Terms come and go in the job search world. The one thing they have in common is their ability to scare people looking for a new job. An example of this would be “the hidden job market.” No job is ever “hidden.” Your access to that job might be limited or – if a company is hiring internally – it might be impossible for you to get certain jobs. To conduct an effective job search, you need to find different ways of looking for work.
The first step I recommend is networking. People who know you and respect your skills are more likely to promote your skills. Your network connections might also point you toward types of work and companies that you had not considered. Remember that networking is a two-way street. Look for ways to help people who you want to help you.
Track industry and company news. Know where your skills are needed and track job openings at companies in those industries. If you know that a company is growing, it is likely that they will be hiring. Tracking industry news will let you know which companies are growing. That’s a great starting point for your job search.
Use the job boards effectively. Look at several job boards, not just one. Some of my clients have even had luck posting their resume. However, many others have been deluged with invitations to apply for low level sales jobs. If you post your resume, be ready to deal with junk email. Also know that posting is a passive way of looking for work. When you are looking for a job yourself, that is an active job search, which is the way most people find work.
Online networking is another way to look for work. The most common and best way is to use your LinkedIn network. If you’re looking for work and you’re not on LinkedIn, it’s time to join and bring your professional network on line. Some people are also using Twitter and other social networks as ways to engage potential employers.
For executives and employees with high demand skills, recruiters may be a good way to look for a new job. Keep in mind that working with a recruiter is a passive way of looking for work. If a recruiter finds a client that she thinks is better qualified than you, she will promote that other client. You need to maintain an active job search even if you are working with a recruiter you trust.
Almost every job search is difficult. To find a good job and find it faster, you need to employ more than one way of looking for work. The most important thing is that you keep a positive spirit even when your phone does not ring. If you maintain a persistent, focused effort, you will find work. As Tavis Smiley says, “Keep the faith.”
