Peak Performers by Tiffany Uman

How to master your job search

December 11, 2023

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If job searching has felt like navigating through a maze of uncertainty, struggle and complexity, you are not alone.

For many of us, it represents not just the pursuit of a new position, but a journey fraught with challenges that will undoubtedly test your resilience, adaptability, and patience. It goes without saying that the job market has seen some major shifts and obstacles this past year, which has only made it more important to set yourself apart.

From the daunting task of sifting through countless job postings to tailor each application, to the intricate web of networking and interviewing, you must juggle multiple roles and skills at once. The process becomes even more challenging when trying to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates, each vying for a chance to showcase their unique value.

And it is not just about finding any job; it is about finding the right job that aligns with your career aspirations, values, and skills. This pursuit often sparks deep introspection, requiring you to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and the trajectory you wish to pursue.

Of course, the emotional toll of the job search process cannot be underestimated. Rejection, often a frequent companion in this journey, can lead to self-doubt and waning motivation.

Navigating through these emotional highs and lows, while maintaining a positive and persistent attitude and mindset, is essential.

Peak performers view the job search process as a stepping stone to reveal a new layer of growth and development, while seizing new opportunities through proactivity, intention and laser-focused strategy.

It is time to turn the overwhelming task of job searching into a well-navigated path leading to your professional growth and fulfilment - and ultimately your dream job.

Here's how.

Key pitfalls that compromise your job search

While job searching, several pitfalls consistently undermine even the most diligent seekers' efforts, turning a hopeful journey into a series of frustrating dead ends.

Here are 5 setbacks that will stand in your way of job search success:

→ Lacking clarity in your goals: This is where you have not done the deep-dive reflections on what you truly want in your next role and hope things will simply fall into place. This becomes particularly dangerous when you are looking to leave a negative workplace and coming from a place of desperation to make your next move happen fast. That said, without the needed clarity and direction you want to achieve, it becomes impossible to put effective action steps into place that will lead to your desired outcome.

→ Underestimating the power of networking: There are 2 major downfalls here. The first is that job seekers over-index too much on applications alone to secure their next role. They end up sending hundreds of applications without a solid response rate and have neglected the importance of activating their network to help them in this process. The second is that job seekers only network when they need something (i.e. a new job). This creates highly transactional relationships which work against you and limits the willingness of others to help you.

→ Neglecting personal branding: People need to know you exist and the value that you bring. Without a strong personal brand, this will be extremely difficult to achieve as you have an underdeveloped presence both online and offline. Personal branding helps you make a memorable impression on potential employers, hiring managers and recruiters. Whether through LinkedIn, resumes, networking or interviews, personal branding is necessary and yet, most professionals do not give it the time of day it deserves.

→ One-size-fits-all resume and cover letter: This is easily the biggest pitfall. Do not cut corners or try to game the system by using one version of your resume or cover letter for all applications. And simply tweaking a few words here and there does not cut it. Without effective tailoring of your professional documents alongside your application, this runs the risk of being bypassed and overlooked for opportunities you may be extremely qualified for.

→ Taking yourself out of the race before it has begun: This commonly shows up when you feel you do not meet all the criteria of a given job description, and so you do not apply at all. You remove yourself entirely because you believe you will not stand a chance of moving forward. When in reality, job descriptions are wish-lists that are often over-represented in the needs they are looking for. Meeting 60%+ of the criteria is good enough, especially because you do not know which facets of the job description are weighted most in the employers' decision-making criteria.

5 best practices to master your job search

1/ Get clear on what you actually want

To start, introspection is key. Take the time to reflect on your past experiences, both positive and negative. What aspects of previous roles did you enjoy the most? Which tasks or projects sparked your passion and made you feel most fulfilled? What would you want to do differently? What specifically has made you feel demotivated or frustrated? Consider not only the nature of the work but also the environment in which you thrived.

This self-reflection helps in identifying the kind of roles and companies that align with your personal and professional aspirations. It is important to evaluate your skills and strengths in this process as well.

Understanding what you excel at, and more importantly, what you want to develop, is fundamental in setting a career trajectory that is both challenging and rewarding. Getting clear on your path forward also involves understanding the industry landscape and how your unique skills and experiences position you within it.

Peak performers often find themselves at a crossroads where multiple paths are possible. This is where a clear understanding of industry dynamics becomes crucial.

Identify the gaps in your current skill set and consider additional training or certifications that could make you more competitive.

