6 Expert Job Search Tips

“Get your Career in Gear for the New Year!’

If you are serious about your career, it’s time to take charge. If you’ve been thinking about making a career change—whether to a different company, industry, or position—now is the time to make your plan. The key is to be selective because you cannot afford to make a mistake and take the wrong job with the wrong company. Here are some expert job search tips to include in your current Job Search Marketing Plan. (JSPM™)

My Expert Job Search Tips

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1. Be like Mike and write it down

Did you know that Michael Jordan wrote all of his goals down?

Studies support that there is indeed power in writing—this simple act increases your chance of completing your goal! This element of purposefulness translates into action and results.

I recommend writing or keeping a journal in general. The process helps you understand yourself better and, in turn, allows you to make better career decisions.

2. Ask your friends for advice and what they think you would be good at

A unique approach to gaining some insight into your next career move is to ask your friends what they think you would be good at. People who know you well often see things you overlook or miss.

Where do they think you should work? Does a particular company, job, or industry come to mind?

You might be surprised at the answer you get. They may suggest something you never thought of…or, more than one person may suggest the same thing.

3. Get a career coach and know thyself

Socrates said, “The ultimate power is to know thyself.”

By using 360 feedback reviews and assessment surveys, you can understand who you are and where your opportunities for growth and leadership exist. This allows you to develop professionally and advance in your career.

When you are invested in job searching, a career coach can prepare you for interviews and deliver the tools to execute a professional job search campaign.

Career coaching is designed to help you learn and make better career management decisions.

4. Invest time and effort in your career decisions

People spend more time researching which car to buy than the company they accept a job with! It would be best if you flipped this script.

Do your homework. Do extensive research before your interview with the company.

Set your goal to discover everything you can dig up on the company’s vision, mission, and critical objectives. Research the Executive Leadership Team and connect with key employees on LinkedIn.

Conduct informational interviews with current and previous employees to form an opinion for yourself to make the right decision about joining the company.

Your career success depends on planning, investigation, research, and focusing on what matters most. Your results will often be commensurate with the effort you put in.

5. Find mentors and role models & conduct informational interviews

Seek out successful people who can teach and guide you. These are the individuals you know, trust, love, and respect who have made an impact on your life throughout your career.

You may have modeled their behavior and work ethic out of admiration for their success. Some people made a lifelong impression on you, and others have taught you invaluable lessons.

Keep in contact with these essential contacts regularly. Ask them to provide introductions to like-minded people in their network.

Then, reach out and talk to or meet them to learn how they succeeded. Seek their advice to help you along the way.

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RELATED | The Four Types of Career Coaching

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6. Use social media and technology

Here are several practical social media and technology action steps:

• Research and know what industry organizations are influential. Follow them on social media, along with their top leaders.
• Be active on LinkedIn and other social media to help develop and nurture relationships and build a strong network.
• Reciprocate by sharing leads, ideas, tips, referrals, knowledge transfer, coaching, and mentoring others.
• Post articles, share comments, and hit the “Like” button for other people’s posts on Linkedin daily.
• Ensure your LinkedIn profile is 100% optimized for a professional job search campaign.

“Here’s to Your Highest and Best Use!”

Cheers!