7 Steps to Developing Your Job Search Plan
by Angela Loëb
Recently, I talked about job search plan areas in “33 Basic, Advanced & Super-Advanced Strategies For Your Job Search.” Today, we’ll look at 7 steps you need to take to develop your job search plan overall.
Step #1: Define the Target
In the AIM Module of the Job Search Boot Camp Pajama Learning e-course, we cover an essential preparation step. You’ve got to define the target. What are you aiming at? How would you describe your ideal job?
- List your tangibles and intangible requirements. What do you need to be a happy camper when you get out of bed every morning and go to work?
- List the industries or segments you’re open to working in and then list the organizations in those segments.
Step #2: Assemble/Create Tools & Support
Did you notice that step one is NOT creating a resume? I arranged it that way on purpose. First, you need to have focus so you build the most excellent, effective tools you can.
- Your resume and cover letter shouldn’t be static documents that simply list your past tasks and responsibilities, where you went to school and what certifications you hold. Again, this is material we cover pretty extensively in the Job Search Boot Camp – this time in the READY Module – but you can also search and find our previous musings about how to create an excellent resume here in the Daily Career Blog. As you might imagine, it’s one of our most popular topics!
- Your introduction statement is another tool you need to use so you can market yourself effectively. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s article on the Daily Career Blog. I’m going to give you some tips on how to develop a compelling introduction statement about yourself to use during your networking efforts.
Step #3: Map The Details
I strongly suggest you create a written plan. When you write down your plan (or put it on the computer), you are more assured of executing your strategy and of remaining organized and on task. You can bet that the organization you are working for currently or used to work for has a written plan. As CEO of Brand You, you need to have a written plan too.
What are you writing down? Your steps to take to reach your goal, your list of contacts, your things-to-do list, your calendar items/appointments/meetings, etc.
Step #4: Anticipate Communications
Get ready to do some networking, and I mean strategic networking…
Why?
- To build relationships that can be mutually leveraged for each party’s needs over time.
- To find out and exchange mutually beneficial information about your field, the market and job leads.
Where? – When you’re job hunting, you need to network with others in the field you’re in or want to be in, your social circle (friends and family) and other job seekers.
Step #5: Follow The Map
This means that you need to execute your plan… follow and stick to your to do list and respect the timelines you’ve set for yourself. However, be sure to stop every once in a while and evaluate your plan. How effective is it really? They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. Be sure to change course when needed.
Step #6: Connect With Your Target
- Leverage your network – don’t be shy about getting out there. And know that the most effective strategic networking is in small groups or one-on-one.
- Research contacts at the organizations you’re interested in working for. Use your network if you can.
- Use Web 2.0 (we strongly recommend LinkedIn) to connect and research.
- Keep in touch with those who have helped you along the way. Don’t let them drop off the radar once you’ve landed a job. Also, while you’re talking to potential hiring managers (whether through networking or interviewing), remember that these are individuals you might want to add to your network. Find creative ways to develop and build long-lasting relationships with them.
Step #7: Maintain Momentum
- List the ways you do/will stay positive so you don’t find yourself sitting in your pajamas all day… unless you’re taking our e-courses, of course!
- List the ways you do/will reward yourself. You need to celebrate the small victories and give yourself a break every now and then. Job searching is hard work sometimes!
- List how you get or plan to get support. Check out our past articles on the topic. Search “support” and you’ll see it’s something we teach and preach all the time. It’s very important for your practical job search… but also for you mental health.