Once you have a solid understanding of your personal preferences and the industry landscape, it’s time to set actionable and achievable career goals. Break these goals down into digestible, daily action steps that you can easily track and monitor in terms of progress.

Do not overestimate how long things will take you as this will lead to disappointment and feeling like you are not making enough progress. Rather, focus on micro-goals that you can easily cross off your to-do list.

This approach ensures that your goals are clear and focused, with tangible milestones and a defined timeline. Remember, getting clear on what you want will likely evolve with new information and insights you gain during your job search.

2/ Leverage your network effectively

Networking is the #1 strategy to land your new job faster. Why? People get people jobs. Period.

This is a critical component of a successful job search.

The first step is to identify who in your network can be most beneficial in your job hunt.

This group may include former colleagues, supervisors, mentors, alumni from your educational institutions, and even friends who work in your desired industry. Remember, each connection has the potential to provide unique insights, advice, or introduce you to key individuals in your field.

Once you have identified these contacts, reach out to them in a personalized manner. This could be through a professional platform like LinkedIn, an email, or even a phone call if they are a closer connection. Do your research on them and pay attention to the details. They matter. The goal is to reconnect, update them on your professional journey, and express your interest in new opportunities.

Peak performers recognize that others will not simply assume they are looking for new opportunities. Instead, they intentionally create these conversations and exposure moments to make that known, and in a way that nurtures the relationship.

Be clear about what you are looking for, but also show genuine interest in their work and offer your assistance in return, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Networking is not just about reaching out to existing contacts. It is also about expanding your network. Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars, both virtual and in-person. These events are not only great learning opportunities but also platforms to meet new people in your field.

You can also join professional groups or associations related to your industry. Participating actively in these groups can increase your visibility and connect you with like-minded professionals and lead to new connections and potential job leads.

The power of networking also lies in the ability to tap into the hidden job market as many positions are filled through referrals or personal recommendations before they are ever advertised publicly.

When I worked at L'Oréal, every referral I put in got hired. As an employee, I knew what it took to succeed and would only recommend people who would be a suitable fit for the company. This goes a long way for internal HR departments in facilitating their recruitment efforts.

Additionally, be respectful of people’s time and be clear about your intentions, but also try to build a rapport that extends beyond a mere professional transaction. Remember, a strong network is built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine connections.

Finally, offer value. Networking is a 2-way street. You do not want to only ask for things; others will see through that really quickly and it can backfire on you. Brief, do not ask someone you just met for a new job. This will sour the relationship before it has a chance to blossom.

3/ Build a strong personal brand

In order to secure incredible opportunities, people need to know you exist. On top of that, they need to know what distinguishes you in a way that will be valuable to their organization.

This is where personal branding comes in because it is the representation of your personal and professional profile that encapsulates who you are, what you do and the impact you create. It is a combination of your core values, skills, strengths and unique experiences that define you as a professional.

Peak performers recognize that their personal brand is integral in landing their dream opportunities and ensures complete alignment with the path they want to pursue.

This takes intentional thought and reflection to build so that you put forward the right career narrative that maximizes your chances of moving into your target roles. Ultimately, it is what others will be able to understand and say about you when you are not even there.

For example, if you have an extensive background in teaching and you want to pivot into marketing, you must go beyond your teaching expertise alone to align with the needs of marketing roles.

By focusing on transversal skills gained in your teaching experience like communication, collaboration, organization, public speaking, breaking down complex messages into concepts that can reach a bigger audience, etc... they now become extremely valuable in how you frame your personal brand towards the marketing field.

Once you have a clear understanding of your brand, ensure that it is consistently represented across all platforms. This includes your resume, LinkedIn profile, personal website, and any other professional networks you engage with.

In addition to having a consistent online presence, actively contribute to your field to strengthen your personal brand. This could involve writing industry-related articles, participating in panel discussions, or even volunteering in professional groups. Such activities not only demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your field but also increase your visibility and credibility.

Pro tip: Seek recommendations and endorsements from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. These testimonials can be powerful in reinforcing your professional image and providing a third-party validation of your skills and accomplishments represented on your LinkedIn profile.

4/ Customize your application materials

A one-size-fits-all model or the "spray and pray" method simply do not work.

In this competitive job market, customizing your application is a non-negotiable. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have put thought and effort into understanding the specific role and how your skills and experiences align with it.

