If I could give you one piece of advice to advance your job search, it would be this: Diversify. The problem I find with most job seekers, though, is that they only do one thing: search for jobs and apply. Certainly, that’s part of a successful job search, but it’s not everything. Even my clients who boast about leveraging their network and having informational meetings are missing other viable options.
Putting all your eggs in one basket does not a strategy make.
Your job search needs multiple avenues, not a one-size-fits-all approach. Let’s discuss the four areas where you can take action to advance your efforts and find opportunities faster.
#1: Look for Jobs and Apply
I would never tell people that they should skip applying for jobs. While it’s arguably often not the most effective strategy for a job search, it can—and does—work for many job seekers. The problem isn’t that you’re applying; it’s where you’re applying.
Most of the job seekers I talk to are looking exclusively at one or two sites: predominantly LinkedIn and sometimes Indeed. Look, I love LinkedIn, and it’s great for so many things (including as a job board), but it’s not the end-all, be-all.
Your better bet is to look for open roles on Google. No, not the company, the website. Head over to Google and type in <job title> jobs. You’ll see a table of jobs, at the bottom of which will say “see more jobs.” When you click on that, you’ll open a jobs tab, and from there, you can refine or expand your search and set up alerts (called “follow” on Google). You’ll then get regular email alerts about new jobs, and you can then head to the company to apply for those jobs. (Skip applying on other job boards, if possible.)
If applicable to you, I also encourage you to check out industry associations for open roles. These can be a terrific source of job postings that don’t always show up on job boards. And if you’re targeting a specific company, be sure to look there.
Adding to the places where you search for opportunities is one of the easiest ways to diversify your search because you’re simply expanding your horizons, and that’s always a good thing.
#2: Talk to People You Already Know
Your existing network is an incredibly valuable job-search resource. You already have credibility with your network, so it’s much easier to get them to advocate for you in your search. Simply let colleagues, friends, professional contacts, clients, vendors, and other connections know that you’re looking. You can be direct with them:
“Hey, I wanted to let you know that I’m looking for a new opportunity. If you hear of anything that might be a fit, I’d really appreciate you keeping me in mind.”
If you’re currently employed and don’t want your employer to know you’re looking, your network may become your best source of opportunities. The key is not to make a public announcement. Instead, reach out to people on the DL and tell them:
“Please keep this confidential, but I’m looking for a new job. If you hear of something, please keep me in mind.”
The important thing to remember here is that people can’t help you if they don’t know you’re looking. Reach out, keep them up to date, and see what comes of it. My guess is that you’ll see an uptick in opportunities coming your way.
#3: Connect with New People
Sure, you have those people you already know, but what about the rest of the world? There’s a wealth of connections you’ve not yet made! And these could become valuable resources in your job search.
Start by creating a target list of companies that interest you. Then head over to LinkedIn and start searching for people who work there. Look for decision-makers as well as people who have your job—or perhaps the job one level above yours—and reach out to them.
This isn’t about asking for a job. Instead, it’s about building a relationship. Your aim is to learn a bit about the person. Try this approach:
“I see that you’re working at ABC company, and I’m really fascinated by what you’re doing there. Would you have 20 minutes to chat? I’d love to ask you a few questions about your experience.”
People generally like talking about themselves, and when you focus on them, you’ll likely get some folks to take you up on the offer.
Once in the meeting, ask questions. Learn about their role, their organization, their challenges, and what’s happening in their industry. The goal here is to conduct a needs assessment. You might discover that they’re looking for someone like you to help them with some challenges. Then you can present yourself as the solution.
Even if there’s nowhere obvious for you to fit in with the organization, you’ll still have the chance to share something about yourself. Be honest:
“I’m currently looking for a new opportunity, and your company is on my shortlist. I so appreciate your time today. I hope we can stay in touch, and if you hear of anything that might be a fit or know someone I should meet, I’d welcome that introduction.”
Now this person isn’t a stranger, and you’ve expanded your network with new opportunities to advance your job search.
#4: Cast a Broader Net
The fourth area where you can make headway to advance your job search is telling everyone you’re looking for a job.
- Attend networking events.
- Participate in professional organizations.
- Post on LinkedIn about your search.
Share about your search, including what you’re looking for (be specific!) and how it’s going. If you’ve already built credibility on LinkedIn, for example, your connections will enjoy following your journey and will be inclined to help you.
Remember that this strategy is only effective if you’re not currently employed. If you are working, you don’t want to scream out to everyone that you’re looking because it could jeopardize your job. In that case, you’ll want to be strategic and not share so broadly. Keep those conversations quieter and watch your back. But do share as much as you can.
Diversifying Can Truly Advance Your Job Search
Diversifying your job search doesn’t necessarily mean doing more busy work. It means being more strategic. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Yes, that one approach could pay off, but when you do a few different things, you’re going to see your efforts multiply. Instead of relying solely on LinkedIn or even your networking meetings, start working several angles simultaneously. Any of those pipelines could yield results.
The goal here is to give yourself more opportunities to win. Apply. Connect with your network. Reach out to new people. Let everyone know you’re looking. All roads lead to results, and there’s no reason to only have a one-way street available.
This is a tough job market, and the more you can do to yield results, the better.
***
I don’t give busy work; I deliver proven strategies. As Your Career Advocate, I guide and support you from initial application through salary negotiation. Learn more about my services.