Executing an Effective Job Search Campaign – Tip 9 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 9 of 10: SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR TACKLING THE DIFFERENT ROUTES TO MARKET – The Networking Route
Identify your initial contacts, prioritise them and identify the objective for each contact. Initially start with people who will be friendly and helpful rather than the most well-connected.
Decide which forums, events and associations are likely to be helpful. Ensure you are on the right mailing lists and registered with relevant websites.
Prepare for the meetings by doing some research into the appropriate sectors and organisations. Think about their likely needs and how your skills might fit. Prepare your question list.
Work steadily through your initial list of contacts, adding new names all the time, from referrals, past colleagues and other contacts and by attending networking and industry events.
You should aim to be expanding your network steadily so that you always have names awaiting contact. Maintain your plan carefully to ensure you do not lose track of any names or forget to follow up.
Keep in touch with contacts every few weeks, even if it is just an e-mail to say hello. Don’t be afraid to go back to people you have had meetings or other contact with to ask for more names.
As you progress your networking you are likely to become clearer about what you are looking for, for example identifying specific companies who could use your skills. Go back to past referrals and ask if they know anyone there.
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.