Job Search Advice Four Job Search Tips for the Passive Candidate - Workology

Job Search Advice Four Job Search Tips for the Passive Candidate - Workology Job Search Tips: Preparing for Your Job Search Yesterday, I was talking with a friend of mine whom I admire in the corporate HR space.  She is a well-respected HR professional at her organization and until now hasnt given much thought to jumping into the job search.  Shes ready to take the plunge and after eight years re-enter the job search market.  Before we chatted, she spent some time on the blog and downloaded the copy of the  resume template  and  cover letter template  that I offer on the site. Even so, she wasnt really sure yet where to begin. Job Search Tips: Preparing for Your Job Search The job search advice I gave my friend was that a job search strategy when entering the job search is everything.  Long before you send your resume or cover letter and launch into an aggressive job search, I recommend that job seekers begin to plant the seeds and attend events, following up with old contacts, and getting their name out there in strategic places. Update Your Profiles Before Your Job Search Meaning: get your house in order.  Make sure youve added the new feature of  skills and qualifications to your LinkedIn profile, cleaned up your Facebook Timeline, and added a professional headshot and pictures to your social networking and web sites.  Dont have your Mom take the photo or crop the family portrait from 6 years ago.  Hire or persuade a professional photographer to take your picture in a professional and flattering way. Share Industry-Related Content as Part of Your Job Search Strategy You should already be reading about the latest trends and changes in your industry of choice.  Its great for professional development, and dont be shy to share that content with others.  Social media  management  tools like  Hootsuite  offer the ability to schedule content to multiple social networks allowing you to work during the day while still reaching thought leaders, industry thinkers, and hiring managers at the same time. Important Job Search Advice: Guest Blog If you are considering being in the job market and want to be seen and known for your experience and innovation, consider guest blogging.  You dont have to have your own blog to make an impact.  Blogging matters  so consider targeting your guest posts to a handful of influencers within your target marketplace.  Make sure this content is new and original,  portrays  the right message, and is published in the right places.  I happen to offer  guest blogging opportunities  although surprisingly, I dont get many offers. Passive Job Seeker, Speak Every Chance You Get! My friend is an experienced professional with 10 plus years.  Many job openings in the industry and position happen through job referrals making it so important to develop strategic relationships with hiring managers, influencers, and super connectors in the space.  If your organization was like the company where I used to work, they were very fearful of allowing me to be quoted or included in white papers limiting my exposure and opportunity to brand myself.  However, after talking with my boss I was able to speak at local professional events and colleges with the goal of using them as a recruiting tool first while also providing me the opportunity to meet and get my name out there. From Passive Job Seeker to Active Job Seeker Going from passive job seeker to active job seeker takes relationships, strategy, and a plan to build momentum as you move into a more aggressive job search.  Those with a solid strategy make the process look easy but behind the success lies months of planning, phone calls, networking events, and hustle.  Lots and lots of hustle.  How are you planning and preparing for your job search?