No-one likes searching for a new job. Often, the most difficult part is understanding what it is you want to do next. This involves some deep self reflection which just is not that easy to do. A great way to try and understand this process is by figuring out a couple of key things you love about your current or most recent role. If you are a graduate, think about this in the context of projects you have worked on in University. Even if they are small or somewhat irrelevant, try and understand where you get your energy or what ignites your fire. Ask friends, colleagues (current or past) or family members what they see you being really good at. Do some self discovery. You have skills you just need to take some time to find out what they are. The most important thing you need to figure out, is what do you love doing.
I recently shared post on LinkedIn about an eBook about I created for the job search and resume tips. I asked people to reach out if they wanted it and I couldn't believe how many people got in touch. I realised quickly that it's difficult to find helpful information online and I have a lot of knowledge on this topic that I want to share as far and as wide as possible. Every single person deserves to have a job where they feel truly happy and valued by their employer. Life is too short to accept anything less. I know we are especially feeling this right now.
Maybe you have had a sudden realisation that you’re unhappy in your role, undervalued or perhaps you've been laid off. Both of these scenarios come with a knock in confidence which is the thing you need most of when approaching the search. I have met so many people who have lost hope in finding a role. Just because a few companies don't want you, doesn't mean you are not going to be a huge asset somewhere else. Timing can be everything. I know everyone can find something if they put the work in. Constantly refine your resume, your search and ask for feedback as often as you can even if it's at the end of an interview. Get that growth mindset going.
When you decide you're going to look for a role, or perhaps you are knee deep in an exhausting process getting nowhere, I want you to start again today. The resume you have been using clearly has not been working and you need to change things up. Get back to the drawing board. Here are some pointers that I promise will improve your search dramatically:
Treat the search like a project and manage it end to end. You spend too much of your life at work to be unsatisfied in yet another role, make this one the right role and to do this you need to focus and manage the process properly. The ideal scenario is coming to the end of the process with 2-3 offers landing at the same time from companies you want to work for. This is possible if you manage it properly. When you have multiple offers you are in a position to accept the best one and leverage if you need to. Be the one to control the search - it's in your hands and not the other way around. Tell the recruiter you want to make a decision by x date. You might need to keep a recruiter waiting a few days to accept or decline their offer, but always be honest about this. It's ok to want to get all offers on the table to make an informed decision and anyone who pushes you into accepting is simply not a good person (sadly plenty of these recruiters exist). As a recruiter myself I know that great candidates will always have other options on the go (this actually often makes them more attractive to hire). It is my job to provide all the information to allow them to make a well informed decision.
Do not put all your eggs in one basket. This is so important. Apply to as many roles (within your field please) as you can. I am not suggesting you waste anyone's time, you have to at least be open to the company and fit for role. You begin with the 'apply phase' once your epic resume and covering note is complete and then you refine as you go. Accepting interviews from the companies that excite you most. You can pull out of processes and politely decline interviews the same way recruiters politely decline candidates. I see too many people putting all of their hopes on one process and being knocked for six if they don't get the role. I recommend using LinkedIn and Glassdoor when applying for roles, as it's where most companies advertise roles (in UK, Ireland and Germany anyway).
Get an idea of what you want in your next role. This is in terms of level, industry and scope of work. Do you want to manage a team or specialise in an area? Do you want more strategy in your role? Write these things down and do a brain dump on why you want them - this is a very common question asked in interview and the more certain you are the more chances you’ll have of getting this - being ‘open’ is what we recruiters hear all the time and often comes across evasive.
Get an idea of the skills, tools and experience needed for the job. For example, if it’s a “Marketing Director” job, then search some job ads for this role. This helps you understand what is required. You then draw out key words and responsibilities related to these requirements from your own experience (or transferable skills) and add it to your resume (and LinkedIn). This will help you get discovered when a recruiter does a keyword search and generally make you an attractive candidate for this role.
Create a 'glory bank'. You don't have this yet, but from today you will start depositing into this 'bank'. Every time you think about something great you did at work or in real time as it happens - you email it to yourself. I don't care if you are shopping, doing the dishes, dancing around in your underwear - stop what you are doing and write it down. Every time someone praises you or you get good feedback, email it to yourself. Heck you can even name the subject 'glory bank' so they are easily searchable. That or in your notes on your phone, this will be transformational when it comes to writing your resume. I hope that you smile and think of me when you realise how helpful this is.
