3 Steps to Accelerate Your Job Search

I recently sat down with Martin Wolk for an article that appeared in the Seattle Times. As I’ve spoken with people since, three things keep bubbling up as to how one can accelerate their job search. I thought I would share them now.
STOP: Solely relying on online applications. Reports say that only 25% of online applications get selected by the automated tracking systems (ATS) that rely on key words in the resume. Miss some key terms, and your resume gets passed by even if you know you’re the perfect candidate. Play the ATS roulette if you wish, but make that a small part of your job search.
START: Networking. Yes, the dreaded networking. It IS the most reliable way to land a new job. It is estimated that 85% of all jobs are secured through networking. Fail to network, and you significantly hurt your chances to land that new job.
So, let’s talk about networking for a minute. No, it doesn’t have to mean going to those huge events with hundreds of strangers and feeling awkward. Look at the people you already know. Talk to them. Let them know you’re looking. Also, BE SPECIFIC about what you’re looking for. They can’t help you if they don’t know what you do. Is your job highly specified so people don’t understand what you do? Then provide KEY WORDS that they can remember. Who knows if they’ll run into someone looking for just those skills, and can let you know about the opportunity. The key with networking is not to ask people to help you get a job. They will run for the hills. Rather, simply ask them for help or advice. People are happy to give advice and won’t balk at giving you 15 minutes of their time. Talk to friends, family, neighbors, former coworkers, hair stylists, bankers; the list goes on. Who do you already know? Those connections can lead you to introductions to hiring managers.
CONTINUE: Believing in yourself. The job search is brutal. Many of the clients who come to me feel battered and bruised. They’ve had a bad experience, a bad boss, or a toxic environment that has taken its toll on them. Add to that the ‘ghosting’ that occurs during the job search (where you apply or speak with a recruiter and never hear back), and a person’s confidence can dissipate. Collect your success stories. Read them often. Recognize the good work you have done and keep trying. Building back confidence is one of the first results I see with my clients. The right job WILL be there; maybe not in your timeframe, but it will be there. I’ve seen it hundreds and hundreds of times and sincerely believe that.
If you’re feeling stuck or lost because you don’t even know where to start, there is help. You don’t have to go it alone.