Spray and Pray as a Job Search Strategy Doesn't Work
by Markell R. Morris, Futures in Motion, Inc.
Your job search needs focus, strategy and consistency
When you're facing uncertainty in your job search, it's easy to fall into the trap of applying to any and every job so you don't miss out on opportunities.
If you've been searching for longer than expected, it's understandable that you would use this approach as a way to cast a wide net.
Unfortunately, you end up feeling defeated because your efforts aren't working like you hoped.
The spray and pray approach doesn't work because it splits your focus and energy.
Let’s say you’re applying to 3 similar but different types of jobs in several different industries.
You have to keep up with at least 3 different resumes and cover letters and track countless applications.
You have to come up with various introductions.
You have to somehow capture all of your various selling points in one LinkedIn profile.
With this approach instead of searching for a job, you’ve created an unpaid admin job for yourself.
And, you’re not getting closer to a job.
You aren’t getting any responses to your applications.
You aren’t getting call backs for 2nd interviews, if you manage to get any at all.
You need to refine your job search strategy.
If you've been searching for longer than expected, it's understandable that you would use this approach as a way to cast a wide net.
Unfortunately, you end up feeling defeated because your efforts aren't working like you hoped.
The spray and pray approach doesn't work because it splits your focus and energy.
Let’s say you’re applying to 3 similar but different types of jobs in several different industries.
You have to keep up with at least 3 different resumes and cover letters and track countless applications.
You have to come up with various introductions.
You have to somehow capture all of your various selling points in one LinkedIn profile.
With this approach instead of searching for a job, you’ve created an unpaid admin job for yourself.
And, you’re not getting closer to a job.
You aren’t getting any responses to your applications.
You aren’t getting call backs for 2nd interviews, if you manage to get any at all.
You need to refine your job search strategy.
I coach my clients to follow a focused job search approach and take consistent action to increase their chances of getting the job they want faster with less frustration.
Here's the job search strategy I use with my clients:
#1- Clarify your job target
This is the cornerstone of an effective job search, yet mostly overlooked. Once you get clear about your career direction and goals all the other parts of your job search become easier. A clear job target means you have defined your industry, role, company/organization preferences, desired salary and benefits at minimum.
#1- Clarify your job target
This is the cornerstone of an effective job search, yet mostly overlooked. Once you get clear about your career direction and goals all the other parts of your job search become easier. A clear job target means you have defined your industry, role, company/organization preferences, desired salary and benefits at minimum.
#2- Create a Job Search Action Plan
There are various ways to attract the right job opportunities. I encourage my clients to keep in mind that "people hire people". Given that, the job search methods you use should be getting you closer to decision-makers and the best leads. Most job seekers over rely on submitting applications online. A better job search approach should include a combination of tactics such as networking and making new contacts, following up and engaging with your contacts, attending employer, employment and industry events, and applying for jobs online on company-specific and industry-specific sites. A job search action plan keeps you focused and on track.
There are various ways to attract the right job opportunities. I encourage my clients to keep in mind that "people hire people". Given that, the job search methods you use should be getting you closer to decision-makers and the best leads. Most job seekers over rely on submitting applications online. A better job search approach should include a combination of tactics such as networking and making new contacts, following up and engaging with your contacts, attending employer, employment and industry events, and applying for jobs online on company-specific and industry-specific sites. A job search action plan keeps you focused and on track.
#3- Prepare for Interviews
Your job search efforts will eventually pay off, and you’ll get interviews. That will be your chance to really make an impression on a potential employer. They already know something about you based on your application or from a referral. The interview is when they confirm that what they know so far is accurate. Be prepared to address the 3 things the interviewer wants to know:
Prepare success stories to highlight your relevant accomplishments and qualifications. The PAR (Problem, Action, Results) Approach is an easy framework to use when talking about your accomplishments.
Your job search efforts will eventually pay off, and you’ll get interviews. That will be your chance to really make an impression on a potential employer. They already know something about you based on your application or from a referral. The interview is when they confirm that what they know so far is accurate. Be prepared to address the 3 things the interviewer wants to know:
- Can you do the job? They want to verify that you have the skills, knowledge and ability you claimed on your resume.
- Do you really want the job? They expect you to clearly, confidently answer their questions integrating your knowledge of the industry, company and position.
- Will you fit into the culture? They want to feel like they will be comfortable working with you.
Prepare success stories to highlight your relevant accomplishments and qualifications. The PAR (Problem, Action, Results) Approach is an easy framework to use when talking about your accomplishments.
#4- Invest in Your Network
This is an essential part of your job search plan. If you're awesome but no one knows about it, you won't attract the job you want. Networking is about making the right connections and getting visibility with decision-makers and referral sources (colleagues, recruiters). To do this well requires focus and consistency. In just a few minutes everyday, you can build a powerful brand that attracts the right job opportunities. For example you can leverage LinkedIn by following people in your industry and profession, liking, commenting and sharing their posts, reaching out to their for coffee chats or informational interviews. Other tactics are to join industry specific groups and attend webinars and conferences. Create a realistic schedule on your calendar to keep up your momentum.
This is an essential part of your job search plan. If you're awesome but no one knows about it, you won't attract the job you want. Networking is about making the right connections and getting visibility with decision-makers and referral sources (colleagues, recruiters). To do this well requires focus and consistency. In just a few minutes everyday, you can build a powerful brand that attracts the right job opportunities. For example you can leverage LinkedIn by following people in your industry and profession, liking, commenting and sharing their posts, reaching out to their for coffee chats or informational interviews. Other tactics are to join industry specific groups and attend webinars and conferences. Create a realistic schedule on your calendar to keep up your momentum.
Getting the job you want requires focus and consistent action. If you follow the techniques I outlined, you'll increase your chances of connecting with the job you want in less time with less frustration.
Ready to take control of your job search and save yourself the frustration of figuring it out on your own? Book a Career Strategy Consultation with me to pinpoint ways you can attract better job opportunities.
Markell R. Morris is an international speaker, career counselor and job search coach based in Long Beach, CA. Her mission is to help frustrated career changers get excited about their life and career after loss and personal challenges. She has created career programs and resources that help her clients gain a sense of direction and hope, so they can go after their goals with confidence. Download her free ebook, Create a Career You Love, for career advice to discover your meaningful career path.
REPRINT GUIDELINES: You may reprint these articles free of charge in your newsletter, magazine, or on your web site, provided that they are unedited, and that the copyright, bio slug, and contact information below appears with each article. Articles appearing on the web must provide a hyperlink to our website. Please provide us with a courtesy copy of the print or email issue containing the article, or the URL of any article posted to the web. All articles are written by Markell R. Morris, MA.
I'm always happy to hear from you Contact Me
|
|
