10 Tips for Job Seekers
As Executive Search Consultants, we are tasked by our client companies to provide talent for positions that they are having difficulty in filling. Our job entails a great deal of research and consultative effort to find the right match for our clients.
We’re also frequently contacted by job seekers looking for opportunities, and while we’re always happy to hear from talented people, by necessity our time and energy is primarily focused on our clients’ needs. In an effort to help job seekers, we’ve come up with a short list of (hopefully helpful) tips that may assist maximize their own efforts to find a great role.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be posting these tips on our blog as part of an ongoing series. First up…
#1 – Do your research
You’ve probably heard this advice before and there’s a reason for it; it’s the first key to successfully guiding your job search. There is a wealth of information available to job seekers on the internet that can enable them to find and connect with the right people in their job hunt. Search engines like Google and social networks like Linked In provide ample data on who to speak with in your quest for your next position. Make sure you do your research on your target company, the desired position and the key people involved – if you see a job opening that appears to match your career path, you’re much better off researching the hiring manager for the role than simply clicking on an online posting – more on online postings below (and if you’re introducing yourself to an Executive Search consultant, make sure they specialize in your area of your career focus). Many job postings will include the reporting relationship directly within job description itself, i.e. “this position reports to the SVP of Marketing”. By researching the company, positions and reporting structure, it will enable you to…
#2 – Introduce yourself
People are busy so when you make your introduction, keep it short, compelling and succinct. If you are focused on a particular position, a short introductory paragraph relaying your interest and experience will be much more effective than an overly long, loquacious cover email. Personalize each email to the person to whom you are connecting as it makes a stronger impression – many emails are a version of the person’s name so if you are emailing susan.jones@xyz.com, she’ll be left with a much more positive impression if you start your introduction with “Hello Susan” than “To Whom it may concern”. And don’t send group emails to potential career opportunities. It’s hard to make a case for how interested you are in a specific company/role when it is obvious to the recipient that you’re sending the message to others simultaneously.
Your resume will be the most important part of this communication and should contain the specific details of your experience.
Coming soon…
#3 – Multiple specific resumes vs. cover letters
#4 – Be specific
#5 – Be ‘findable’
#6 – Put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager/recruiter
#7 – Avoid online job postings as much as possible
#8 – Avoid the “shotgun” approach and focus on companies where you can make an impact
#9 – Don’t go for the shiny objects – jobs you ‘could’ do
#10 – Don’t apply for multiple /different roles at the same company