5 Essentials for Effective Job Seekers

5 Essentials for Effective Job Seekers

“What the one thing I should do more than anything else as a person in transition?” I am asked this more often these days. I wish it was as easy as a single step to success. There’s no magic pill or secret handshake to guarantee the best job for you. Whether you are in transition or looking to make a move up the corporate ladder: there are 5 essentials for effective job seekers.

1. Clearly Communicate Your Focus

If you don’t have a focus you will spin in circles with your career transition. Labeling yourself as a ‘jack of all trades’ or just highlighting your transferable skills won’t make you more marketable. Rather, it guarantees you won’t get a phone call. I understand that we are naturally afraid of commitment. But, if you do not establish and clearly communicate your focus (ideally a personal brand) in your career trajectory – all your best efforts will fall flat.

Demonstrating drive and a vision for who you are will only help you find a fulfilling career.

2. Establish Your Personal Brand

Don’t let the thought of creating a personal marketing statement get stuck in your throat. Answer these questions:

1. What is that you are great at?
2. What are you known for?
3. What is a common theme (that you enjoy) in your career?
4. What specialty makes you stand out from other experts in your field?

Your answers are mostly likely your personal brand. To make these answers an impactful personal branding statement; choose your words with care.

Ho-Hum: “Accountant Good in Excel and Executive Financial Reporting”

Great!: “Focused Financial Professional | Expert in Tactical Business Plans | Executive Strategic Partner”

3. Create a Job Search Business Card

A job search business cards is a professional touch that doesn’t cost much. You want to come across savvy and be, most importantly, easy to reach. A job search business card isn’t hard to create – simply your name (centered, bold), your personal branding statement, one phone number and one email. Adding your personal LinkedIn URL is a nice touch but optional.

4. Understand Your Impact

Define and understand what you have done to positively impact the organizations you have worked for. Everyone has accomplishments! No, I’m not talking about a ‘great attendance’ award or similar. Anything you have done to move the needle or make a difference is IMPACT. Even (and especially) if it was part of your job!

Start at the global level and think: “If I wasn’t working there, what wouldn’t have happened and what did happen awesome because I did.” Start with your most recent position first and work backward. These impact stories will support your resume, networking conversations and be incredibly powerful in interviews.

5. Link with Relevant Organizations

You’ve heard it a million times: NETWORK. Yes, networking is key – even for introverts. If you loathe networking and want to keep your skills sharp while in transition: volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, get out and shake the dust off. Once others get to know you they are much more likely to recommend you.

Ditch the elevator pitch! Ask people relevant questions instead to help them understand what you do or stand for. If you are an Accountant (certified CPA) – ask someone if they find yearly taxes a chore. Don’t open with “I’m an accountant”. That’s a closed conversation. The key to networking is engaging others in discussion to hopefully create a connection. If you are passionate about what you do that’s even better.

These 5 essentials for effective job seekers will step up your game and make you stand out! Being successful really is about who you know so make the most of it and get out there. Remember that you may have to pay it forward and don’t give up too easily. As John Maxwell says: “Everything worthwhile in life is uphill”. A little preparation and patience goes a long way towards having a more rewarding professional life.

Curious about personal branding or resume writing tactics? Reach out to me to find out more or sign up receive free quarterly updates on trending professional job search tactics and tips.

Erin Urban LSSBB, CPDC is a certified professional development coach and culture change expert with over 8 years in mentoring and coaching successful professional transformations. With an extensive background in leading individual, cultural and organizational change initiatives: her mission is to lift others up to defy their limits and exceed their goals.