If you’ve got a job search on the horizon – or have been on one for a while – here are 6 steps that set up a good foundation to be successful at getting a new position:

Strategize

1. Target one specific career path and apply for a limited number of positions that meet that precise target. This leads to a more efficient job search, you have minimal edits to make to a resume while you’re filling out different applications, and there are fewer positions that will meet that target, so there are fewer applications you’ll need to fill out.  More later about why you’d want to target FEWER positions …

2. Develop your personal marketing materials – what does your resume say? Your LinkedIn profile?  Do you have an elevator pitch?  What are your strengths and what skills do you have to “sell” to a future employer?  Practice and feel comfortable communicating your selling points.

Share

3. Who should know about your job search? As many people as possible!  It’s helpful to ask for introductions you never know whom your neighbors, family, friends, and former coworkers may know.  Ask for introductions, not jobs – you want to try to expand your network during a job search.
   If your job search is confidential to your current employer – be choosey about who you tell, but do tell a select group and try to stealthily meet new people.

4. I think absolutely everyone on a job search should create some sort of Job Search Team – think “constant contact” marketing emails to your network about your job search needs.

Systemize

5. Job searches can be like a job itself, and people who are successful on a job search make a daily “work” schedule by setting aside time every day to apply to 1 or 2 jobs. Applications can be lengthy and annoying to fill out – I recommend breaking it up and only applying to the select 1 or 2 positions that come available that day which meet your specific targeted requirements.

6. Keep track of the jobs you apply for on some form of application spreadsheet. Make sure you communicate each application you’ve completed with your job search team each week, follow up regularly on jobs you really want, and keep track of where you are in the hiring process for all the positions in the mix.  This is one reason to stay on target and only apply for a 1 or 2 positions each day – the application is only the beginning of a communication and follow up process in order to get through the hiring process successfully.

Following these 6 steps will give you the foundational system to make your job search easier, make you feel more prepared, and keep your search efficient and consistent.