Why your job search is like planning a journey

Some job seekers are looking for the end of the job search (finding the job) without having a plan to get there.

• They hear statistics about how fast resumes are read (some say 3-30 seconds) and think that the resume may have little importance so they do little to do it well.
• They hear about applying online and think that all they have to do is fill in blanks and then wonder why they never get a call.
• They think they can just keep filling in applications and eventually odds will have it that they will get a job.

What’s missing? The career marketing plan!

The committed and smart job seeker knows better. This person understands that job search is a  journey and needs a plan to get from the start to the end. Career marketing makes sense to this person because it isn’t about just getting the next job. Rather job search is understanding that you have to take charge of your life and career.

You can’t assume that any job will be forever because that’s not how companies operate anymore. You also can’t assume that the company will be there forever. Too many variables interfere with longevity for both the job seeker and the employer. Economic challenges have plagued the country for more than a decade.

How do you treat job search as a journey?

• You determine the direction of your next move. Is it a career transition or are you staying in the same field. You can’t move forward until you know where you are going.
• You figure out what differentiates you from the next job seeker. The toughest question that I make my clients answer is what makes them different from everyone else.
• You understand that the resume is the foundation of the job search. We strategically use the differentiating data to position the client as the expert. The client brings the solution that the company is seeking. Now we have laid the foundation for everything that comes after in the job search.
• You don’t ignore new career marketing tools like using LinkedIn to make yourself much more visible and findable online to job sourcers.

What is the next step in the journey?

• You are effective in networking. When you realize every day you can help someone else, actively look for those moments, you find yourself networking and building a network without trying.
• You make sure that you have a plan for the interview process. Take the interviews seriously even if it is an internal interview. You need to prove that you outshine outside candidates who may be preparing and planning for the potential pitfalls of interviewing.
• You understand the value of the thank you. Statistics show that people who write thank you notes often are the ones hired. It doesn’t ensure you will always get hired but it definitely adds to a good impression by the employer assuming you meet the job requirements.
• You are continually proactive even when you land the next role. You know job search is a journey.

These are ways you can move to a career marketing attitude and treat your job search as a journey instead of a one time event. You will be more prepared and you will land better. More importantly you will be ready if things change in the future because you know you are on a journey.

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