Job Search Stalled? Try Something New

Five ways to revitalize your job search

Still searching for a job the same old way? Spending all day at the computer responding to job postings is not the best use of your time. Whether you’ve been out of work for a week or six months, perusing job boards should be only one part of a multi-pronged job-search strategy. The key to keeping the process fresh is to constantly infuse your plan with some new ideas.

With this in mind, I asked Robyn Greenspan, Chief Content Officer at ExecuNet, and recognized executive career, job search and leadership development expert to offer a few job-search techniques. Since Robyn’s busy schedule also includes blogging for the Huffington Post and teaching leadership to graduate students at the University of Bridgeport we were thrilled that she agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to share some insights.

Tip #1

Complacency is the Partner of Long-Term Job Search — You can easily shorten your transition time if you are in a perpetual state of career management.

Take a tip from C-level executives who always have an eye out for the next business partnership opportunity and so should the professional who is effectively managing his or her career looking for the next role.

Tip #2

Recruiters Not Returning Phone Calls? Friends and acquaintances generally return calls; people you call out of the blue for jobs, might not. Establish relationships with recruiters well before you need something.

Tip #3

Here’s How Recruiters Will Find You: ExecuNet asked executive recruiters to rank how they were spending their networking time. 1) Referrals: Connect to others who can testify to your strengths. 2) Networking online: Be visible in the right places and helpful to others. 3) Personal candidate prospect file: Establish a relationship and become a source to recruiters before you need something from them. 4) Social networking sites: Complete profiles with keywords, and make sure the unique value you bring to an organization is established. 5) Networking face-to-face: Sometimes there is no substitute for a friendly face, a good handshake or shared cup of coffee.

Tip #4

Use Job Boards in a New Way — Job boards should still be included in your strategy; just don’t be overly reliant on them as the only place to apply.

In addition to identifying open positions, they are also a great resource to:

• Identify hiring and growth trends
• Research target industries and companies
• Understand the pain points companies and industries are facing
• Learn more about keywords, job titles and associated skill sets
• Become conversant and fluent in industry-, company-and culture-specific language that resonates with potential employers
• Strengthen résumés and other marketing materials

Tip #5

Strategies to Uncover Local Target Companies – Relocation is a less viable option, as home values have decreased and job security remains shaky.

Candidates would rather stay put than dislodge families, so many limit their job searches to an easily commutable geographic radius. Here’s some ways to find locals companies to research or learn if you have close contacts:

• Search job boards and online databases by geo/zip codes
• Network with friends, neighbors and attend organized, facilitated groups
• Read regional business journals, community newspapers
• Join the Chamber of Commerce
• Peruse local office building directories

About the Interviewee

Robyn Greenspan  writes like a journalist; thinks like a marketer; leads like an educator; operates like a publisher; and leverages new media and digital communications like a social technologist. As Chief Content Officer at ExecuNet, she drives the editorial content strategy across the membership, including exclusive thought leadership, expert-led programming, proprietary research, highly recognized market intelligence, expert and peer point-of view. She originated Dealing With Your Digital Dirt, which raised international awareness of online reputation, identity optimization and digital career management strategies. Robyn holds a dual MS in Counseling/Human Resources Development and teaches grad students as an adjunct Professor.

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