If you’re starting your job search, begin with LinkedIn. Companies and recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates. Companies post on their LinkedIn page if they are hiring. Recruiters search keywords on LinkedIn to find possible candidates. Bottom line – if you are searching for a job, you need to have an updated and active profile on LinkedIn.
Here are 6 steps to start your job search.
1. Create a separate email for your job search. This action prevents opportunities from getting buried with all your other emails. For example, Joe Looking is searching for a job in Boston. To keep track of job search emails, he creates the following email: jlookingboston@gmail.com.
2. Turn your activity broadcast off as you update your profile; otherwise, your connections will be notified every time you save changes to your profile.
→ Log into your LinkedIn account.
→ Select “Profile” on the top menu.
→ Scroll to find “Notify your network?” on the right-side.
→ Click the indicator to “No.”
3. Create multiple job searches to find viable opportunities. Let LinkedIn do the searching for you. As new opportunities which meet your job search criteria appear, you’ll receive an email. This automatic search saves you time so you can focus on other job search activities, such as meeting connections.
→ Select “Jobs” on the top menu.
→ Follow the prompts to input your preferences (location, seniority, company size and industry). You can change these settings at any time – look for “Preferences” and the icons.
→ Input your job search criteria.
→ Once job opportunities are listed, you can refine the search on the left side. Once you are satisfied with the search parameters, save it by clicking “Save Search” on the top right side.
→ On the top right side, look for a wheel icon to update saved searches and saved jobs.
4. Follow companies to be notified of updates and when they post new job opportunities. Make a list of companies you want to work for and start following them. In this way, you’ll see their new job opportunities AND you’ll be prepared with company information when you interview.
→ Place cursor on “Interests” on the top menu bar.
→ Select “Companies” from the drop down menu.
→ You will see newsfeed from companies you are currently following. When you click “Following” you will see a list of companies you are following.
→ Add new companies by selecting “Companies” from the drop down menu next to the search box.
→ Type the company name you are interested in following.
→ Once the company appears on your screen, click on the “Follow” box.
5. Join groups to learn about job opportunities and networking events.
→ Place cursor on “Interests” on the top menu bar.
→ Select “Groups” from the drop down menu.
→ You will see a list of groups you belong to and their newsfeed.
→ Add new groups by selecting “Groups” from the drop down menu next to the search box.
→ Type a keyword to find groups of interest.
→ From the list of groups, click on “Join” to request to join the group.
→ For groups you belong to, showcase your industry expertise by posting interesting articles or questions. Make sure you follow the group’s guidelines.
6. Notify your connections about your job search. Draft a message that is brief and specific about the opportunity you are looking for. Avoid saying you are looking for “anything.” You will receive more help when you are specific. Send each message individually. People tend to respond if you directly send a message versus including them in a message with 20 other connections. Suggest meeting local connections for coffee. Reconnecting in person has the most impact.
Finding a new job is HARD — that’s why many people stay in a miserable job instead of making an effort to find a new opportunity. If you are still working, dedicate at least 2 hours a day to your job search. If you are unemployed, dedicate at least 8 hours a day to your job search – including meeting your connections face to face. If you need help developing and implementing an action plan for your job search, please contact us at info@transitionpg.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Her firm bridges the gap between financial planning and coaching. As a Transition Consultant, she offers sage advice in all aspects of life – financial, personal and professional. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy and professional progression. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant and as a financial advisor. Her experience includes hiring and managing employees. Additionally, she worked for an executive search firm recruiting C-level executives. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”