Begin by thoroughly reading the job description and identifying key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, use this information to customize your resume and cover letter, highlighting the aspects of your background that are most relevant to this specific position.

For example, if a job emphasizes leadership experience, ensure that your resume prominently features any leadership roles or initiatives you have spearheaded.

Similarly, in your cover letter, address specific points in the job description, explaining how your experiences directly relate to each requirement. The goal of the cover letter is to highlight the 'why' while your resume is the 'what'.

Cover letters require more storytelling, context, personalization and emotion to compliment your fact-based resume. When combined, they are a powerful duo that give the employer the full picture of the value you will bring them.

Moreover, research the company’s culture, values, and recent projects to get a sense of what they might value in a candidate. Infuse some of this knowledge into your application materials to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and your fit within its culture.

For example, if the company prides itself on innovation, provide examples of how you have driven innovation in your previous roles. Remember, every piece of your application is an opportunity to illustrate why you are the best fit for the job.

Here are 4 quick tips to keep in mind when tailoring your application materials:

→ Integrate keywords from the job description to reinforce fit. Highlight your most relevant experiences; not every experience you have ever held if it is not in line with the job needs.

→ Showcase your achievements quantifiably and measurably. Do not just focus on what you did but rather the result it created.

→ Address your cover letter appropriately, ideally with the hiring manager's name if you have it. Keep a synergistic formatting with your resume so the documents look cohesive.

→ Content is king. Whatever resume format you choose, ensure that each line drives impact and is necessary. This will help you keep it concise and breathable for the reader.

Remember, recruiters and hiring managers take 6-7 seconds on average to review a resume so leverage these best practices to get their attention.

On top of it, even if you do not meet 100% of the criteria but cover a good majority of it, still take your shot. You do not know which facet of the job description has more weight in the decision making criteria and you do not want to automatically rule yourself out.

5/ Nail the follow-up

So much of a successful job search strategy comes down to effective follow-up and follow-through.

Whether following an application submission, following each stage of an interview, or overall networking connections, you need to remain top of mind.

Following up requires a balance of discretion, proactivity, consistency and respect.

You do not want to bombard someone with too many messages but rather, friendly reminders and follow-ups that are sent 1 or 2 weeks apart. More often than not, recruiters and hiring managers get busy and simply lose track of where they were at in a certain process with candidates, so a gentle reminder goes a long way.

In that same regard, expressing your gratitude is always well appreciated.

After each interview, be sure to send a thank you note within the first 24 hours. There are different schools of thought here but showing appreciation never backfires and serves as a testament to your character.

A thank you note can consist of a thanking the interviewer for their time, highlighting a specific element of the interview that really stood out to you and why, and concluding with your excitement for next steps.

Similarly, if you are waiting on feedback for opportunities, take control and reach out yourself. Do not expect others to do it for you.

Even if an opportunity does not come through right now, this is still a connection that you have gained that can serve you well down the line. Maintaining a positive and professional reputation here is critical.

How will you choose to show up in your job search?

A successful job search is a blend of strategy, persistence, proactivity and self-awareness. At times, it may bring out a roller-coaster of emotions, highs and lows and unexpected turns.That said, do not get discouraged and keep your head in the game. The journey to finding your dream role can be rigorous, but with the right approach, it becomes a valuable opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

You've got this!

This week's mission is aimed at helping you own your job search strategy with confidence. Whether you are actively looking for a new position or simply want to keep this in the back of your mind for a later time, the below reflections are designed for you to take action in bringing you closer to your dream roles.

1/ Get clear on what you want:

Take time to reflect on your past experiences, both positive and negative.
What aspects of previous roles did you enjoy the most? Which tasks or projects sparked your passion and made you feel most fulfilled? What would you want to do differently? What specifically has made you feel demotivated or frustrated?
Use this to create your roadmap of what you want more of and what you want less of for future opportunities. Integrate your core values in here as well.

2/ Refine your personal brand:

Outline your key strengths, competencies and skills that align with your target roles.
Go deeper on what you would want others to say about you when you are not there. You can reference back to former performance reviews or feedback received to help you in this to gather the full picture.
From here, ensure this is well reflected and aligned across your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter.

3/ Network, network, network:

Identify who in your existing network and which new connections can support you in getting closer to your target roles.
Leverage personalization in your outreach and reconnections to maximize response rate and ensure to build mutually beneficial relationships instead of transactional ones.

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