21st century job hunting
So, I start a new job in about a week. It promises to be an awesome job and is, quite literally, the dream job I was looking for at this point in my life. Better yet, it was created for me. Not metaphorically as in “like, this job was totally created for me.” No, I interviewed for one job, and based on the interview and the personal brand I've worked to establish, they came back and created a new position to fit with that brand.
I'll tell you a secret: we live in a world where this is possible for just about anyone. Having built a personal brand is the single most important and effective thing I did to make this happen. Heck, I'm still doing it now with this post.
And with a few simple elements and tactics, you can do the same.
1.Have a home base where you control the story:
This site is the central hub of my brand. I am a writer. I specialize in marketing and corporate communications. I'm fascinated with emerging technologies and how they'll transform this world. I've spent decades studying the psychology of creativity, learning and persuasion.
Everything on my site tells that story. Little, if anything, detracts or distracts from those core elements.
Here's the hard truth: you have a personal brand. If you're not controlling it, who is? Best case scenario: each person you know is interpreting it through the lens of their interactions with you. Worst case: someone else is spinning a story… and it's likely more to their benefit than yours.
Create a website where you can craft the story of your brand for yourself. It doesn't have to be fancy. You could start with a free blog from Blogger or WordPress. If you’re not a writer, create audio recordings with SoundCloud or Anchor, or videos on YouTube and embed them on your new site (it’s not hard… Google it and you can figure it out in ten to fifteen minutes).
2.Use social media to listen, engage and invite people "home."
My next planned post will be about planning and creating content for your site and for your social media channels. But let's talk a bit about how to use your social media.
First, focus on the social aspect. Look up the key players who hire or manage people who do what you do. Comment on their posts in a thoughtful, contextual way. This is not where you start hounding these people about a job. This is just about establishing a connection so that you're not a complete stranger when you do apply.
A huge part of the social aspect is social listening. Use the search feature to find comments and conversations around topics you know, especially those tied into the job you want. Give your thoughts, answer questions, show empathy.
Finally, post original content and share the content of others on and around those same topics. The best bet is to be a thought leader. Next best is to curate high-quality, relevant information. A mix of both will take you pretty far.
3.LinkedIn is your playground
If you're looking for work, then LinkedIn is where you want to focus a solid chunk of your attention. LinkedIn is THE professional social network. It is where people in business come to connect with other people in business.
List your experience. Link to your content on your site. Use that content to create LinkedIn articles. Use the social strategies above.
4.Nail the fundamentals
Your resume is still important. If you have less than 10 years' experience as a working adult, go with a chronological resume. If you have been working for more than a decade, a functional resume might be a better option.
Either way, take the time to tailor your resume, highlighting the functions of your past work that showcases how you'd be an asset to this employer. Also, make sure your website address is on your resume.
Prepare for your interview process. Expect them to ask you to provide examples of how you have overcome roadblocks, worked as part of a team and delighted customers. Furthermore, determine the qualities that will make you a key player in the role. Come up with a few short anecdotes that showcase those qualities as your strengths, and practice delivering them.
Steal from the politician‘s play book: any time there's a question you feel unprepared for, use your answer to steer the conversation toward one of these strengths. “That's a great question… it actually reminds me of a time when…”
Finally, dress well for the interview. At least a step above what you'd probably be wearing in your role. Bare minimum, lean toward the business end of business casual. You don't need to wear a 3-piece suit if you're trying to get work on a loading dock in a distribution center. But shorts and a t-shirt signal that this opportunity is not that important to you.
5.Now you are ready to begin applying. Identify 3 basic job types you'd prefer to take, and go ahead and pre-tailor 3 versions of your resume. This will make creating a job- specific resume for each application easier and faster.
They'll get your application and your resume. From there they'll find your website. They'll search your social media and find all of the breadcrumbs you've been leaving. They'll have a good idea who you are before they even interview you. All that will be left is to confirm what they already feel they know.
You’re already a step ahead of the competition. Good luck!