In today’s competitive job market, having a strategic job search is not only beneficial, it’s essential. Gone are the days when you could send out hundreds of generic resumes and expect results. That “spray and pray” approach is ineffective and can lead to frustration when no one follows up to learn more about you. While it takes a concerted effort to build and follow a strategy, the results will speak for themselves, leading to more interviews and offers.
The Problem with the “Spray and Pray” Approach
Too often, I hear from job seekers that they’re applying to tens or hundreds of jobs daily. How is that even possible, I wonder. Unfortunately, it’s because they’re using a “spray and pray” approach that has them applying for multiple positions with a generic resume or, worse, using some kind of automated system. But when I look at their results from this approach, it’s typically dismal.
The fact is that you must update your resume for every position. Your resume needs to have the keywords that are included in the job description so recruiters and HR professionals can find it in their ATS system. If it doesn’t, it may never be seen. And if it just happens to float to the surface, employers will quickly see that you’ve not shared anything that tells them why you’re an ideal candidate.
Unfortunately, for those using this approach, it is highly ineffective and very frustrating. “I’ve sent out 500+ applications and only gotten two interviews!” This is a standard complaint from those who aren’t using a strategy. Ultimately, you may also miss out on roles that are a great fit with your qualifications because you’re too focused on quantity rather than quality.
The Benefits of a Strategic Job Search
Rather than wishing and hoping, a strategic job search is a much better approach. This is about having a laser focus: identifying roles that are the right fit for your skills, experience, and career goals and then making sure each application is tailored to showcase how you meet the specific needs of the employer. Here’s how you can implement a strategic job search:
Target Roles That Align with Your Skills and Goals
Before you even begin applying, take the time to define what you’re looking for in your next role. Consider your skills, experience, and long-term career goals. Are you looking to advance in your current field, or are you considering a career change? What kind of company culture would you prefer? What type of role will challenge you and help you grow?
Once you have a clear picture of what you want, you can start looking for roles that match these criteria. Use LinkedIn, Google, and industry-specific websites, in addition to your professional network, to find opportunities that are a strong fit.
Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter for Each Application
While you may not need a cover letter for every application, you do need a customized resume. This is the key ingredient for success in a strategic job search. Each time you apply for a job, invest the time to update your resume (and cover letter, if needed) to reflect the specific skills and experience the employer is looking for. Match your title, summary, and areas of expertise (aka keywords) to the job description to ensure your resume gets noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
Remember, your resume is typically the first impression you make on a potential employer. Make sure it’s a strong one by demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and understand what they need.
Follow Up After Each Application
Sure, you can absolutely apply and then cross your fingers and toes while you hope that you hear back. But you know what’s more effective? Following up. Look on the company’s LinkedIn page and search for someone in talent acquisition or human resources and send an InMail or connection request. Go a step beyond and identify the person who might be your supervisor in the role and reach out to him or her as well.
But your follow-up efforts shouldn’t stop there. Follow up a week or so after you apply. If you don’t hear back, continue to reach out on a regular cadence. With each email, tell them that you recently applied (specifying the position) and reiterate how interested you are in joining the company. Instead of asking about the status of your application, add something of value: a way you can help the company or an article you found about the company or industry. These share that you are invested in the success of the company, which makes you an asset whom they should interview.
Build and Leverage Your Network
Your professional network is one of the most powerful tools in your job-search arsenal. Although statistics vary as to how many people actually do find their next positions through networking, I can tell you anecdotally that the people I see who are landing positions fasted are those who’ve tapped into their network.
Don’t have a network? Don’t dismay! You can leverage LinkedIn to build your network! And if LinkedIn isn’t for you, there’s no rule saying you can’t send an email or text or make a call to those people you know and catch them up on your search. Overall, the more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities that might be a great fit for you.
Set a Realistic Application Cadence
One of the myths of the job search is that you need to apply to a certain number of jobs every day or week to be successful (see above about using the “spray and pray” approach). In reality, though, it’s more important to focus on the quality of your applications rather than the quantity.
Instead of aiming to hit a specific number, set a realistic cadence that allows you to carefully tailor your resume for each position. For some, this might mean applying to a few jobs per week; for others, it might be one or two well-targeted applications per day. Plus, you should only be applying for the jobs where you fill 80% or more of the requirements, and that means you probably won’t find hundreds each day that work anyway. The key is to find a rhythm that works for you and allows you to put your best foot forward with each application.
The Impact of a Strategic Job Search
When you take the time to implement a strategic job search, you’ll find that your efforts pay off in spades. By focusing on roles that are a good fit, customizing your resume and cover letter, and leveraging your network, you’ll drastically reduce the time it takes to land interviews and, ultimately, job offers.
Moreover, a strategic approach can help you avoid the frustration and burnout that often accompany a long, drawn-out job search. Instead of feeling like you’re spinning your wheels, you’ll have a clear plan of action and a sense of progress as you move closer to your next career opportunity.
If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level, consider working with a professional job-search coach who can help you develop a customized strategy. Your Career Advocate specializes in helping mid-level professionals and executives like you land the jobs you want. Learn more about what to expect here.