The job search can be an arduous task. In today’s competitive market, looking for your next career move can be a long and stressful process if you aren’t sure where to begin. Aside from the obvious first step which is to update your resume, here are five things that will help you successfully navigate your next career move.
Step 1: Develop a Strategy
What do Olympians, CEOs, and you have in common? Strategy. The easiest way to reach your goals is by creating a plan to get there. Establish and maintain a schedule for reaching out to companies, checking in with your network, and following up with your recruitment agency. Make use of tools like Google Calendar, alerts and reminders on your phone, and to do lists. Don't underestimate the satisfaction of crossing off another item you’ve completed.
Step 2: Network – Start with Who You Know
“It’s not what you know, but who you know” is a cliché for a reason. Whether it’s finding the best dog walker, hiring a trusted electrician, or knowing who to talk to about your next career move, start with your network of friends and family. People are happy to help; you only have to ask.
You want to work for a company that’s more than a fancy website or well-written job description. Utilize your network to put you in contact with people working at companies or industries you’re interested in. Always have business cards on hand, pen and paper to take notes, and a copy of your resume to pass on to new contacts. Most importantly, don’t forget to follow-up by email or phone to thank them for their time.
Reach out to someone you know in the industry that you trust to give honest feedback on your resume and practice interview questions with. Since you will be putting yourself out there, make sure you’re LinkedIn and social media accounts are updated and professional looking.
Step 3: Reaching Out through Cold Emails
Nowadays it’s much easier to contact people with LinkedIn, emails, and phone calls. Reaching out to individuals found on LinkedIn is an effective way to expand your network – if approached correctly. To ensure success when contacting someone for the first time on LinkedIn, customize your request to connect. Like flyers in the mail, generalized connection requests are guaranteed to be ignored. Detail how you found them (a compliment doesn’t hurt), why you’re looking to connect, and a request to meet online or in person at a time that’s convenient for them. Last, don’t forget the KISS method – Keep it Super Simple. Be polite and to the point; this is your “elevator pitch” on why they should respond to you.
Read: “How to Use Networking to Find a Job” for further insight into maximizing your network’s potential.
Step 4: Ask the Experts
Stack your team with the best players. You’ve already recruited your friends and family, why not the experts? It’s important to find those you work well with to gain the best results, and there are plenty of options out there. Clarity Recruitment is committed to placing careers, not jobs. Tenured experience and dedication to investing in its employees set Clarity apart from other Toronto and Vancouver accounting and finance agencies. Our recruiters complete 10 hours of training per month on courses such as business strategy and the psychology of hiring. We stay at the top of our game, to get you to the top of yours.
Step 5: Educate Yourself
Become an expert, not only at your job but within the industry you are looking to be in. Regularly reading blogs, news articles, and business feeds on LinkedIn will help you stay well-informed. Other ways to add oomph to your resume is to sign up for a course or attend workshops and conferences. Continually seeking opportunities for professional growth are an excellent way to set you apart from other candidates.
Read: “4 Habits of People Who Are Always Learning New Skills”
Key Takeaways
Now that you’ve created your plan, make a schedule, start contacting your network and identify those that help you with trusted advice. Maximize your efficiency and take advantage of transit breakdowns by catching up on LinkedIn industry news.
Your Next Step
No one should walk the job search or hiring road alone. At Clarity Recruitment we help others realize their success through a process that marries proprietary technology with unwavering commitment. Contact us today to take control of your career, or to partner with us to hire well.
Clarity Recruitment, connecting exceptional people with remarkable companies.
