It’s not uncommon for job seekers to spend almost all of their time scrolling on their phones or sitting behind a computer searching through online job postings. If your job search has been unsuccessful up to this point, your time behind the screen could be a major factor in your lack of success.
Engaging in a well-rounded job search strategy is essential to maximizing your chances of landing the right opportunity. While online applications are part of the process, relying solely on them can lead to frustration and burnout. Also, endlessly scrolling and applying to open positions is simply not the most effective use of your time out of the workforce.
Here are some tips for balancing your activity during your job search.
Make It A Point To Network Every Single Week
The old adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” really is true. In most cases, a friend or colleague won’t be able to get you a job for which you’re not qualified, but they may be able to get you an interview when your resume would have otherwise been overlooked.
Anything you do that involves talking to other people about your job search counts as networking, whether it’s lunch with a former co-worker, coffee with a recruiter, or a formal networking event in your area. Some people are apprehensive about networking, but like anything in life, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. The key is consistency; even a few intentional networking efforts each week can make a big difference in your job search.
Schedule Time For Follow-Ups
Whether you’re inquiring about a submitted job application or following up with a colleague you met while networking, these intimidating tasks often get pushed to the back burner as you prioritize your time. Scheduling them into your weekly agenda ensures that you will set aside adequate time to close the circle with various activities that you’ve started.
Blocking out specific time slots for follow-ups helps you stay organized and prevents important connections from slipping through the cracks. Consider setting reminders or using a task management tool like Asana, Todoist, or Monday.com to keep track of pending responses and next steps. Making follow-ups a routine part of your schedule will maintain momentum in your job search and demonstrate professionalism to potential employers and networking contacts.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
If you’ve taken the time to optimize your LinkedIn profile, you should be logging in at least once a week, and preferably more often.
The various groups on LinkedIn offer a never-ending conversation on topics from looking for a job to news relevant to your industry/field. Following and connecting with people who work at your bucket list companies gives you the opportunity to build your professional network and get referrals. A fully optimized profile also allows recruiters and hiring managers to find you when they search for job candidates with specific skill sets.
To further increase your visibility on LinkedIn, engage with posts, share content (articles, videos, etc.), and comment on discussions. Regular activity like this demonstrates your expertise and proves your relevancy in the job market, making you stand out to recruiters.
Build Your Personal Brand
The candidate who walks into a job fair or interview knowing who they are and what they can provide has a remarkable edge over a candidate who’s still figuring these things out. Spend some time developing a personal branding statement, printing business cards for yourself, and engaging in activities that support your personal brand—whether that means volunteering, blogging, consulting, or posting on LinkedIn.
When you walk into a room and say, “Hi, this is who I am and this is what I do,” it makes a powerful statement.
A polished resume is essential to your job search, but simply submitting it to online job postings shouldn’t be your sole focus. To truly maximize your opportunities, balance your efforts by networking—both in-person and online—connecting and following up with industry professionals, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Attend events, reach out to former colleagues, and leverage LinkedIn to build relationships and manage your personal brand, all of which could lead to hidden job opportunities.
By diversifying your job search strategies, you’ll increase your visibility and improve your chances of landing the right role faster!
Remember to stay positive during your job search and know that there are resources available to help you through this challenging process, including the resources at Work It DAILY.
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