Are you driving your job searchโor is it driving you? In todayโs competitive market, how you approach your search can be just as important as what roles you apply for. Too often, job seekers fall into a reactive modeโfrantically sending out resumes in a “spray and pray” fashion.. But hope is not a strategy. A proactive job search, on the other hand, puts you in the driverโs seat. Itโs thoughtful. Itโs strategic. And yes, itโs way more effective. Letโs break down the difference between reactive and proactive job searchingโand help you shift gears into a more empowered, intentional approach.
R: Applying to any positions that might be interesting.
P: Researching companies, creating a target organization list, and only applying to companies that are a good fit.
๐ฅ: Feeling desperate and haphazardly applying everywhere.
P: Reflecting on your values, interests, strengths, and transferable skills first to determine the ideal position for you, and then apply with intent.
๐ฅ: Barely updating your resume to make it appealing to the hiring team.
P: Updating your resume with keywords and past accomplishments that are specific to the position posted.
๐ฅ: Only networking when you are in the market for a new job.
P: Networking on a continual basis – after all, it’s really just making connections and having conversations.
๐ฅ: Feel like they don’t have enough experience, then give up on their dream.
P: Volunteering, freelancing, and doing whatever else it takes to get the related experience.
๐ฅ: Submitting your resume/application and waiting for the phone to ring.
P: Applying and following up with your first-degree connections and the hiring team to reinforce your interest.
So the next time you’re job searching, which kind of job seeker do YOU want to be? It looks like PROACTIVE is the way to go!
Shelley Maley, PHR, CCSPDreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLCwww.dreamcatchercareercoaching.com(610) 663-0585
Communications Chairperson – Pennsylvania Career Development Association (PACDA)
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/shelleymaleycareercoach