I’m exactly at the six month mark in my current state of ‘funemployment’ and I’ve spent the last month thinking about how much the business world has changed in the arenas of job search and hiring. I’m sure I am not alone when I say that I don’t remember it ever being this hard. I did what I thought I was supposed to do, you know, looked at job board sites, updated my LinkedIn profile, and of course, applied for jobs only to join that horrifically long line of others like me waiting to hear something (anything!) back.
After five months of pure nothing, I concluded that if I kept down that path I would officially be living the definition of insanity. I decided to check out a webinar series given by Kevin Kermes, founder of Build the Career You Deserve. It was the best money I have ever spent (purse and shoe collection notwithstanding) and his information has been invaluable and life altering. Here are a few changes I made in my path, and more importantly, my thinking.
The Social Media Bullet Train
Sure, I’ve had a LinkedIn profile for years, and yes, I’m on Facebook, but Twitter? I had resisted for a year. I kept wondering how I could be compelling in 140 characters. Now, color me converted. It’s an amazing site for information; A LOT of information. You can’t possibly know every Web site or where to find every helpful tip, but those that you follow on Twitter will help pave the way. It has been an enormously useful tool in my job search and the Tweeple I follow are insightful and love to share their words of wisdom, specialties and information. With all the knowledge I’ve gained since, I presented and moderated a discussion recently at a Pink Slip Mixer. My topic was how to use social media in your job search. Here’s a Tweet about my presentation: Great presentation from @theresamoretti at last night’s @pinkslipped mixer. The room was buzzing afterward with all of her @twitter tips. Credit to all those that I follow on Twitter. You made me look good. Thank you!
Throw Away the Box
You know the old (tired?) business maxim of thinking outside the box? Just chuck the darn thing. It still does exactly what it sounds like, keeps you boxed in. You need to get out, and by out, I mean literally. I’m going to events and meetings that I wouldn’t normally attend, I’m talking with people I never thought I’d reach out to and speak with, and hey, I have a blog. Who knew?! Being in this current state of flux allows for a lot of freedom. It’s all in how you choose to think about it, and more importantly, what you choose to do about it.
Connect, Connect, Connect
In the last month I have attended a couple networking events, had lunch with several people in my network, tapped into my association memberships, asked for introductions through LinkedIn, connected people I have met with others in my network via LinkedIn and Twitter, and even took a PowerPoint class. The job search is a numbers game. Not so much with the number of resumes you blast out on the job boards (where 1-3% of people are hired), but more in the number of connections you make (where 80-85% of people are hired). Smart companies have long said their people are their best asset. The same goes for anyone in the job search arena.
Other people’s experiences have been very valuable to read, so I’d like to know what has worked for you in your job search. Please leave a comment and let me know.
© Copyright 2009 Theresa Moretti. All rights reserved.
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As someone who’s gratefully and gainfully employed at the moment, I’ve only dipped my toes into the water … just to be proactive. And you’re right, it’s harder than ever and it’s different — and I’m someone with solid experience who always figured I would have an edge over many of my peers. Those assumptions have been scrapped. Your blog was eye opening in its emphasis of stretching ourselves beyond our comfort zone and going beyond “the way it’s always been.” Thanks for bringing it home so clearly.
Let me know if I can be of any help to you, Anoush.
Networking is where it is at and you have certainly proven that only the brave who jump in with both feet can survive. I know it was my solid network that landed me my new job – even though it’s only part-time to start, I really think it is the right thing for me right now.
I’m so proud of you, my first Twitter student! You have surpassed your teacher and now I am learning from you.
Thank you for getting me started. Obviously, your time was not wasted! See you at the next club meeting.