. 

Below are the three main parts of your strategy. There is much more detail in the Tools and Resources section below. 

Clarify Your Goals

  • Complete Your Self-Assessment work. Don't skip this important self-reflection!
  • An important clarification is the job titles and industries you'll be targeting.
  • Create a target list of high-potential employers: you are interested in them, they are hiring, and you have potential contacts.

Use ALL the Tactics

  • Target List + Networking
  • Job Boards
  • Recruiters
  • Career Fairs (esp. if you are a new grad)
  • Letter of Interest

Track Your Work and Stay Organized

  • Track your target list.
  • Track your networking contacts and meetings.
  • Track your applications and interviews.

  • Keep your files and email organized.

     

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Apply Strategically to Fewer, Better-Fit Jobs

Take these steps to apply: 

  1. Evaluate the job vs. the goals you set in your Self-Assessment Summary. If it's not a good fit, don't apply.
  2. Evaluate your skills and experience fit for the job using the prompt below. Use the results to inform your decision to apply.
    • The job market is so competitive that the old advice to just go ahead and apply is no longer valid.
  3. Create a standout app by highlighting your value in a customized resume and cover letter.

AI PROMPT
You are a recruiting expert. I would like to understand whether this position is a good fit for me and strengthen my resume to the extent possible. Please compare the job posting and my resume, and identify where I am a: 1) Great fit: I have the skills and experience desired, and the related keywords appear more than once in well-written bullet points. 2) Moderate fit: I may have the skills and experience desired, but it's unclear, or the bullet points could be stronger. 3) Poor fit: I do not appear to have the skills and experience desired. Below is the job posting followed by my resume: [shift/enter twice]

copy/paste or upload the job posting | shift/enter twice | copy/paste or upload your resume

 

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Use LinkedIn as a Recruiter Magnet

LinkedIn is driven by SEO just like Google. If you don't use it correctly, you are invisible to recruiters. Taking the steps below (geared to teaching the algorithm what you want and the value you provide) allows recruiters to find you in their searches, and also highlights your application on their search results page when you apply. 

  • Pick a cohesive target role -- LinkedIn penalizes you for seeking a variety of job titles.
  • Complete your Open to Work settings with multiple locations and (similar) job titles.
  • Refine your Skills section to include 30-40 related skills. Again, be focused.
  • Get endorsements on your top 3-5 skills, preferably from people who also have that skill or worked with you.
  • Engage with others' content by commenting thoughtfully several times a week.
  • Follow the company on their Company page, and click "I'm interested" on their Jobs page.
  • Follow and connect with employees of your target companies.
  • Respond quickly (within 12 hours if possible) when recruiters reach out.
  • Upload a resume. You don't have to use this resume in applications, but uploading it helps the algorithm.
  • When you see a job on LinkedIn, apply there. The Apply button takes you to the company's website.
  • If LinkedIn asks if you applied, answer Yes. 

➡️ Find detailed instructions in the LinkedIn 201 presentation, also found below in Tools and Resources. 

 

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>>Scam Alert

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20 Things You Need for Your Search

  1. Portfolio of work examples and performance evaluations

  2. Professional email address and email signature

  3. Personalized voicemail greeting

  4. 20+ accomplishment stories

  5. 10 or more ideal job titles

  6. 3-5 people to serve as references

  7. Targeted, strategically focused resume for each of those job titles and/or ideal job postings

  8. 50+ companies that could potentially hire you for what you want to do

  9. Answers to common interview questions

  10. 10-30-60 second answers to “Tell me about yourself” (here’s how to create yours)

  11. Optimized LinkedIn profile (here’s how to make your profile awesome)

  12. List of 100+ people you know

  13. Cover letter and thank you letter templates (Use AI to generate rough drafts)

  14. Networking email templates (Use AI to generate rough drafts)

  15. A professional office/online video setup

  16. Folders/system to retain job postings, resume, and cover letters by company

  17. Spreadsheet to track job applications and follow-up (Try Teal Job Tracker)

  18. Spreadsheet/system to track networking contacts and follow up

  19. Time blocking system (here’s what a structured week can look like)

  20. Positive mindset, anything is possible! 

Adapted from CareerSherpa.com

 

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Part of Your Strategy is to Ask for Help

Everyone needs support during this process, not only from family and friends, but also from professionals and from others going through the same process. 

Talk to your fellow job seekers at our Monday meetings.

Talk to your mentor if you have one. To work with a mentor, attend our Orientation session on Mondays immediately following the meeting. 

Meet with other mentors. Read about our backgrounds and feel free to reach out to any mentor to ask questions. 

Find more job search groups: LinkedIn Groups for Job Searchers.

And don't forget to join the Lake Grove Job Seekers Connect Group on LinkedIn. It's just for people in our organization.

 

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Tools and Resources to Help You

Skill Builder Workshop

LinkedIn Tools

Job Title Research

AI Tools and Prompts 

Other AI Tools

  • TealHQ.com: Easy target list creation, job and network tracker, resume customization.
  • CareerFlow.ai: LinkedIn profile optimizer, job and network tracker, resume customization.
  • Jobright.ai: Scrapes company websites for open jobs, customizes your resume, finds LinkedIn contacts.
  • JobLogr: AI-enabled job search that searches for jobs based on your resume.
  • Grammarly or LanguageTool: If you struggle to write well, get help! Chrome extension; free tier available.

Target Lists 

Job Boards

Recruiters

Accountability Tools

  • Networking Tracker - Spreadsheet to track networking conversations and follow-up dates.
  • Application Tracker - Spreadsheet to track applications, interviews, and take notes.
  • TealHQ - Free online trackers and a Chrome extension to help create and track your networking lists.
  • Huntr.co - Application tracker with Kanban board
  • Opportunity Funnel - Help plan your week and focus on keeping multiple opportunities going at once.

Books and Video

Checklists/Other

Search Our Site

Use the search bar above to find additional resources: 

  • Goal Clarification
  • Job Titles
  • Target Lists
  • Networking
  • Job Boards
  • Applications
  • Recruiters
  • Letter of Interest