It’s Your Career, Get Strategic

Job searching is not easy. It’s uncomfortable. It forces job candidates to reflect and focus upon their career path. They’re confronted with the reality they may not have met their own expectations. Or, maybe, they exceeded all expectations, and are uncertain how to navigate in a changing environment. Whatever the scenario, a strategic approach is in order. First things first. We must distinguish job search strategy from career growth strategy.  

Career growth strategy is about taking steps to a longer-term destination. Job search strategy is more immediate. 

Career growth strategy is big picture. It’s aspirational. It’s proactive. Career growth strategy is driven by an individual’s needs, and is future facing. Job search strategy is urgent, and often reactive.

It’s reasonable to expect change throughout your career.

Circumstances change. Needs change. Once you understand change will happen, you must also acknowledge there will be a time for change too. When it’s time for change, you will feel it. You won’t be making the same impact, or your value will no longer be appreciated. Once we acknowledge there will be a time, we are more apt to listen to new options, explore new opportunities, and seek to understand our value in the workplace.

We’re more likely to find career success when we remain open to new options. 

You don’t have to leave the path you’re on to explore what’s happening on other paths. When you are employed and aware of the market conditions, you can feel confident and decide when to make a career shift. When unplanned changes happen, you will be better equipped. Figuring out the best way to traverse the job search and interview landscape can be challenging, but it can be simplified.  

Establish a target. Use the 20-2-1 Principle. 

Target 20 companies of interest. For each target company, connect with the company recruiter(s) and express your interest in the company and the job.

• Tactic #1: Monitor LinkedIn job postings. When you see a posting of interest, instead of applying immediately, look to see if the job posting shows who posted it. If the person who posted it is visible, then send an introductory message to that person. Tell the person why you’re interested and why you think you’re qualified. Then, thank the person for consideration. Keep it short.
• Tactic #2: If the job poster is not visible, use LinkedIn to seek out a recruiter at the company. In the search bar, type the company’s name. Then, select “People”. You can filter further from there, but frequently, the Human Resources or Talent Acquisition leaders appear towards the top of the results. With a name, you can request a connection. It’s also fairly easy to find a company’s email exchange. Go to Google search and enter the person’s name and the company’s site extension (“First Last” AND @companyname.com).
• Tactic #3: Comment on the recruiter’s posts, participate in the company’s polls, and set up job alerts so you’re notified of new job postings with the company.

Seize every opportunity to engage with industry professionals. Don’t close doors prematurely. Don’t make assumptions based upon what you’ve heard from others. Instead, practice. Take pride in your accomplishments and establish new goals. Tell great stories to help differentiate and distinguish. Be accessible. Respond quickly. Approach each interview as an opportunity to reaffirm your interest. Prepare and execute when you have the chance. 

Of the 20 target companies, your goal should be to receive 2 job offers. Then, you can compare, contrast, and make 1 decision. The 20-2-1 Principle is a baseline. In extreme job markets with greater talent availability – or limited talent availability - ratios may be different.

When it comes to job offers, there is never any decision to make until an offer is extended. 

If you win every interview, you increase the likelihood of multiple job offers. One offer feels great. It means a company is interested in you, and is willing to pay you to do the job. It’s very easy to equate one’s value with a job offer. That’s why more than one offer of employment provides you with validation, and the leverage to make the best decision for you.  

Ultimately, we all want control of our own career paths. When we get to make the decisions that affect us, we have the greatest chance of discovering professional balance. Give yourself options. Be willing to listen, and perhaps most importantly, be patient. It’s your career, get strategic.