Creating a Job Search Strategy

Creating a Job Search Strategy

If you plan to find a job sooner rather than later, and hope to succeed even in a struggling economy, you need a strategy for that success.  A job search without a strategy can quickly become random and non-productive. Applying scattershot for jobs, following up on leads without prioritizing, lacking goals and ways to measure progress often plunges a job seeker into frustration.  With a strategy, progress is planned and steady, and good results follow. Here are the key elements of a job search strategy and how you can develop them:

1. Set a clear target

• Know what you want to do
• Know what you are qualified to do
• Know what there is demand for in the marketplace
• Take steps to make a career transition if there is not demand in your current area
• Form a target that is focused and realistic

2. Develop thoughtful marketing materials

• Update your resume and plan to customize it to each job opportunity
• Have a  cover letter ready to customize to each opportunity
• Optimize your profile on LinkedIn
• Add new successes to resume

3. Have a plan for marketing yourself using multiple channels to generate job leads

• Emphasize networking as the most effective way to discover leads
• Incorporate social media into your strategy
• Limit focus on advertised jobs

4. Make conscious decisions about how you spend your time on each job search activity

• Allocate time to continuing to learn about job search best practices
• Focus time on growing network

5. Find ways to keep skills sharp and resume filled with fresh achievements

6. Have a system for managing your search

• Track to dos, leads, contacts, resume versions
• Consider productivity tools to organize your search

7. Implement a step by step plan for executing including measurable goals

• Establish a routine, setting aside space and time for job search activities
• Have daily, weekly and monthly objectives
• Reward yourself for achieving goals