Knowing that hindsight is 20/20, here are some insights that
relaunchers have shared during and after the completion of a successful
job search.
1) Pace yourself – a job search is a marathon, not a sprint
Rather than starting your search by spending hours applying for jobs
online and getting few or no results, develop a plan. Think of your job
search as a project you’re managing. The key is to not only have an
overall structure to your plan but to also set measurable weekly goals,
keeping you accountable. Periodically look and see what activities are
producing the best results. Results aren’t just interviews and job
offers, but also introductions, updated industry information, feedback
on how to close any skill gaps, etc. At the end of each week, evaluate
your activity. What did you do this week to move your job search
forward? What do you need to do (differently) next week?
2) A job search is an emotional roller coaster ride
You just left an interview feeling you knocked it out of the park and
really connected with the hiring manager. Two weeks later you receive a
rejection email; or worse, you hear nothing! The highs and lows of a
job search are inevitable, but often take job seekers by surprise. It’s
easy to feel angry or even feel that they took advantage of you. But if
you stick to the plan developed in #1, you will get other interviews and
find a position in a company that’s a “right fit.” Most job seekers
look back and realize that the offer they eventually did receive and
accept is a much better opportunity that the ones they lost out on.
3) Networking works ... for real!
Years ago, a client with a seven-year career break landed a new
position. After she accepted the position, I asked for feedback on her
search process. She shared what I’ve heard from many others: “I wished
I’d reached out to my former colleagues earlier in my search.” Her
former boss had left the firm where they both worked and was working in
the finance department of a large healthcare system. It was through this
connection that she relaunched her career as a financial analyst. Most
people, whether relaunchers or not, find opportunities through
networking. As part of the plan you developed in #1, include weekly
networking goals including reaching out to former colleagues.
4) Do your homework, be overprepared
Given the wealth of information available, employers expect a lot
from today’s job seekers. Don’t ask questions that you can easily find
answers to yourself. Really look at that job description and be able to
discuss bullet by bullet what you’ve done and what you can do to help
the employer. Some candidates create a spreadsheet with this data and
share it with the future employer. Do the same with your resume. This
is your life; you need to be able to speak succinctly to everything on
it. If you don’t remember it, don’t include it. Having ideas on or even
outlining a 30/60/90-day plan shows the employer not only how you think
but that you are proactive and resourceful. Put yourself in the
employer’s shoes. Think about their needs, not yours. Show how you can
solve their problems.
5) Follow-up and thank everyone
Don’t be afraid to follow-up. This includes not only those involved
in the interview process, but also the person who promised an
introduction or to pass your resume along to a recruiter. It shows that
you are interested and assertive. You can’t thank too many people.
Include those involved in an in-person interview, phone interviews,
people you networked with, etc. Sending those thank you emails is
critical. And lastly, when you do land a position, send a thank you to
everyone who helped you along the way. This will help strengthen your
network relationships for the future.