Make an ‘achievements based’ resume. This is a resume that is hugely focussed on the value you've added and what you have brought to the table. Remember, your resume is like a marketing tool so you have to treat it that way. If you are buying a coffee in the morning and you want to throw in a muffin, don't you want the most delicious looking one with glistening chocolate chips that you can see on the outside? A recruiter spends on average 6 seconds skimming through a resume, have those achievements in sub headings, use those positive words and language to reinforce what an asset you are. Having a default version of your resume to then be tailored to each role is important. Have as many versions as you like but make it stand out.
Add quantitative information. This is adding measurable numbers and ranges to your resume points so that the recruiters and hiring managers get a really tangible feel for what exactly you have been doing. Knowing how you compared to your peers and understanding exactly how you added value is going to be the difference in you getting an interview or now. I found a great related article here for those of you who don't work with numbers and need more help with this. I know this is not an easy part, but this part makes all the difference.
Create a cover letter. (again tailor as per company and role). Make this a nice short overview on you and most importantly what is attractive to you about this company and role you're applying for. Mention something specific about this company and why you're choosing them. ie. I am applying to Nike and I write 'I was so moved that you included someone with a prosthetic leg in your most recent trainer campaign, I would love to get involved in campaigns of this nature and work for such an inclusive company'. In my company, we also have a big focus on social justice and inclusivity. When people acknowledge this in a covering note it gets me excited because this person is showing signs they are the right fit and have taken the time to really understand our vision and what we stand for. Two paragraphs is plenty for a covering note, we don't need an essay about your entire life as no-one has time to read these and it shows a lack of self awareness. We also don't need all your degree certs and/or references in the application - it can come across desperate.
Keep a spreadsheet of jobs applied / interview info per stage. This is to track your processes closely. This is a very important part of the search. You need to keep on top of this. You will be going to these interviews armed with great questions for the interviewer and you must capture the answers along with any other information you get. After the interview, reflect on how you felt walking through the office (if in person), how did people interact with each-other? Were people smiling? Did people acknowledge each-other? Everything you learn throughout the process will be crucial when making your final decision. Write it all down because you will not find it online.
Have a baseline of your salary expectation and a bottom line. I recommend going in high (or saucy as I say) but having an idea of absolute minimum you would accept. Workout a budget of what you need and go from there. Ask people in the industry what someone at your level might typically be paid. Speak to recruitment agencies, they often make yearly salary benchmarks. Go to the big recruitment agencies websites and you will find some information. Stay firm with this. To the ladies out there: when you give your salary expectation to a recruiter, you say the number and then stop talking. There is power in silence even if it feels weird, you do not need to justify why you want to be paid a fair salary that is market rate. Men typically don't do this and neither should you.
Free tools that will help you:
Canva. This is a very helpful website providing mane free resume templates. I would recommend using one from the ‘professional resume’ options but it depends on your industry. A photo is good to put a face to a name, but not necessary. It usually depends on the country (ie. in Germany you need one). People have conflicting views on this as it can cause discrimination or unconscious bias. It’s up to you entirely, but if you do go with the photo option I literally beg you to make sure it’s professional and that you are smiling (no sunglasses, cocktails in hand or a photo of you and your pals in Ibiza). Get yourself against a neutral coloured wall and use your phone photo timer.
Excel or Google Sheets (in your Google Drive). Use these to keep track of your search (as mentioned above).
LinkedIn. I would argue that in most countries you need this tool for the job search and to be headhunted by recruiters. Make sure you spend time on your profile (again professional photo like above). You can copy and paste the points and achievements from your CV. When you have this up and going there are a few things you can do to ensure you are found in recruiter’s searches..
(Show recruiters you are looking: Log onto LinkedIn - on the top right next to your profile click into account -> Settings & Privacy (scroll down) -> “Let Recruiters Know You Are Looking” - click ‘yes’ and when you secure a role change this. Only someone with a LinkedIn Recruiter License can see this on your profile so you should be safe to do this discreetly. In the same section you can add your epic new resume to this - I would recommend doing so.)
I know the job search is a scary thing, it is for everyone. Take the time to do a little self reflection. The time you invest in 'sharpening your axe' at the beginning will be the most important part of the process. You have to put in the work because it will pay off.
Please pass this article to anyone who might benefit from it, my next blog post will be on the interview process and how to power through in the best possible way. If you want to be the first notified when I publish more articles you can subscribe at the bottom the homepage.
And remember:
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.