If your goal is to find a new job in 2021, treat it like a project. Be intentional about your search. Looking for a new job is a job in and of itself, so get yourself organized with a strategic plan of attack before you start hunting.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Understand your strengths. It’s very important to know what your strengths are, and to align them to the kind of position you are looking for. There are resources online to help you assess your strengths, like StrengthsFinder. It’s also a good idea to think back to feedback you’ve received from colleagues and managers in the past. When reading job descriptions, evaluate the responsibilities against your strengths. We are more likely to be successful candidates for roles that play to our strengths.
Make a specific wish list. Make a list of companies you would like to work for. Consider industries, geographic areas (i.e. 30km from your home), size of company, etc. Search for open jobs at these companies. Network with people at these companies to understand if they will have relevant jobs opening in the near future.
Do your homework. Research the companies you are interested in working for. Understand their business cycle, culture, growth plans, and the opportunities and challenges that both the company and their industry face. It’s easy to do this online—many companies provide mission statements, links to media interviews, keynote addresses and the like on their websites, and you can use GlassDoor to see what former employees have to say—and through networking. Get informed, and determine if the company still appeals to you after you’ve done your research.
Network, Network, Network! We’ve all been on Zoom for a year now, no excuses for avoiding virtual networking meetings! Don’t let the pandemic interfere with your determination to expand your professional network. Invite someone for a video coffee meeting. Or, if you or the person with whom you wish to connect can’t stand the idea of yet another Zoom, Teams, FaceTime or Google Hangout, offer a good old-fashioned phone call. You may find that the HR person you’re dying to talk to might be more willing to offer advice if he or she can fold laundry or pop on their headset and go for a walk at the same time. See last week’s post on Virtual Networking for tips.
Follow up. Don’t be discouraged if someone flakes out on you. Sometimes people just get busy. If someone offered you information or an introduction, follow up with them. What do you have to lose?
Prepare work samples. There’s nothing worse than having to scramble to put a portfolio together in a hurry, or to search your drawerful of USB keys for that one writing sample from two years ago. Curate a selection of your best work and create a digital portfolio as a PDF. Many companies offer applicants the option to upload such materials, in addition to a cover letter and resume, during the online application process. Why not take this extra chance to shine?
Job Hunting (during a pandemic) is the third of a 4-blog series on working and leading in a “Covid-Normal” environment. Stay tuned for thoughts on Engaging a Remote Workforce. Click to read the first 2 blogs Feed the Positive and Networking in 2021.