I am supposed to provide the “Headhunter” perspective on the job hunt, and I must tell you, it’s not a pretty picture. We are the job hunt professionals, and everyday I see job seekers that are clearly job hunt amateurs; failing about in a see of classified ads and online job boards, without direction or strategy.
Rowan has outlined 5 hurdles in the process - I’ve decided I can address at least four of them, beginning with:
Step 1: Pick your target and research, research, research!
When you enter into a job search, it’s for a reason. You are likely unhappy in your current role, or you aren’t working. Either way, you should approach your search methodically.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT, send your resume around willy-nilly in response to every position that even remotely relates to your experience. We don't take these applicants seriously, on a very rare occasion we might have a "hey she'd be good for that other position" moment. But corporate recruiters are often so focused on their functional areas, that this kind of sharing just doesn't happen.
Besides, nothing bothers me more than wading through hundreds of resumes from people who clearly did not read the qualifications of a job posting. Yes, there is often wiggle room in requirements, but if your life’s work to this point has been picking blueberries your unlikely to be qualified for my Director of Engineering position. Don't waste my time.
Picking a Target:
Establish the criteria that make up your ideal new job; doing so will help you test your own commitment to making a job change. You have some serious decisions to make here:
- What do you want out of a new job?
- Are you really willing to relocate for a new job? (Is your family??)
- Would you consider taking a step back in salary for a job that offered more growth opportunity?
Identify where these opportunities exist. STOP!! I did not say go to Monster or CareerBuilder and start applying for jobs! Take a few minutes to think about your skills, and in which companies or industries are these skills most valuable. Develop an understanding of the market for people with your skill set and level of experience.
Research:
Identify potential employers within your target industry and research each company thoroughly. Learn about their history, their products, their track record and their plans for the future.
Learn about the typically salary ranges you can expect in these types of positions.
Act:
ALWAYS evaluate any opportunity against that set of criteria your first developed. Then aggressively market yourself to the companies and positions in which you have an interest. This does not mean just sending your resume by email in response to an online job ad. This means make an effort to introduce yourself to the hiring authority within your functional area and address how your skills can benefit the organization. (Hint: Many job postings will give you the position title to which the job reports – if you can contact that individual you are two steps ahead already!)
My Professional Plug:
Working with a professional search firm can help give you an inside track on much of this information. And a good recruiter can market you to your target employers.
Next Step: Representing yourself in writing.
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