These insightful strategies will steer you in the right direction as we start seeing more people returning to the job market in the wake of COVID-19. Our team of talent matchmakers has put together a useful methodology to strategize your job search:
1. Determine what you want! Once you’ve realized what will make you happiest (and hopefully most successful), generate a list of topics, companies, and brands that align with your passions. Also ask yourself questions about what you’re looking for in your next role, what was missing from your previous role that is a must for your next job. As a job seeker, having a clear understanding of your wants, needs, and passions will help guide your job search with focus and purpose that will lead to your desired outcome.
2. Examine your network. This step is very important! Rather than reaching out to people you don’t know… start with the people you do know. This is your low-hanging fruit, and it’s a fantastic starting point. Identify people who may be able to introduce you to someone who works at your dream company, or in your dream industry. Don’t restrict your network to your former co-workers or LinkedIn connections; you will find useful connections through a family member or a friendly neighbor.
3. Build out your network. Once you’ve examined your current network, the next strategy is to build out and add to your network. Networks are viewed as your social capital. Your social capital is created by the networks you build and maintain, through the merging of resources, opportunities, and information. In other words, the more relationships (networks) you create with others inevitably helps your job search. These networks have access to other people, companies, resources, and information that in turn can help guide you and your job search strategies. A great way into a company and job is through a referral, so the trick is to build out and invest in those relationships. Keep building that network always, even after gainful employment!
4. Schedule a virtual meeting. You definitely do not want to lead with this step, but nonetheless, it is a very important part of developing a relationship with your network. After you examine and build out your network, open up the conversation with the person by chatting virtually. One way to do this is to say, “The brand you work for and your role are very fascinating, I’d love to hear about your career path.” More often than not, building a relationship with the contact at the company you wish you work for will be more beneficial then emailing a person your resume right away with the generic message, “here’s my resume, let me know what jobs you have for me”.
5. Prepare for the meeting. You’ll get as much out of it as you put into your preparation. Be ready with a shortlist of questions that could fill the gaps in your knowledge. On the flip side, be prepared to answer questions from the interviewer. You’ll most likely be asked to share your career interest, experience, and goals. That, by the way, is not your cue to whip out your resume; present it only if you’re asked for a copy. Look over their LinkedIn profile! There are lots of hidden gems found there that gives you tons of information to work from, such as education, current, and past companies and roles, and people in their network. If you see that you know someone similar, mention that!
6. Be professional and beyond. An applicable saying in the recruiting field reads, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” This means that you should dress, speak and act like the focused, passionate person you are, and tailor yourself (clothing and communication) around the job you’re applying to. At Emerging Blue, we always remind our candidates that whatever the title or the task at hand, people are people. Let the connection with your interviewer happen naturally, and even if they do not respond to you with the level of enthusiasm you have envisioned, maintain your interest and poise until the end of your interview. Always send a ‘thank you’, and offer to help network for their other open roles!
We understand that approaching others for help is something that may not come naturally to many of us. All the more reason for you to master these strategies. It will allow you to demonstrate your motivation and preparation as well as your organizational and conversational skills. With this proven methodology, you’ll surely impress your network, potential mentors and future employers. You are meant for success, and we are excited to help you achieve in any way possible!
About Emerging Blue:
Emerging Blue is a brand focused talent resource partner that represents freelance, temp-to-perm, and full-time talent in Fashion, Home and Beauty. We fill jobs from San Francisco to New York, and everywhere in-between. We represent top candidates, the hottest brands and innovative companies of all shapes and sizes. If you need recruitment and hiring support, we would love to partner with you. Our talent is your strength. Get in touch with us at info@emergingblue.com.
