Your job search is about putting one foot in front of the other.
I mean, if we are going to create that next advancement opportunity, it’s about taking steps and taking action to get you where you want to be.
So, I went to YouTube and found this clip from “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” If you don’t remember the tune or want to bring a smile to your face, click on this link. As one commenter said, “It’s a top tapper.”
When we are conducting a job search, we put one foot in front of the other to create some momentum as we take action. There is no “rule” that determines how long it takes to find a new position, but we know it takes time…and some patience.
Here are six tips to help you put one foot in front of the other when you are conducting your job search:
- Know Your Brand
You bring a lot of talents and expertise to the table. You are ambitious and want to make a difference. What are your “superpowers” and how do you help organizations meet their needs? What’s unique or special about you that companies not only want but need? Think about who you are as a professional and why you are exactly what a company needs.
- Have a Resume and LinkedIn Profile That Rock
Your resume and LinkedIn profile tell a story. Don’t fall into the trap of creating a resume or LinkedIn profile that reads like a job description. Tell the story about what you do and how well you have done it. Highlight things that made an impact either by improving a process, saving the company money, or generating clients. Whatever you do that is of value and highlights your skills, make sure that is on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Be Strategic in Your Job Search
When it comes to your job search, you get to be as specific as you want to be. If you are currently employed and are not in a rush, you can take the time to explore various options without pressure. If you are not in the best situation and are looking to leave your current employer, then your situation might be more urgent and finding a lateral position may be worthwhile. If you are unemployed and finances are tight, then time is of the essence.
Know what you are looking for and focus on creating that. Keep your focus and don’t get enticed by looking for positions that don’t interest you or ones you don’t qualify.
- Be Masterful at the Interview
Once someone is interested in learning more about you, it’s time to get interviewed. It may begin with a phone screen or a call from a recruiter and then progress to an in-person or video interview. Nail the interview! “Show up” as your best. Listen diagnostically and be interested rather than interesting.
Make sure you can answer the question, “Tell me about yourself” in a way that showcases who you are professionally and personally. While there is no “wrong answer” to that question, interviewers are looking to see how you answer it. They are looking at your energy, what you say, and what you don’t.
When you talk about what you have done professionally, avoid giving the interviewer a job description. Talk about what you do but focus more on why you do it. Share a unique experience or something that makes you stand out from the rest of the candidate pool. (Side note: I always talk about my love of game shows and being a professional bowler. I’m pretty sure there is no one in the talent pool going to say that.)
- Network!
Leverage your network. You know a lot of people, and more importantly, you know people who can help you in some way to make a connection or give you some guidance. You don’t need an extensive network, but you do need people in your network who can help and support and vice versa. Remember, part of the joy of activating your network is that you get to return the favor when someone else needs you.
- Hire a Coach!
I help professionals who are ambitious about their careers create their next advancement opportunity. That opportunity could be a job with a new company, leveraging your talents to create an internal promotion, or stepping up and leading a team so they can be more effective and cohesive. Whatever that opportunity looks like for you, hiring a coach can be one of the best things you do to help you determine what’s next. If you are interested in learning more about how I help professionals, like yourself, figure out what’s next, email me at john@johnneral.com and let’s start a conversation. I’d love to know more about how I can help you.
Know that I wish you the best in your job search. There are a lot of exciting opportunities out there waiting for you!