No matter what the state of the headlines, there are always professionals in active job search. Today, I share seven simplified steps to building a strong search strategy and plan for execution.
- Ensure you have the right tools to create a plan. Whiteboard, Google Sheets, lined paper.. use what works for you. You will be hands on with these tools daily and need to be as seamless as possible.
- Create your value proposition. You are the product/service. What value can you bring to the marketplace? Who should get to know you to make their business better? Create a target list of your audience. These will be primarily be made of people you do not know.
- Unlock your network. You have worked with professionals along the way that can validate your work. Reach out to these people you know and share your interests. People genuinely love helping people.
- Build your network. Reach out to those you do not know, with value and sincerity. The method you choose to reach out needs to work best for you. Understand there is value in community, and it is innate people want to build connections with others of mutual value.
- Protect your Burn Rate. Cash flow in your household may be impacted. The less financial pressure the better. Although compensation is a top priority in the world of work, decisions made with financial implications as number one are shorter term. Less diligence opportunity on both sides.
- Track your plan and progress. Follow up, with value, and stay on the radar of these teams you are most interested in exploring.
- Take care of yourself. Remember the hours in the day need to include protection of your mind, body and spirit. Especially in times of high stress, we can get lose priority on our own wellbeing. If you are not currently employed, dedicate 2-3 hours a day to your search, then spend time with family, friends, or volunteer. You don't get this time back when you are back in the professional game.
Go after it.... The world needs you!
President, TMG Search Canada | Recruitment + Search Advisory
1yGreat stuff in this post Holly Scott! Unlock your network. People genuinely like to help. 💪 ❤️
Medical Device and Safety Technology Marketing Executive | Expert in Cross-Functional Team Leadership and Sales Enablement
1yLove the pro tips Holly. Super helpful!
IT Manager / CyberSecurity / Software Dev / IT Engineering Manager: Science, Engineering and Manufacturing
1y"Go after it.... The world needs you!" There's a world of work currently being accomplished by folk who are half-hearted, whereas your eyes would see that work accomplished in a manner that breathes life into the company. I've watched new hires (including myself) take on a new career role; level it up several notches, to make it an award winning department; that gave the company added revenue streams. We must first see how we are perceived. Which can be noted in observation by everything and everyone around you. If you're not seen in the light that you want, than like a body builder; you've got to bring that work to the surface, as mentioned above in your post Holly. You may even need an entirely new environment, to stretch yourself into. I've known people, all throughout my life, who've shown creative ability to work of their own design. To continually improve and hone their skills, simply by paying attention. In one company I was seen as nothing more than a junior IT administrator, despite having my own business and a decade of manufacturing engineering expertise. By expanding my arena of career search; I found several companies that saw in me, superbly fascinating work that challenged me well beyond what I knew :}
Leader | Director | Marketing | Medical Device | Strategy | MBA | Strategic leader who helps individuals to find purpose and businesses to increase their bottom line
1yGreat tips, Holly! Thank you for sharing. I would also suggest to invest in professional development (formal and non-formal). Either to address some skills « gap » or to enhance current « skill » to a differentiator level.