Challenges exist when you are in a job search. Nowadays with so many laid off or furloughed the competition is a little tighter which means that you have to be proactive in your job search.
Here are 10 proactive tactics that you can take:
- Professional Branding Tools: Make sure your resume and LinkedIn are aligned and that the titles, skills, and accomplishments showcased are focused on the jobs that you are applying to. This is #1 – if you don’t already have this then get this step done before you do anything else.
- Cover Letters: I cannot stress how important these are. Any recruiter or hiring manager can tell you how few cover letters they see. With cover letters being so rare this is a sure way to set yourself apart. Make sure you are adding value by telling them why you would be a good fit, what you love about their company or their mission, and list 3-5 things you would offer in the role you are interested in. Don’t forget to end strong and request a time to meet.
- Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Recruiters: Turn on this feature in LinkedIn and include the titles you are interested in to show recruiters that you are open to opportunities.
- Turn on Job Notifications on LinkedIn: These will come to you as soon as something is posted so that you can apply immediately.
- Reach Out Directly: Research recruiters in your industry and reach out to them directly. You can do the same for an HR person or the actual hiring manager. If you cannot find an email then go the old fashioned way and mail them a letter with your resume.
- Network: Tell at least 5 people a day that you are looking for a job. Enlist your network:
- Your family and friends – be clear on what you are looking for: title, companies, tasks
- Professional contacts – people you have worked with or know through the industry.
- Loose connections – people you are connected to but don’t really know.
- Make a Short List: Identify companies you would want to work for, make a list, and target them directly even if they do not have an opening.
- Find an In: Research if you know anyone at your target companies or know anyone that does. Ask for an introduction.
- ATS systems: Complete the questions on the ATS systems even if you are uploading your resume.
- Be Prepared: You must be ready at all times. Practice your interview with a friend or family member and record yourself if you can. Know what you are going to wear and have a printed copy of your resume.
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