Slay your 2018 job search with these 5 tips!!

So you are in the market for a new job….that’s good…..real good. But are you looking smart or are you looking stupid? I have compiled 5 tactics that work. For those who have followed my approach the success rate is well north of 80%. So lets dive in.

Have a very narrow search…..

I never cease to be surprised by how many job seekers have very narrow searches when they pursue a new job. It’s like they only see themselves doing the one thing they think they are good at. Here’s a hint: if you were so good at it you would still be employed!! The most important thing you can do when looking for a new job is create a list of skills you are good at and enjoy using. Not a list of jobs. That is too narrow. But a list of skills. If you enjoy typing, filing and doing data analysis, you can use these skills in thousands of jobs. But if you focus on a job….well there are only so many opening for that job available. Give yourself a chance and cast a wide net!!

Only apply once or twice a week…..

When you are unemployed or underemployed finding a new job is your job! The most effective advice I ever received was to apply for 8–10 jobs per hour, 8–10 hours a day until your interviews exceed time for applying. Don’t focus on the job title. Apply for every job that you have skills for. It has never failed me!!! If someone ever tells you that they applied for every job available and they are standing in front of you during the day….they are lying like a dog.

No followup with interviewers……

One too many people recommend the personal note. Frankly, as someone who has hired hundreds of people I find them annoying. How did you get the note to me? Are you stalking me? A quick email thanking the interviewer for the time and summarizing your elevator pitch is really all you need. Leave the stationary for other purposes. Remember you are doing the company a favor by considering having a discussion with THEM. Its a two way street!

Not making use of the headhunters annoying you…..

Yeah some of those emails are scams…but a lot of them are legit. You should at the very least call or email to find out. In many cases headhunters will target you with a teaser job. Take the bait but then push the recruiter to open their bag of really cool jobs. Explain what skills you have and what ideally you like to do. But ask them about their other accounts they have. You might be surprised.

Learn everything about the company……

Don’t do this…..please no don’t do this. First, it’s a waste of time. Second, unless you are solely interviewing with that company(which is stupid if you are unemployed, naive if you are not), you have limited time. Do a basic search. Know what the company specializes in. At the minimum know who the CEO is. But no you don’t need to know everything about a company and especially that department. You don’t work there. If you are applying 8–10 hours a day you will have plenty of candidates if your interviewer has that big of an ego. Quick piece of advice…..when someone asks what do you know about our company….raging sign that the job sucks.

So that is it, 5 ways to rock your job search in 2018. Use them for your success. Ignore them to your doom. Good luck!!!