4 Smart Strategies to Get the Job You Really Want

The Momentum Files #28

4 smart strategies to get the job you really want

Meet Jane.

Jane is looking for a new job and wants to know the best job search strategies that will help her land her perfect-fit role.

Jane hops on her laptop and Googles “best job search strategies.”

She spends hours digging into dozens of articles only to get the same basic, surface-level advice over and over.

Jane’s results are… basic.

You see, a job search is a journey. A transition. And when you’re willing to go deeper (thanks anyway, Google!) and do the work, you get the clarity and know-how that brings the best value, the best ROI on your time and energy… and results that are anything but basic.

So let me share with you what I would share with Jane (putting on my executive coach hat).

Go deeper and adopt these four smart strategies that will help you land the job you really want.

GET SPECIFIC.

Searching for a job is not the same as searching for the right job.

The more specific you get about what you want to do and where you want to go, the less basic your results will be.

When you know what you want, you won’t have to waste another minute on what you don’t want. So, identify and familiarize yourself with the key details associated with the job you want. Write them down and get used to saying them and working them into conversation.

I always love a good shoe analogy, so here goes…

If you’re searching for the perfect pair of shoes, it’s going to take a long time if you’re not sure what you consider the perfect pair. You’ll look at everything you might want AND all the things you don’t.

But if you know that your feet want to slide into calf-high, camel-colored, waterproof suede winter boots with fluffy fleece lining and a wedge heel… your quest will be swift and successful!

Read This:Do You Really Want THAT Job?

CREATE A COMPANY WISH LIST.

When it comes to finding perfect-fit companies, people are pickier than ever… and I love to see it.

There are several things you can do to find your perfect-fit companies, starting with asking yourself questions that – when answered candidly and specifically – paint a clear picture of where you want to be (and where you’ll thrive!).

→ Review websites like Glassdoor, Fortune and Inc. that frequently showcase the best companies to work for… and why they’re the best.

→ Look up local “best of” lists (Best of Seattle, Best of Philly, Best of NYC, etc.).

→ Check in with your alumni associations and professional organizations.

→ Talk to people you know who work (or have worked) for companies you think would be a good fit.

→ Discover which companies share your values and provide a culture that allows you to thrive.

Read This: Which Company Culture is Right for You?

CONNECT. CONNECT. CONNECT.

If you’ve been hiding, it’s time to step out of the shadows and let people see who you are and what you’re all about.

One of the best times to increase your visibility is when you’re looking for a new job or transitioning into a new professional direction. Remember that some people know you for a certain skill or position. If anything is changing, let them know who you are now.

Get your story out there. Align your messaging with your current goals and get it out there. Share it on social media, on your website, in your emails and talk about it in your conversations with those in your network.

And because people need to see things several times before things click…

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Repeat your story. Repeat your messaging.

Make new connections and nurture your existing relationships.

This will allow you to expand your knowledge, your confidence and your visibility.

Read This: Is Your Personal Brand Telling the Right Story?

SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & EXPERTISE.

Becoming a thought leader and getting recognized for your subject matter expertise requires you to share what you can do… and what you’ve done.

Once a quarter, take 30 minutes to reflect and write down your recent accomplishments. This is important because we all forget key details as time goes on. Keeping this updated list will keep your memory fresh and allow you to position yourself as a credible expert.

Think about the job you want and then focus on your skills and accomplishments that are relevant to that job/company/industry.

It can feel uncomfortable to write or talk about yourself in this way, but when you’re able to communicate the value you’ve generated, you will appeal to the right people and increase your chances of getting interviews and landing the job you really want.

And guess what? When done right, it’s not bragging, and it will advance your career! [Bonus tip - create a “brag folder” in your computer to store emails, comments, performance reviews or thank yous that recognize your accomplishments and success].

Read This: How to Speak Confidently About Your Skills & Abilities

And This: A Little Bragging Won’t Hurt

When you adopt basic job search strategies, you get basic results.

But when you go deep and implement the strategies above, you set specific goals, figure out what you really want, connect authentically and position yourself as an expert anyone would want in their corner.

Here is my favorite visual reminder that things that are worth it take time and effort.

My garden (my love for growing tomatoes knows no bounds), is a constant reminder that when something new is growing, I don’t see the sprout first. That little pile of dirt is the first thing I see. Before that little sprout can reach the surface and bathe in sunlight, it has to push its way up through the dirt.

So keep pushing.

Push all the way through.

The job you really want is just on the other side.

Reply and let me know your favorite strategy… and your biggest job search struggle! I will help you!