If you’re looking for a job, then it is important to maximise your chances of finding a new role as soon as needed. Here’s a selection of tips that should help you towards achieving this.
1. Network and build relationships with your current contacts
Assess your existing network: whether it’s your LinkedIn connections, former colleagues, your family, friends, acquaintances, etc. and drop them an email or message to let them know about your plans, your job target and value to employers. Try also to meet people who could hire or refer you, via an introduction or by giving them a call. It’s also time to ask for letters of reference if you haven’t done so previously. To build a real relationship with your new contacts, keep in touch so they’ll want to help you, and be empathetic due to the current context.
2. Don’t forget to keep yourself organised
Anyone could possibly help you in your search at some point, and to keep track of your exchanges, an efficient way is to keep track of your interactions and meetings in a spreadsheet, or even paper if you’re more of a notetaker. By doing so, you make sure that you don’t miss or lose any opportunities.
3. Schedule meetings of introduction
Now it’s time to schedule meetings with the people who could potentially hire or refer you. Here’s a to-do-list to follow carefully prior to conducting these meetings:
- Thank them for taking the time to meet you, introduce yourself again and remind them why you’re meeting
- Give your 30-second pitch, which should explain your value to an employer and show what makes you different
- Ask questions to understand their business and how you might be able to help them or their team
- If they’re not ready to hire any time soon, use the opportunity to ask for feedback on your CV, your pitch or anything else that could help you further in your job search. You can also use the meeting to grow your network by asking if there are other people you should be talking to.
4. Do your research and watch growing sectors
To prepare for any career change, learn from people in your sector or expertise areas by taking online classes, getting involved with charities, or freelancing to gain experience. Additionally, keep an eye on companies or sectors that are recruiting, especially in times of post-COVID, i.e. the healthcare sector.
5. Flexibility is the key
Full-time, freelance, contract… be open to how you want to be paid so you’re not shutting doors to yourself and show that you’re willing to quickly adapt to any potential employer.
6. Are you about to leave your current role?
Don’t forget to:
- Collect email addresses and information of key people you want to keep in touch with at your current company and ensure that any personal files you have at work are backed up
- Start building your professional network, internally and externally to your company
- Update your CV, cover letter, portfolio and your profiles on as many professional networks as possible to maximise your visibility and exposure
- Anticipate any potential negotiations you can make if you were to be made redundant.
Audrey Langevin 