Finding Work Takes Work

The reality of finding a job is that it takes time, persistence, and patience. One of the things that a person cannot control is timing, which makes it the most frustrating part of the job hunt process. It is also why most job hunters lose patience with the process. Take a deep breath and concentrate on the things that you can control, such as being persistent in creating and maintaining contacts and always being on the lookout for opportunities to meet people. Spend a minimum of 30 minutes a day on your network by touching base with contacts or emailing new connections.  

The job search isn’t a formula, but a process that is flexible and adjustable. As a job seeker, you have to be aware of the pitfalls, especially the big one: spending the majority of your time applying to job postings and/or relying on online job sites for leads. These sites should be used as a supplement to your job search, not as the foundation. If you find an opportunity that you wish to apply to, you should ask yourself, “Who do I know?” Look at your current network to identify a contact that might be able to connect you or who might have a connection at the company.  

The other pitfall is only talking to contacts to see if they know of any opportunities that would be a fit for you. This is a big no-no of networking. It isn’t the contact’s job to know what you want. Asking contacts if they know of opportunities is pushing the work to them. Instead, you do the work by regularly checking the career sites of the companies on your target list. If you find a specific opening of interest, then reach out to your network. 

Network with intention, not expectation. Networking is having a conversation without the expectation that the contact is going to get you a job. Networking is developing conversations around curiosity and a genuine interest in the other person. People will offer leads if they know of them once they get to know you. Be sure to get to know them in return.

You must find your focus. This is the ONE thing only you can provide in your job search. Identify skills, types of places and things you like to do (or DON’T like to do). This is the foundation of your job search. Unfortunately, you can’t pass this off to anyone. Take the time to find it. 

Be sure to be proactive, not passive. The work of a job search comes down to focusing your energy on targeting, researching and networking because finding a job comes down to this: the more people who know who you are and what you are looking for, the greater chances of you finding work. The only catch: it takes time. Be sure to supplement the 4-step process (focus, target, research, network) with other activities, like reading trades and using different resources to identify contacts.

And the hardest part: patience. While we’d love to be in the position to create jobs when and where needed, no one has that ability. The best you can do is increase your odds by telling as many people as possible what you bring to the table and want to do… and keep reminding them that you exist. 

Here are some tips for a productive job search…

What do you need to work on? Take time to assess yourself and what areas you need to strengthen. Is it your focus/pitch? Is it networking? Are you stressed out about interviewing? Everyone has a weak spot. Take time to figure out yours and what resources are available to help strengthen those areas.

Keep up on industry news. Take time to read up on news that applies to the career you are interested in. Keeping up on the industry will benefit you in interviews and give insight on the industry. As an added bonus, it will give you leads on companies to add to your target list.

Understand how your field hires. The communications industry hires on an as needed basis, but each field within the industry has its own quirks. For example, the TRF and photography fields don’t recruit and why you don’t find a lot of those jobs posted. Understanding how your particular field in the communications industry hires will allow you use the best strategy on finding a job within that field.

Keep count. Make sure you are keeping tabs on how many resumes and personalized cover letters you are sending. Also, make sure you are working on your target list of companies and contacts. Volume is key. Set a goal each week of how many companies you plan to add to your list and how many networking emails to send.

Take time for you. It is important that you take time to take care of yourself. Be sure to schedule a job hunt free day. Take a break so you can come at it fresh and positive.

Additional resources are available to you at ‘Cuse Community.