Diversify Your Job Search for Greater Success
Most people when they read or hear the word “diversify” automatically think of their monetary assets, their workforce, or the communities with whom they choose to associate.
How often do people think “DIVERSIFY!” when conducting a job search? Maybe not often enough based on my experiences speaking with clients.
Leveraging a multi-faceted, diversified strategy for your search can be exponentially important to your success in landing the right job.
At its simplest, one can categorize their job search strategies into three groupings which I’ve outlined below. I highly recommend you diversity your search across all three. You get to decide how much of your time and energy you devote to each strategy, i.e., it’s not necessarily a 33/33/33 split.
1. Applying via online job boards: Let’s face it, there’s no shortage of job boards that aggregate job postings. Indeed, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn. Also, industry-specific boards like Dice.com, MassBio and others. Jobseekers may also go directly to the hiring organization’s “Careers” page on their website and apply. That said? Every time you apply for a job online, your resume first needs to pass the applicant tracking system (ATS) test. Also know that every online application likely yields less than a 5% chance of getting an interview. I’m not saying it’s a bad strategy; I’m just saying that it has its unique challenges.
2. Leveraging one or two third-party recruiters / search firms: This can be an effective strategy depending on the recruiter / recruiting firm and on the job market at the time of your search. The great thing is that you have someone else doing some of the legwork for you. You also have someone who is knowledgeable about the market value of the jobs you are looking at so can help coach around salary expectations and negotiations. Always remember though: Recruiters are not working in your best interest; they are working in theirs (they get a commission based off placing you.) Do your research as well before selecting only 1-2 firms with whom to work.
3. Working your existing network and expanding it to new contacts: By far, this is the strategy I most advocate with my clients. Why? Because it accounts for 70% + of all the job offers people receive. That’s a lot! Think broadly about your network: It includes more than just current and prior colleagues. There are alumni associations, professional organizations, your neighbors, and so on. Tip: Whenever you have a networking discussion with someone about your job search, ask them who else they know who might have some guidance or insight on your search, to whom they could introduce you. Check out my networking blog from last year to learn more.
And remember: Be consistent with your employment candidate brand across all three strategies! Not sure what I mean by that? Re-read my branding blog from a few months back.
How diversified is YOUR search strategy, now or from past searches? Where have you yielded the most success? Please share so others might benefit from your experiences!
To chat more about your job search strategy and how to make it more multi-dimensional, contact me via my website, schedule some time to chat, or give me a shout at empoweredresultswithkat@katresults.com.
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