How to Search for Jobs: Create a Winning Strategy
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your job search? Do you wish there was a more efficient way to find your dream job?
In his book The 2-Hour Job Search, Steve Dalton offers a systematic approach to how to search for jobs effectively. You'll learn strategies to streamline your efforts and increase your chances of landing the perfect position.
Ready to revolutionize your job search? Let's dive into Dalton's method and discover how you can make the most of your time and energy.
Create a Structured Job Search Plan
When it comes to finding your dream job, knowing how to search for jobs effectively can make all the difference. By prioritizing your efforts and creating a systematic approach, you'll increase your chances of landing a position that aligns with your goals and needs. Let's dive into how you can create an effective job search strategy that will streamline your efforts and help you stand out in the competitive job market.
Build a Comprehensive Company List
The first step in your job search journey is to compile a diverse list of potential employers. Don't just focus on the big-name companies everyone knows about. Cast a wide net and aim for at least 40 different organizations.
To build this list, use a variety of research methods. Look at recommendations from similar professionals on networking sites, conduct online searches for industry trends, and utilize tools like Crunchbase to identify up-and-coming businesses. You can even check out Myvisajobs.com to find companies that sponsor work permits if that's relevant to your situation.
By doing thorough research, you might uncover opportunities with less competition. For example, you could focus on companies that have recently received funding or those listed as authorized to sponsor work permits by the U.S. Labor Department. These companies may be more likely to have job openings and invest in new talent.
Prioritize Your Potential Employers
Once you've got your list, it's time to rank these potential employers. You'll want to consider three main factors:
- Your enthusiasm for the company
- The presence of advocates within the organization
- The likelihood of upcoming vacancies
Rate your interest in each company on a scale of zero to three, taking into account both your personal excitement and the company's reputation. Assign points based on whether you have an advocate within the company or if you're located near the prospective employer. Also, allocate points to job listings based on their relevance and frequency.
This process helps you create a focused and realistic set of targets, balancing your ambitious goals with a practical assessment of where you're most likely to succeed.
Implement an Efficient Contact Process
Now that you've got your prioritized list, it's time to start reaching out. Begin with the top companies on your LAMP (Listing, Advocacy, Motivation, and Posting) list.
Find Internal Advocates
Look for people within your preferred companies who can endorse and assist with your job search. Start by exploring your network for alumni from your most recent school who work at these organizations. Connect with them on professional networking platforms. Mark the Advocacy column with a "Y" for employers where you have a personal contact willing to support your application.
Craft Targeted Emails
When you're ready to reach out, keep your emails short and sweet. Aim for no more than 75 words, and make sure the entire message can be read on a smartphone screen without scrolling. Show your enthusiasm by including a question, and make your message clear and engaging to encourage a prompt reply.
Track Your Outreach Efforts
Create a system to monitor your contacts, track responses, and determine when to follow up. Use the 3B7 Routine along with your email system's reminder functions to ensure you're prompted to take the next steps at the right time. This approach helps you stay persistent without being pushy.
Remember, you don't need to spend hours each day on your job search. Aim for about 30 minutes of active job search tasks per day, with many days requiring no effort at all if your system is set up efficiently.
Leverage Your Network
In today's competitive job market, having internal advocates can make a huge difference. Here's how to make the most of your existing network and build new connections.
Expand Your Professional Network
Start by connecting with former coworkers, managers, and family members on LinkedIn. Then, use LinkedIn's search capabilities to expand your connections within your industry. Join LinkedIn Groups that align with your interests to foster relationships that could benefit your career goals.
Use LinkedIn's advanced search tools to focus your job search on a specific city or geographic region. Look for people at companies that hire graduates from your alma mater who could become advocates for you.
Prioritize Influential Contacts
When seeking advocates, focus on connecting with people in positions similar to your career aspirations or those who have climbed the organizational ladder. These individuals often have more influence and can facilitate connections with other contacts.
Initiate Contact Strategically
Start by identifying organizations on your LAMP list that have connections to people in your network, such as family members, friends, or alumni. Mark these with a "Y" and focus on individuals who show a tendency to endorse and advocate for your professional pursuits.
Conduct Effective Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a valuable tool in your job search arsenal. They provide insights into specific industries and companies while helping you build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
Prepare Efficiently
When preparing for an informational interview, focus on high-impact research. Spend about 15 minutes gathering essential details about the company using publicly available resources. Look at the organizational structure by examining job titles on professional networking platforms. Research the main trends shaping the industry, challenges faced by leading firms, and potential trajectories of emerging technologies.
Engage in Meaningful Conversations
During the interview, start with casual conversation to build rapport, then gradually move to questions that guide the discussion towards reflective thinking and advice. Use a strategy that includes asking about current developments, personal reflections, recommendations, valuable contacts, and potential tasks.
Ask about topics that clearly excite the interviewee to uncover their deep passions and gain a deeper understanding. For example, you could ask about the leading trend in today's business world or explore surprising elements related to their role.
Follow Up and Maintain Connections
After the interview, keep your network strong by consistently updating your connections on your progress. Implement the advice they've given and inform them of the outcome or any further questions you have. This demonstrates that you value their perspectives and helps solidify your reputation as a thoughtful professional.
Aim to conduct regular monthly meetings to maintain connections and uncover new prospects. In future communications, briefly summarize the insights and benefits you've gained, and tactfully seek further advice.
By following these strategies, you'll create an effective job search plan that maximizes your chances of success. Remember, the key is to be systematic, persistent, and genuine in your approach. Happy job hunting!