Executing an Effective Job Search Campaign – Tip 8 of 10
Trying to identify and secure a new role is hard enough but launching a campaign without clear focus and thorough preparation will invariably lead to a less than optimal result. Therefore, your pre-campaign preparation should include:
- A Career Search Objective that answers the question, “So, what are you looking for?”
- A powerful CV, Capability Profile and LinkedIn profile aligned to your objective and a comprehensive set of marketing messages.
- The actions you need to take to respond effectively to advertised positions, approach head-hunters and recruiters, make targeted direct approaches and network confidently.
- How to manage the interview so that you optimise impact, credibility and fit.
- How to negotiate effectively to increase the offer and secure other benefits.
Assuming that you can tick the above 5 points, over the next 10 weeks we will be sharing with you 10 things you can do to ensure that your job search is an effective one.
Tip 8 of 10: SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR TACKLING THE DIFFERENT ROUTES TO MARKET – The Targeted Direct Route
What problems could you help an organisation to solve, or what opportunities could you exploit? Are there any organisations you would be particularly interested in?
Identify sources of information, such as databases, adverts, publications and websites. Look for reference material on your chosen sector(s). Identify 20 to 30 companies and do some research into them. Think about their likely needs and how your skills might fit.
Think about which companies you’d really like to work for and try to find people who can introduce you, but if you draw a blank, call them and get chatting.
Decide how, where and when you are going to monitor for opportunities, set up feeds, alerts and subscribe to appropriate publications etc: change always means opportunity even if it may look negative initially.
Prepare a manageable number of direct approach letters/emails carefully stressing their needs rather than what you want. Make a note of when you will follow up (typically 3 – 5 working days later)
If you decide on a mass mailing, be clear what it is you have to offer – what problems can you fix, which sectors and companies have those problems.
So, managing an effective career search campaign might not be as daunting as you first thought and may not require anything more than a fresh perspective and way of looking at it. It sounds simple and it is, it’s just not always easy, especially when trying to do it alone.