How does someone begin a job search on and off LinkedIn? Are you a recent grad or an unemployed person who has not done a job search in a long time?
Are you asking yourself where to begin your job search? First, realize that looking for a job IS a job.
You may not know this, but a job search is a team sport and should not be done alone. You need a support system of family, friends, and/or job search groups where you can learn and network.
There is a list of job seeker and networking groups at the end of this Google doc.
You have probably heard of lifelong learning, which should include “job school” if you are a career professional. “Job school” is not an institution of higher education, but where there are opportunities to learn job search skills and get resources.
Higher education institutions have a career services department, and I bet most recent graduates tapped into those resources minimally to not at all. Classwork, social life, and sleep probably were top of your list. As a recent grad, it’s time to see what you missed!
For seasoned professionals who are newly unemployed, the career services department from your undergraduate or graduate education is still available to you as an alum, so check it out!
On LinkedIn, tap into your alum network. Since networking is critical, make sure you have a networking plan and always maintain a positive attitude.
You will need to track your networking contacts and job search activity in a CRM or spreadsheet, which is one of the 12 benefits of becoming a professional or executive member of the Great Careers Network.
You must prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself when attending networking events.
You need to update your resume, optimize your LinkedIn profile with keywords, and ensure you have over 500 connections. Start posting and commenting on LinkedIn.
You can also write articles or blogs, give presentations, or volunteer. Fine-tune your interview skills. Preparation is essential.
Yes, there are many great series on Netflix that you can binge-watch, but you have to take action on your career and make things happen.
Hire a career coach if you need help and get an accountability partner.
As a job seeker, you are in sales and marketing, selling and marketing yourself, and nothing gets sold sitting on the couch. Get out there and make networking a habit!
Review these 24 job search strategies and join us for online events and networking at the Great Careers Network! You will be glad you did!
NEXT STEPS
- Subscribe to my newsletter on LinkedIn for bright ideas to manage your career.
- Join as a member at https://greatcareers.org/membership of the #1 business networking association on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Book of Lists three years in a row!
- Register on the events page for upcoming online events.
- If you need a resume or LinkedIn profile to get you to your next step, book a call to chat!
- Follow #GreatCareersPHL
AUTHOR BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career education and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management. She is also the President of ChemPharma.net and is on the leadership team of the Thought Leadership Branding Club.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is currently writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
This article is also published on: vista.today, montco.today, delco.today, bucksco.today, and in the author’s LinkedIn newsletter. A list of articles can also be found in a Google doc.
