Why Are You Waiting To Start Your Job Search?

In my years of coaching in Seattle, I've noticed a few phenomenon about the job search. I'm sharing them now because NOW is the time to get started if you want a new job by the end of the year. Wait? It's only April. What's the rush? Well, let me share my thoughts.

1. Summer is fast approaching. You know what that means here in Seattle (and many other cities across the country). People are away, often. Things slow down. It's the single worst time of year to be expecting a lot of activity with networking and interviews. You may even be a little slower at work, so you have more time and energy to devote to your search.
2. The average job search currently takes 3 months. Yes, that's right. So if you begin right now, you'll find yourself smack-dab in the middle of Summer when you want to land that next job. This time is highly variable. It depends on your profession, your level, and your requirements. But, a well-executed job search takes time. Roughly 85% of jobs are secured through networking. Before you can network, you need a new resume, an updated LinkedIn profile, and a strategy for reaching out to that network. You might even have to build a network if you haven't been nurturing it all along. The number one mistake I see people make is to rush into sending out an old, stale, inadequate resume. Remember. you only get one chance to make a first impression. Send out an old resume and you may limit your opportunities.
3. When people come back from summer vacations in September, things start to hop, and I mean HOP! The vast majority of my clients who begin their search between Spring and Summer, land their jobs in September when things get back to normal.
4. The job search is a process. It's more than just a shiny new resume. The resume is only step 1. You've also got to polish up your LinkedIn profile and actively engage. You've got to develop a strategy for your search, network, cultivate contacts, do tons of research, and yes, finally, interview and win the job! This doesn't happen overnight.

Ok, so that's the bad news. I'm an optimist, so let's look at the bright side.

1. Things slow down in Summer and you do want to enjoy some of that time, so why not use this as the time to get that resume and LinkedIn profile updated? Use all those social activities to expand your network and reconnect with lost contacts.
2. You can create a strategy for that search so when everyone's back in town, you can hit the ground running. What companies are you going to target? What is your unique value proposition?
3. Research, research, research. Use this time to conduct research on the industry and companies you'd like to work at. Identify those that would be the best fit for you and allow you to do your best work and be happy.
4. Prep for interviews. You've heard practice makes perfect, right? Well, practice with someone, or in the mirror. Nail those difficult questions.

Summer is my favorite time to work with clients. It's sunny and warm and everyone is in a good mood. With my strategic approach to coaching, it's the perfect time for me to help clients establish a sound strategy for landing that next new job, so when September approaches, you are ready to hit the hiring road!
So, don't delay. Updating a resume and LinkedIn profile, networking, identifying target companies, all takes time. Use those summer months to get ready. Then come September when things get hopping again, you're ready!

REGISTER FOR ONE OF ANDREA'S COACHING PROGRAMS BELOW BEFORE MAY 31, MENTION THIS SPECIAL, AND RECEIVE 20% OFF THE FULL PROGRAM PRICE.

• JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES (12 sessions)
• ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER (16 sessions)
• BECOME YOUR OWN BOSS (24 sessions)

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