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If you’re like most job seekers, you spend your days searching job boards, fiendishly submitting your resume to anything that sounds like what you’d like to do, and crossing your fingers that someone… ANYONE … call you for an interview.
My friends, it’s time for a change. First… So you’re feeling a little… let’s face it… unmotivated, maybe bordering on apathy. It happens to all of us at one time or another, so first you have to know: YOU ARE COMPLETELY NORMAL. He is allowed to have his feelings, and I always encourage family, friends and clients to REALLY FEEL THEM. What you are going through right now is not funny, to say the least. But I also wouldn’t be doing my job and fulfilling my mission if I let you stay there too long. So this is your official kick in the pants. Stand up. No, really, right now. Section. Take three deep breaths to clear your mind. And set your mind on GOING OUT. Out of your gloom And out from behind that computer. That’s right: it’s time to DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
“GO OUT? BUT WHERE?” My strongest recommendation for your “theme” for the next month:
SALT! Get away from the computer and show your face in front of the people who can hire you, recommend you, refer you. A few ideas (and I and other readers welcome your comments below with more suggestions!):
CHECK THE ROOM. Does your local Chamber do ribbon cutting for new members? You will find that the attendees at these events are not the typical cast and crew of most networking events. Go ahead and get ready to introduce yourself to all the new faces.
EXPECT GRAND OPENINGS. Keep an eye out for businesses opening their doors at grand opening events. Again, not your usual cast of characters and a great way to meet people from the surrounding businesses. Open houses, too. If you know of companies that host open houses, go for it! For the same reasons mentioned above.
GET A LITTLE CLASS. Take a computer class, a LinkedIn class, a class related to your hobby (art, cooking, wine tasting, pottery, quilting, golf, exercise, fly fishing…), something that engages your brain, help you learn a new or maintain a skill, it brings you into a space with others who are doing the same thing. The trick is that you can’t be shy. Again, introduce yourself and start making new connections.
“MEET UP.” Do you love hiking? Speak a foreign language? local control”encounters” in your area to find like-minded people who enjoy the same activities you do. You’ll instantly have something in common, and that may speed up the ice-breaking to start talking about how you can support each other in other ways. You support them with what they need, they will support you in your job search.
VOLUNTEER. Everyone and their grandmothers will tell you that volunteering is a great resume builder and that volunteers are often the first to “accept” available positions. (“Duh”, Meredith.) But I’m talking about volunteering for the sheer pleasure of helping someone (or some “thing”, cause, crusade, etc.) other than yourself. Go give it to someone else selflessly for a day. Consider volunteering for a cause where you keep busy helping others and focus on their challenges rather than your own. Helping others gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference in the world. That will only lift your mood. And don’t ignore those other volunteers. Have I said it enough? Introduce yourself and really connect with the other volunteers. You never know who they know.
GO FOR LUNCH. Schedule a lunch with former colleagues, community connections, employee friends, and others who may know the people you need to know and who can help you in your search. Buy them lunch (or coffee) in exchange for time to take advantage of their experience. Tapping into his ego this way works. EVERYONE loves being asked for $0.02 and advice from their expert. All the world. And takes you out of the house. Be prepared with the details you want to ask about. Make the most of your time and theirs. In the process, he’s beginning to create “Cause: You” champions and advocates.
ASK. All this “hanging out” is all well and good, but make the most of it and ask the people you’re developing these relationships with for help with exactly what you need: introductions and referrals. Be specific: “I’d love to meet someone who works in XYZ Industry, ABC Company, or has a 123 position in an organization. Do you know someone like that who could introduce me?” Or “I saw an opening at ACME Company and I remember you mentioned that you knew people there. Would you help me pitch my resume to some people there?”
TRACING. My friend TC (Very Direct Marketing) coined the term to replace that nasty “cc” word we all hate (cold calling). As you GO OUT and build your “database” (little black book, contacts on your Blackberry, friends on Facebook, connections on LinkedIn), you need to keep in touch. Check in with them at least once a month to stay top of mind (another favorite TC-ism) and remind them how they can help you. This includes your best friend’s mom, the manicurist at the salon where you get your hair done even though she doesn’t do your nails, the guy from Goodyear who changes the oil in your car, your favorite bartender, and his manager.
“WHY BOTH?” BECAUSE NETWORKS WORK. “But, Meredith, I hate networks.” Maybe this will help motivate you to change your mind:
- 75-85% of job offers are never posted on those job boards you love to spend your time on so much.
- Even better, 70-80% of job seekers report finding their “next position” through networking.
Enough talk?
“WHAT I NEED?” A resume that attracts attention! Even with all the social media in the world, you still need to have a resume. Consider it your personal brochure that answers: “What do I get if I hire you?” all hiring managers wonder. (Resume Help Here!) A decent 30 second “commercial” outlining what you’re looking for, what it offers, and how others can help. Again, the more specific, the easier it will be for people to know how to help you. Personal business cards. Yes, get business cards even if there is no company or title to put on them yet. Include all of your contact information and consider using the space on the back of the card to put in some “promotional” phrase about why YOU are the best for the job. VistaPrint.com has a nice selection of FREE business cards. You pay shipping. A little courage. I promise, with practice, it gets easier.
Again, step away from the computer. And when you do, report back here! Tell us about your successes. Remember your funniest blunders. Let us help you refine your networking techniques to help you get that job done faster!