How to Get the Spotlight on Your Job Search
You've probably been looking for a job for a while now. Most people have. Or just never stop, even if they have one. When you're fully involved searching and applying and writing cover letters, you're also talking about it to people. So you feel like the whole world knows you're looking for a job and what you have to offer. But does it? Does it really?
Nope. It does not. So how do you get some attention to your job search? How would other people find out about you, your career, and what you have to offer? How about the fact that you're looking to offer it somewhere other than where you're offering it now? How do you go about letting the world know what you're up to?
There are a few things you can do to get some attention. In a good way. First you have to ask yourself how you want to be known. Or what you want to be known for. This will help you define your message and your Personal Brand. Then you have to get the word out. And it's actually not that hard and every method listed here is free. It just takes a little bit of your time and some consistent effort.
So you figured out how you want to be perceived. And if this is something you need help with, let us know. It's a big part of what we do for you. The quickest way to get the word out is announce it on LinkedIn. Now some people will argue that they don't want their current employer knowing they're looking for another job. Fair point. You don't want to lose the job you have because you're looking for another one. But you don't have to announce it to your network, which probably includes your coworkers. Join a few jobs groups. Career Rocketeer is a good one, Jobs & Careers is another. But really, you can just search "Groups" using keywords like "jobs", "job openings", etc and find a few to join. Then start a discussion introducing yourself to the group. List the industry you work in and any expertise. Then put that you're looking for, or open to, new opportunities. Just make sure you have it set on your profile that your connections are not updated on your activities. This can be found in your settings on your home page. That way no one you're working with will see what you've posted.
Another great way to get noticed is to start your own blog. Using Google's Blogger or Wordpress you can start blogging for free. Focus on your industry and your area of expertise. Site, and link to, other articles or news that would be of interest to others in your field. Once you start publishing original, quality content you start to become known as an expert in your area. You can even post links to your blog in the discussions sections of those job groups you joined at LinkedIn.
One more great way to let people know is Twitter. Start following recruiters and HR professionals. You can follow the companies you're interested in working for and respond to their tweets. Your name will start to look familiar so when they post a job you can apply for, they'll already be a bit familiar with you.
Finding a job isn't something you can do alone. You need your professional network and the support of family and friends. Getting your name out there will attract the right kind of attention and you'll start to receive more support. And the more people who know you're looking, the more support you'll have. Which will translate into more job leads. Which, eventually, will lead to that elusive job you've been after.
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