Effective Job Hunting, Procedures, Tools And Execution V

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Section Five

Active Job Hunting  And Passive Job Hunting

Active Job Search

Active job searching is when someone is intently looking for a new job. An active job seeker  takes various measures which may include, conducting searches, posting resume on job boards, and applying for jobs regularly. Such a job seeker might use LinkedIn, social networking sites, and apps to expedite the search for a new position.

An active job seeker  also networks, may attend industry events and job fairs, and contact connections about potential job opportunities. Again, such a person may utilize a recruiting agency or send letters of interest to specific employers.

Passive Job Search

In a passive job hunting, someone currently employed is open to hearing about new career opportunities but does not actively seek out and apply for specific positions. A passive job seeker waits for employers to reach out with opportunities. 

Passive job seekers may (and should) keep their resumes and LinkedIn profiles up to date. They may also engage in casual networking with colleagues and friends at other companies and set up job alerts and accounts on job-search websites. The goal of passive job seekers is to take reasonable steps  that will make their job change or career transition to be easier for them when   they ever  decide to move on.

Ready for the Unknown

If you engage in a passive job search, you will be prepared to spring into action at any given moment. Your resume and social media presence will be current. Plus, your regular alerts and browsing will give you a sense of the opportunities and salary available within your industry. If your circumstances change, you can quickly and easily convert your passive job search into an active one. 

Effective Steps To Take By Passive Job Seekers

A Passive job seeker who invests a little time in staying job-hunt ready will save a lot of time (and stress) getting up to speed when the  need to start looking in earnest arises. 

The following measures will help:

1. Prioritise Continuous  Networking
2. Stay Connected to Your Network
3. Have a Robust Online Presence
4. Check Out for Interesting  Developments in Target Companies
5. Have an Up-to Date Resume and Cover Letter Templates
6. Be Interview Ready
7. Review The Process From Time to Time

Prioritise Continuous  Networking

Networking is regarded as the most productive job search activity, leading ultimately to 50-70% of all jobs. It is frequently the only way to learn about “unpublished” jobs, those that are not advertised and may not even be created yet.

By expanding your professional network, you are opening yourself up to new career opportunities. You may find that when you have more professional connections, there are more people who can recommend you to a new position. Even using your professional network for career advice can help you become a more qualified candidate. Use your connections as a resource to further develop as a professional.

Stay Connected to Your Network

Don't build a network and forget about it. Stay connected to friends, former colleagues, etc. Maintain a robust online presence through professional network, like LinkedIn and other social media platforms that matter to you.

Post status updates on your social media handle. Share your thoughts and engage with followers on LinkedIn. If you have a blog that's appropriate for professional connections to read, feed it to your pages. Your connections will know you're there, and you won't have to work to build a presence when you most need to.

Once a week, send an email, LinkedIn, or Facebook message to a few connections to ask how they're doing. Staying in touch reminds them who you are and shows that you care about how they're doing. If you're interested and engaged, your contacts will be more likely to give you help when you need it. Have an occasional meet up for drinks, etc, with those connections and friends you're able to meet in-person.

Write LinkedIn recommendations for connections whose work you'd like to recognize. Some of them will return the favor, which will strengthen your profile. You can choose which recommendations you'd like to highlight on your profile, providing visible references for potential employers.

 Maintain a Robust Online Presence

Build a robust profile on social media handle such as LinkedIn.  Ensure that your profile sections, including education, experience, volunteering, skills, certifications, and associations are updated. Your LinkedIn Profile is the online version of your resume, so be sure to proofread it carefully.

Once your profile is set, connect with everyone you know. The operative word is "know"—don't connect with random people who aren't in a position to help you. Do join relevant LinkedIn groups however. There are job-search groups, company groups, alumni groups, college groups, and networking groups. Groups are a good source for networking contacts, job-search advice, and job listings. Since you're not actively job searching, set email notifications to a weekly digest to avoid getting buried in messages.

The stronger your social presence, the more likely you are to be tapped by companies using social recruiting to find candidates for employment.

Check Out for Interesting  Developments in Target Companies

Do you have a company you would love to work for if the perfect job came along? Have a list of target companies ready and check out their websites every so often to read the latest news and see what jobs are available. You can also set up company-specific email alerts on job-search sites like Indeed.

Have an Up-to Date Resume and Cover Letter Templates

Have an updated resume ready to go. Each time you change jobs or your educational status changes, update your resume. This way, you'll always have a current copy ready when the need arises. Write a cover letter draft for a job that is a close match to your expertise. You'll then have a template ready to customize when you start applying for jobs.

Be Interview-Ready

Don't use up all your accrued vacation or personal leave time if you can avoid it. Keep some in reserve in case an interview for that dream job comes along. Have an interview outfit ready, so you don't have to scramble to find something to wear. Also, have a list of employment references ready. Some companies require references along with a resume and cover letter as part of the application process.

Review The Process From Time to Time

Review these steps every few weeks to make sure that your passive job-search techniques are working. Is your LinkedIn networking growing? Are you remembering to reach out to your connections? Do you have a sense of what jobs you qualify for and what jobs are available? On a related note, are your skills and certifications current so you're qualified for positions of interest? Are you ready to interview if you get an invitation from an employer?

Staying prepared for a job search will smooth the process when you have to start looking. If you're keeping up an effective passive search, your dream employer may even find you when you least expect it.

Conclusion

Job hunting should be recognised as a strategic task that requires planning. Knowing your career targets, setting out realistic steps and implementing consistently,  those reasonable measures that lead to getting a job offer, will help to reduce stress, cost and time it takes to get the job you love.