I have been approached by lot of job aspirants who enquire about how to go about the job search. Lot of them directly send messages over LinkedIn requesting introduction to potential employers without properly networking with them. Others have been blindly writing to HR folks & sending job applications over LinkedIn & other job portals without doing a thorough research. I am going to discuss in details about key essentials to get the job search strategy right:
-
- Keep your resume short: Resume is considered to be “ the essential tool” for job search & face of job applicant. Considering huge number of applications, an employer( & its computer) does not spend more than 20 seconds on a resume. So it is essential that your resume has to be crisp enough to deliver the information & proposed value offering. Avoid big phrases, use numbers to quantify your results & include relevant keywords. Include only email address, one contact number & LinkedIn profile URL under contact details
- Portfolio of career credential documents: Prepare portfolio of job search documents consisting of leadership briefs, blogs, executive summaries & most importantly cover letter. These documents will supplement your resume
- Multi dimensional job search approach: You need to make an articulated job search strategy on all three fronts- geography, industry & function. You can start with filtering the countries/cities where you are keen to work & then shortlist the industry/sectors that are attractive in that particular country/cities & interests you. Once you have done that, try to make list of prospective employers with whom you would like to connect/send in job applications & find out open positions which interests you. In case, no open positions are available, you can network with people working in these companies/HR folks through professional network portals such as LinkedIn to stay connected for any future requirements
- Use LinkedIn more often: Nowadays, LinkedIn profile is as important as is resume. Build up your network, connect with people, nurture networking possibilities & engage in discussions in LinkedIn industry groups. Join relevant groups, post interesting articles, take part in various discussions & share valuable resources. This will improve chances of you being noticed by hiring managers & recruiters.
- Network it right : You should not consider directly sending emails/messages in your network ( 1st/2nd or 3rd connections) over LinkedIn requesting for connecting with decision maker/HR folks in the corporations where you wish to apply. Building a rapport & networking with them is really vital to build that confidence.You should try to share your key strengths, values, your accomplishment & why you wish to apply to a particular corporation. Unless you do that, your network may not be comfortable in referring you. Further, if you are connecting with HR folks/decision makers of a particular corporation, do not directly ask for a job. Communicate & share your thoughts on why you are keen to work or what you like about the corporation. You can mention about particular product /service you were really impressed about or any CSR initiative you were proud of.
- Build your personal brand: Going forward, employers will supplement external source of hiring with a new way of identifying prospective employees through online presence & referral of existing employees/network. So make sure you are active on various other social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook,Instagram, Pinterest, Telegram etc. Therefore build a personal brand through online presence, blogs & personal website.
- Limit activity at Job boards: Job boards/portals are considered to be least effective way for getting hired. These portals generally use computerised tracking system that scans resume for keywords. This underscores the important or value through targeted job search & networking strategy. Even if you want to maintain level of activity at the job portals, target your search at industry specific job boards.
For getting your executive resume & cover letter done, please fill up the form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vJexG3dHY-IH921w9k_J55zAaaqrTE5CKtxWgyPSUuE & our panel of experts will be happy to assist you in successful job search.
