Between fake jobs, 100s, if not 1000s, applying to the same job, never hearing back, or getting the automated immediate rejection email, this year for job seekers has been frustrating, to say the least. Even worse, only ~20% of real jobs are visible online. How do you find the rest?
Here are my tips on preventing the habit of hitting Easy Apply to find and create opportunities for yourself.
Leverage and Grow Your Network
Activate your current network and let them know what you seek, including target roles and companies. Then, work on growing your network to grow awareness of what you do for whom and the value you provide through live and virtual events or direct outreach. Who should I reach out to? Go to the next few points.
Have a Target Hit List
Identify 10-30 target companies you would be excited to join. If you have a hard time figuring out that many, leverage Google or Owler to identify competitors to ones on your list or organizations you have previously worked at.
Partner with Industry Insiders
Engage with executive recruiters and target company board members, consultants, and other business advisors to gain their perspective on what opportunities are on the horizon. Propose a live or virtual coffee for an informational interview to discuss the above and further grow awareness of yourself and the kinds of problems you solve.
Consult Your Way In
Maybe the companies you want to get into next do not have a role open, but as you talk with a potential hiring manager, you uncover problems you can quickly solve for them. Ask if there is any budget to have another perspective to help solve those problems. You do not need to have a business to offer assistance in helping a business owner or leader solve a business problem they need more resources or time to fix. Make sure there is a contract and payment plan in place.
Consider a Pivot
What you have been doing is no longer in demand. Or there is a less expensive talent expert in what you have been doing. It may be time to research other industries or functional areas you could move to based on your skills and abilities.
Seeing that many opportunities are hidden, I recommend reallocating 80%, if not more, of your online job application time to some of the above activities to accelerate landing your next role.
Are you not sure how to get started doing the above? You can schedule a time with me on my calendar at https://bit.ly/10withJaime to get more guidance and advice on your situation.
