Job hunting doesn’t take a holiday break. As the calendar inches towards January, gearing up now is smart. Here’s what I’ve been teaching for 25+ years in my role as America’s big sister and your favorite former HR lady.
Ask for What You Want
There’s no shame in saying, “I want a job.” Unless you were born with a silver spoon up your butt, you need to work. (And maybe even then!)
Consider using LinkedIn’s ‘open to work’ feature. This feature is not a scarlet letter but a beacon for opportunity. There’s a myth that these banners don’t work. While some hiring managers and recruiters may have a bias against hiring people who are out of work, they’d have that bias against you without the banner.
Remember, you don’t get what you don’t ask for—whether it’s a job, a meeting, or just someone’s time to chat over coffee. Stop blaming impostor syndrome, too. It’s scary for all of us, but if you’re within the sound of my voice, you can overcome that fear within you.
Resource for you: Betting On You
Expand the Map
If your current circle could snag you a job, they would’ve already handed you one on a silver platter. It’s time to broaden your horizons. You can do it commando style, belly-crawling through the job market, or like a chic French spy at a high-society party.
The simplest way to approach this task is to ask people you admire, “Who else is cool?” and ask for an introduction. You can also ask former colleagues, “Have you met someone interesting in the last twelve months? Can you make an introduction? I want to expand my network, but I also want to learn from people.” But my ultimate favorite hack is volunteering. It might not land you a job directly, but it will exercise your social muscles and take your mind off your troubles.
Remember, networking is not just about finding a job. It’s about building connections and opportunities for the future—and others.
Resource for you: Superconnector
Talk Like a Human
Corporate environments can wear us down and make us act like morons. If transitioning back to civilian life, where people wear joggers and talk about something other than KPIs, try reverting to your natural speaking style. Leave behind the corporate jargon, trendy buzzwords, and coded language.
The best way to communicate during and after your job search is to use simple words and phrases you would use at the grocery store, the dry cleaner, or when talking to the cashier at Target.
Remember, you won’t be able to ask for a job if no one can understand what you’re saying.
Resource for you: Think Faster, Talk Smarter
Avoid the Time-Suck
Job boards are the job seeker’s reality TV—addictive, with duplicative content, and a massive time-waster. Why go on LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Monster, FlexJobs, Snagajob, and the 100 other sites? They all have the same jobs. That’s called the law of diminishing returns.
Instead, think strategically about your search and your time. Michael Hyatt nailed it: “What gets scheduled, gets done.” Limit your job-hunt screen time to no more than two two-hour sessions a day.
Remember, your mind needs rest and time away from the screen. Trust me, your brain will thank you.
Find Your Heroes
Seek inspiration from those you admire. Explore your hero’s LinkedIn profile, learn from the strategies that led them to success, and reach out to them. Imitation isn’t just flattery—it’s a smart strategy. While online, identify your business icons, subtle mentors, and influencers. Observe how they manage their time, ask for their advice, and adopt the effective practices they employ.
Next, revisit the beginning of this process: contact them, clearly state your request (whether it’s a meeting or advice), and expand your network by connecting with them. Use straightforward language and ask for what you want: advice, job leads, inspiration, or just words of encouragement.
Resource for you: How to Talk to Anyone: How to Charm, Banter, Attract
Now, Find a Job
Remember, relationships often open doors to new jobs, especially if you’re experienced. This post has shown you that while job searching might feel transactional, injecting sincerity and humanity into your interactions is crucial. And you shouldn’t stop the search in the year’s fourth quarter. Getting a job is possible if you take a more thoughtful approach.
And when you finally land that job, remember your challenges and strive to improve the process for others. Use your experience to make a positive impact. Let’s make the job search less daunting for everyone!