Few life experiences are more frustrating than trying to help your child assemble a Lego project … only to realize three-quarters of the way into the process that he’s already lost a key piece. Without that one little plastic block, the entire assembly is ultimately impossible. A successful job search is like that — all the pieces need to be present and put together properly.
If your job search just isn’t coming together, spread out the components and see if anything is missing. Chances are, if things are stalled for you, one or more of these critical, yet commonly overlooked elements is missing from your efforts:
- Take stock
What’s the first thing you should do when you need to find a job? Update your resume? Search online job boards? Call your brother-in-law who knows a guy who might be hiring? Wrong, wrong and wrong! Your first step should be to assess who you are, your talents and skills, and what you want from a new job — not to mention your entire career. You’ve seen us talk about The Seven Stories Exercise® and how valuable it is in refining your job search. Knowing what you want and what you have to offer to prospective employers is a critical first step.
- Create a detailed target map
Now that you’ve decided what you bring to the table, you need a target map outlining how you will pitch it and to whom. Identify multiple types of positions for which your skills make you qualified. Next, identify companies you want to work for that need such positions filled. Now think about the key selling points you have to offer each.
- Making direct contact
We get it; rejection is scary. But it’s essential that you make direct contact with prospective employers, even if you don’t already know someone within their organization. Go back to your target map and send tailored letters to each company on it, regardless of whether you know anyone there or even know of an opening there. Make sure your cover letter reflects not only your qualities but also what you know of the company; this allows the hiring manager to know you are interested enough to do your homework.
- Smart work, not just hard work
You can make hundreds of contacts (and we think you should), but volume isn’t enough. Those contacts need to be quality, and you need to invest time to ensure they are just that. Devote at least 40 hours a week to your job search and use the time to network, refine your target map, and make targeted contact with companies you want to work for.
- Follow up on interviews and meetings
A surprisingly large number of HR managers tell us that most candidates don’t bother to even send a thank-you note or email after a job interview or networking meeting. What a missed opportunity! A simple thank you is nice — and the polite thing to do — but once you’re done with the niceties, you can also use that follow-up to further sell yourself. Write a letter that influences, and reinforces the key qualities that made you most appealing in the interview.
- Get professional help
Yes, finding a job is largely a do-it-yourself project, but even seasoned home improvement DIYers consult professionals on critical projects. How could it make sense for you to do anything else? A career coach can help ensure you’re really doing “everything” you can to find another job, and aid you in maximizing the value of your networking.
When all the pieces are present and fit together, your job search can become the successful masterpiece you want it to be.
