Alternative Search Tactics - Job Search 2.0
By Seleena Juma
When embarking on a job search, most people go to great lengths to try and differentiate themselves from the competition. Cover letters, resumes, and creative job applications are all crafted with the intention of standing out from the crowd and getting noticed, yet when it comes to where and how people look for jobs, most continue to use the same mainstream methods that the majority of applicants are using as well.
In our ‘softening’ economy and in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive and uncertain, it’s important to utilize alternative options in your job search in order to give yourself as much of an edge as possible. Don’t abandon the tried-and-true altogether, but it’s important to be willing to think outside the box. Using the direct approach such as cold calling target employers, along with traditional networking and social media can gain you access to opportunities that you otherwise might not have been aware of.
Pick Up The Phone
Every day of your job search should be about generating opportunity, and while cold calling a potential employer can seem daunting, doing it with confidence can generate rapid results. Here are some things to keep in mind when using the direct approach:
- Research the companies you wish to target and try and identify the right individual to contact, as opposed to just being put in touch with Human Resources. Dig and figure out the individual who could potentially be the Hiring Manager for the role you want. For example, if you are searching for a Director of Marketing position within a target company, see if you can contact the VP, Marketing. Chances are this is the person you would be reporting to directly.
- Think long term. This call is the beginning of an ongoing positive relationship between you and the target company. Be personable, friendly and outgoing – make the conversation one through which you will be remembered as someone they enjoyed speaking with and would want to have on their team.
- Keep it short and sweet. Offer enough information about yourself, and leave the rest for a more detailed conversation that you can request in the form of an informal meeting – an ‘informational interview.’
- Have an updated version of your resume ready to go, and offer to send it over. Begin your email with a ‘thank you,’ and allow a few days to pass before you follow-up. Be persistent, but not too persistent!
Network Your Way Into Your Dream Job
Networking is an art! With time and effort, it will help you raise your visibility within the marketplace, uncover hidden opportunities and set you apart from the competition. Through the ongoing process of relentlessly building your contact list – your network will start to work for you.
Today networking can take the common form of meeting new people and developing relationships in person at social events, but it can also be about devoting time and attention to growing your online social networks as well. With sites like Facebook and LinkedIn becoming so popular, they present a great opportunity to increase your visibility and meet others in your industry.
When building your network, think about those individuals in your professional and personal spheres who are natural ‘connectors.’ These rare individuals are always putting people in touch with other people – think about the connectors in your life – and let the networking begin.
Events
Networking Events are a great venue to this end. Identify associations within your industry and research their websites for upcoming industry-related events. These can be professional in nature, such as conferences or workshops with keynote speakers, or they may have a more social undertone – such as party mixers or sporting events.
Don’t be shy at these events – maximize the potential for exposure and talk to everyone! The old cliché of “you only get out of it what you put into it” rings particularly true in such situations. If you sit on the sidelines and don’t seize your opportunities to meet others, these events will be of little benefit. Conversely, putting yourself out there and being social will give you the greatest chance of speaking to someone who could be of benefit in your job search.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great job search tool because it’s a social networking site with a professional focus. The site allows registered users to maintain a list of business contacts as well as an opportunity to maintain a profile that highlights their academic and work experience.
LinkedIn has the potential to play a major role in your job search campaign, as employers and executive search firms use this tool heavily in their recruiting efforts. The “gated-access” approach to building your contacts on LinkedIn builds trust – you must either invite someone you know directly to connect, or send others an invitation to become a ‘connection.’ Be strategic about whom you connect with – and keep in mind, this tool is predominantly a professional networking platform.
When developing your LinkedIn profile, it’s important to offer detailed information around your professional experience, academic credentials, and any awards and achievements. By doing this you help to ensure contacts or employers who view your profile can find the information they’re after, and will see you as person with lots to offer. To gain further exposure, participate in the “LinkedIn Answers” section where members of the community reach out to others for assistance and expert knowledge. Your answers help demonstrate your expertise which can then be displayed on your profile for others to see. Joining related LinkedIn groups is another great way of building up your network with people in your industry.
Finally, one of the most valuable tools on LinkedIn is the Recommendations feature. This allows people in your contact list to write a testimonial about you and the work you do. It’s a great supplement to your formal listed experience and an excellent way to further show what you’ve done and can bring to the table.
Facebook
If you want to gain access to a large pool of people in your local community, as well as in other groups, create a Facebook profile. Though Facebook is used less by employers during the hiring process, it is a social platform through which you may meet a potential new employer, or join a group whose members may play a key role in your job search. Some employers do post jobs on Facebook, and many companies are creating a Facebook page that gives them more exposure to the market. Attending a Facebook event or joining a group/network may put you in contact with someone who knows where your dream job awaits you! Be open to the networking possibilities – They are endless!
Once you have begun developing your network – it’s important to follow through with contacts and put your network to use. Remember conversations you have with people you meet, and deepen the relationship by setting an expectation for a follow-up call or email. If your new contact is not someone you may need to reach out to immediately, it’s still a good idea to drop a friendly note – letting them know it was a pleasure to have met them, and that you look forward to keeping in touch.
Find Your Mix
Depending on your industry, you may find certain tools are of greater benefit to you than others. The important thing is to find which ones work best and make them an integral part of your job search. The more outlets you give yourself to locate opportunities, the more successful you’re likely to be.
Continue to think of new and different ways of connecting with employers, and always keep an open mind when it comes to non-traditional tactics – particularly as the world of online grows and new tools emerge everyday. Remember that any opportunity that allows you to connect or develop a relationship with relevant people could prove to be advantageous in your job search.
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As a Consultant, Seleena Juma works in partnership with some of the brightest minds in the consumer goods, pharmaceutical, and financial services industries.
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