Outsmarting the Job Hunt

Recently, friends and family have been asking me for job-hunting advice. Of course, I am happy to help, but I do find the request a little odd because they know that I haven’t held, let alone applied for, a traditional job since my consulting days post-college. Maybe they are looking for some inspiration that is different than the typical job-hunting advice, not sure, but I do know that my entrepreneurial experience has given me insights into hiring.

The Most Creative Approach

One memorable method was from a guy who wanted to work at CareBand. Instead of applying directly, he researched and wrote a strategic article (read the article here) about the company, offering recommendations as if he were the CEO. He sent this to me and other CEOs who he wrote about via LinkedIn or email.

I was thoroughly impressed and frankly caught off guard by this approach. It showed dedication, interest, and hard work. Although he wasn’t the right fit for us, he eventually landed a job he loved using this method.

The Most Strategic Approach

Getting a job is just a funnel, and as I have shared before the fundamentals of funnels are everywhere. A funnel is a step-by-step process with well-defined steps, conversions, and outcomes. With this strategy, getting a job is a numbers game. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Target List: Identify companies that interest you, regardless of if they have active job postings.
2. Network List: List your LinkedIn contacts working in interesting jobs.
3. Connection Mapping: Note connections or introductions needed to reach a person at each company.
4. Cheat Sheet: Prepare templates for LinkedIn and email connections (catch up, cold connect, introduction request). You will use these to copy, paste, and tweak when connecting with people
5. Self-Assessment: Answer key questions about your skills, past experiences, and job preferences.
   • What did I learn at my last company?
   • Why am I looking for a new job?
   • What skills do I have?
   • What am I uniquely qualified to do? Where am I a subject matter expert (SME)?
   • What do I want to do?
   • What do I not want to do?

Lastly, create a google sheet to track your progress. Start connecting with people and asking for 30 minutes of their time to catch up and pick their brain about their careers, then at the end of the conversation see if they or someone they has a spot open for you. Track the way you met, date of meeting, and follow up on the sheet so you can see your progress. The goal is to have as many conversations as possible to learn about opportunities and get referrals.

Tips:

• Be clear with your answers.
• Create a free calendar link for easy meeting scheduling (i.e. calendly)
• Be direct and set clear expectations.
• Get comfortable with asking for help.

This is the most strategic and most effective way to get a job (in my opinion). I always say that you are going to get a job through talking to people, not applying with the masses. Sometimes (if you are really a catch), companies/ people will create a job for you and you will get to write your own job description.

The Least Effective Way

Applying through job websites is the most common but least effective method. I’d say 90% of people go through this process. It’s slow, competitive, and leaves you with little control. You’re just another applicant in the crowd.

It is hard to get a job today. Its a crowded and virtual market. Anything you can do to stand out and be unique goes a long way. Good luck.