7 Steps to Evaluate Your Job Search Performance

7 Steps to Evaluate Your Job Search Performance 7 Steps to Evaluate Your Job Search Performance 0Job seekers know that there is no shortage of advice when it comes to how to write a cover letter and a resume, job interview strategies, whether or not to follow up with a hiring manager, and how to send a great thank you letter. Yet, it’s still hard to find a job. Once you are in the process of looking, it’s a good idea to periodically take a step back and evaluate your job search performance. I’ve been a job seeker many times, but Ive also spent a good portion of my career on the other side of the coin- in the recruiting and hiring process for companies. A good recruiter really understands the culture of the company, as well as the skill set needed for any given position. There are mistakes we can spot from a mile away and most of us, frankly speaking, don’t have a lot of patience for applicants who don’t appear to be taking the process seriously. Thats why its so important to make sure your job search performance is up to snuff. Follow these seven steps to evaluate your job search performance: Be strategic when reaching out. I am a big advocate of the idea that you should choose a company, then a job.  That being said, there are definitely right and wrong ways to go about it. Figure out what the hiring process is at the company you want to work for. Look for an opportunity to make meaningful contact with someone who is in a decision-making role. It rarely works out for the person who randomly sends unsolicited resumes for jobs that aren’t available. The enthusiasm is appreciated, but if a manager isn’t focused on filling a position that matches your skill set, chances are your efforts won’t gain you much traction. Become proficient at networking. As an introvert, I understand the groans that accompany the word networking. Its hard to know how to network when you hate networking.  Take heart though- the most effective networkers are actually better at listening than talking. Instead of asking for a job, they take the time to develop relationships with people. They are organized in their efforts. They seek out feedback and ask for guidance. As is the case with most things in life, good networking happens over time and takes commitment. Strive for quality over quantity. While it may seem as if the odds of finding a job increase when more applications are sent out, more often than not, the opposite is true. Job seekers looking for a professional position are much better served taking the time to customize each application to the specific job. Read the listing and research the company, as well as the people, before sending anything out. A well-thought-out, quality application makes an impression. Connect the dots. I’m often amazed by the range of jobs a person will apply for at the same company- even more amazed that its usually the same exact application. I’m willing to hear how a person is suited for a coordinator role in marketing and a developer role, but use that cover letter to connect the dots for me.  Dont be seen as a lazy job seeker, especially considering the same person may  be receiving your application  each time. Have a plan. People plan vacations, parties, even trips to the grocery store. Yet, when it comes to a job search, there is often little thought put into how to achieve the goal of landing a great position. Set aside regular quiet time to devote to job seeking. Have an organized space in your home to use during your search. Develop a system for looking at job boards, knowing which jobs you’ve submitted applications for, when to follow-up, etc. Consider investing in a professional service. We look to experts for help in so many areas of our lives. Finances, estate planning, home and auto repairwhy not consider a professional to help with your job search? Career coaches, resume review services, and premium job search services (like!) are all very valid options for job seekers. Think about what areas are the biggest challenge for you and look at your options for getting some guidance and support. Be informed and prepared. You’ve made it through the hard part- you made an impression with your application and have been invited to interview for a job. This is not the time to wing it. You have to go in strong, communicate your value to the company, your ability to do the job, and your knowledge of the company. Be prepared with more questions than you’ll be asking so that when the interviewer covers something early in the conversation, you aren’t left with nothing to ask. You want to avoid the biggest job interview mistakes. If interviewing is a source of stress for you, find someone you trust to help you practice. You may even consider taking a video of yourself in a mock interview to watch your non-verbal communications. Readers, what other tips would you give to evaluate your job search performance? How is your performance thus far?