The job search – it’s all about the inverse!
Even in these uncertain times, some things never change – like sending out job applications. If you’ve sent off 500 applications and you have not had a response, you’re definitely doing something wrong. The law of averages dictates that you should have at least some respondents, even if it’s simply an acknowledgement of receipt, out of courtesy. If you have had no interest at all, then the likely cause is that you’re applying for positions and roles that are mismatched to your skills and capabilities.
Concentrating your efforts
A scattershot approach to job applications will get you nowhere. Even in these strange times, when most offices are working from home once more, it’s not just a case of applying for every single advertised position. Yes, job adverts are being oversubscribed at the moment, but applicants may not be thinking through their suitability for the roles. These are stressful times and many people have mortgages to pay and children to home-school, on top of their other responsibilities of work and wider family. But when it comes to job applications and career progression, it’s also about taking the time to really think about what you want. Be very specific – but also realistic – of where to channel your efforts.
Focus on three key things:
- What do you want to do and what sort of organisation do you want to work in?
- What salary are you looking for?
- Where should the job be located?
By understanding what you want, you are better able to position yourself to achieve it. In terms of what you want to do, your skillset will to a certain extent determine where your career path lies. But even then, many skills are transferable and can be realistically adapted to allied sectors. If there was ever a time to broaden your horizons and think beyond your chosen sector, it’s now. Businesses themselves are rethinking how they operate and who to employ. As well as the sector it is in, you also need to think about the type of company you want to work for. Consider things like its size and its culture. As these things will all impact on your working day.
In terms of salary, only you know your expectations. However, don’t undersell yourself. Even though we are still in the midst of a pandemic, good organisations will pay the market rate for good people. Don’t be taken in by people in organisations offering you a lower salary because they think you’ll take it if you’re unemployed.
With the working from home (WFH) initiative, the ‘where’ has to an extent become redundant. There will be a time when you will be travelling into the office, or attending in-person meetings, but we’re not there yet. If WFH has shown us all one thing, it’s the benefits of flexible working, and how quickly we have all adapted to it.
Everybody’s talking
It remains important to talk to and develop your relationships within your network of business contacts during the job search process. You never know what opportunities they may be aware of. Also, engage with the right recruiters – preferably ones that have either demonstrated real success in the past or you have worked with before. Other recruiters and job boards still have their place, but should be much lower down the list of priorities as you apply for roles.
Remember, if your company is offering outplacement, it is always an effective tool. A specialist outplacement company will have the mechanics and strategy in place to help you achieve your goals. Communication is key to finding that perfect role. By using a combination of your own knowledge, your contacts and outplacement expertise, it’s possible to unlock that winning formula to find your next role.
