Job Search Success: What Works (and What Doesn’t) in Landing Your Next Role
Today I want to remind you of the things that will boost your job search and things that won't.
Job seekers ask me about everything on the list below all the time, so I thought it could be helpful to put my answers in writing for everyone.
Lez get right into it.
When it comes to finding a new job, there’s a lot of advice out there in your feeds.
Some of it is helpful, and some of it…not so much.
To maximize your efforts, you need to focus on strategies that yield results and steer clear of time-wasters.
Let me expand below.
Things that Don't Help your Job Search
LinkedIn Premium
The short of it is - it seems like it will give you an edge but it doesn't. Don't waste your money because it doesn't boost your job search. I wrote about this topic in-depth recentlyon the blog.
"Open to Work" Banner
When you use the green banner that shows everyone you're open to work it gives off a subtle vibe of desperation. It's not helpful because people are naturally more drawn to confidence and scarcity, not abundance and need. Tell people you are job searching butdon't put yourself in the sea of green banners.
Spraying and Praying
Applying to every job you think you’re remotely qualified for is not a strategy, it’s a recipe for frustration and burnout. Recruiters can spot a generic application a mile away, and you’re unlikely to stand out without tailoring your approach.
Tailoring your Resume every time
This is one of the biggest traps I see job seekers fall into. While customizing your resume to highlight relevant skills for a specific role is smart, doing this for every single application can be acolossal waste of time. Build one strong resume then focus on other things.
Only applying online
As Ishared on LinkedIn- only applying online and hoping to get picked is not a strategy, it's wishful thinking. Relying solely on online applications means you’re competing against hundreds, if not thousands, of other candidates. Instead use astrategy that gets you in the side door.
Things that Do Help your Job Search
Targeting one role
Focus is everything. Instead of applying for every job you could do, identify one specific role or career path and go all in. This allows you to craft a compelling personal brand and tailor your materials to demonstrate expertise in that area.
Optimizing LI and Resume
Your resume and LinkedIn profile should work together to tell a cohesive story about your skills and accomplishments. Use keywords relevant to your target roles, quantify your achievements, and ensure your LinkedIn profile is clear. We should know who you are in seconds.
Direct outreach to HMs and your network
Networking remains the most effective way to find a job. Reach out to hiring managers and your network to express interest and ask for advice or referrals. Personal connections often open doors that online applications can’t.
Tracking activities and increase volume
Treat your job search like a sales funnel. Use a tracker to log the roles you’ve applied for, people you’ve contacted, and follow-ups you need to complete. The more you track the better you understand what is happening in your job search.
TL;DR
Job searching can be a frustrating process, but by focusing on strategies that work and avoiding common pitfalls, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Don't throw spaghetti at the wall and hope something sticks.
Focus, optimize, and job search with intention.
Whenever you're ready, here are more ways I can help you in your job search:
Learn all the job search strategies I teach clients in this workbook.
Apply for 1:1 coaching to see if there's a fit for us to work together.
Get one-off coaching to sharpen your interview skills, book here.
