You’ve been on the job hunt for weeks on end, even months. You have been applying immediately you come across jobs—even those not closely related to your field.
On top of that you’re getting your resume in the hands of anyone you meet and following up with HR managers like your whole life depends on it yet still nothing fruitful.
This suggests that the methods you are using might be the problem. Rule number one: If you’re using any of these common job search tactics, please change tact immediately.
1. Spending 100% of Your Search Time Submitting Online Applications
If trolling the job boards is your primary search tactic, you’re looking at a long road ahead. Realize that, for every job you pursue, at least one or two people are going to find an “in” at that company. And they’re going to use that “in” to get a direct introduction.
Would you rather be the one with the “in,” or one of the other 20, 80, or 400 contenders coming in via the automated “clump” of applicants?
New alternative: Even if you apply for the job online, the moment you hit “send,” head over to LinkedIn and see if you have a first- or second-degree connection at that company. Reach out, stat. Your goal is to be the one who gets the direct introduction.
2. Applying for Jobs Blindly When You’re Not an Obvious Match
Nobody’s sitting around deducing what you might be good at or why you might make sense for any particular job.
When you apply online, if your resume and cover letter don’t speak to the specific needs and deliverables of the job—and spell out exactly how you are going to meet them—no applicant tracking system is going to even find it.
Instead: If you’re not an obvious match for a job, you either need to figure out a way to make yourself one by adding new skills or finding an opportunity to explain your rationale for applying directly to a hiring manager.
3. Expecting the phrase “I’m a Fast Learner” Will Help You
Unless you’re applying for an entry level job, you should assume that the decision makers are looking for someone who can hit the ground running. Does this mean you’ll never land a job in a new industry? Not really but if you’re pressed in an interview on why they should take a chance on you, don’t think for a moment the hiring manager is looking for “Because I’m a fast learner”.
Instead: Think about how the aggregate of your skills and experiences (no matter how unrelated) may actually make you a great candidate for that role. If you’re clear on why you’d be perfect for the job, it’ll be a lot easier for the decision makers to feel confident about hiring you, even if you’re a bit green.
4. Presenting Your Resume to Strangers Before You’ve Spent 10 Seconds Building Some Rapport
Would you ever walk up to a stranger and propose marriage? Of course you wouldn’t. So why do you think it’s remotely OK to find someone who works at your dream company and—before you’ve even gotten to the “How about that crazy weather?” stage of small talk—shove your resume at him, with a plea to take it on over to the manager? That’s not networking, that’s ambushing.
Instead: If you meet a contact or find a great connection on LinkedIn, look for ways to build a relationship before asking for a job. Say; Hi Peter. I’m a research analyst, too, and I’ve heard great things about your firm. May I ask you just two quick questions about your role?”
5. Calling the HR Person, Recruiter, or Hiring Manager with Ridiculous Frequency
Even if ‘Fortune favors the bold,’ or ‘Ask and ye shall receive,’ works; there is a very thin line between “confident, proactive professional” and “desperate dude who will not stop calling us.”
Instead: If you haven’t heard back about a position, follow up nicely by email after your original thank-you note.
You’ll probably start seeing progress. And progress gives you momentum. And momentum?
That’s what allows you to roll your way to greatness.
Adapted from: The Daily Muse.
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