Finding a Job in a Difficult Market—A Six Source Plan to Expand Your Opportunities
Share
Confessions of a Job Seeker



“I’m looking for a job. And, surprise, so are many others with plenty of skills, experience, and education. I prepare a resume and cover letter. Next, I search for job openings using employer and job search sites. When I find prospective jobs, I tailor my letter and send off my information. I try to place follow up calls but the sites say calls are not accepted. Do they really mean it? I don’t call. A week goes by, then two. Should I assume I didn’t make the cut? Do I need to change my resume?"



“I continue sending out resumes and cover letters. Finally, my phone rings. Am I available for an interview? Of course! My phone interview goes fine. I learn there are several people being considered and that I’ll hear back ‘if’ the organization wants to talk with me again. A week goes by, then two. I leave a message with the person who set up my interview asking about next steps. No response. A week goes by, then two, then more. What else can I do?”




Influencing Job Search Success




If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re in the throes of finding a job our current bear market. Organizations posting job openings are swamped with applicants, so they often automate the process. They electronically search resumes for keywords. They only communicate with people selected for interviews. First-round interviews are often over the phone and a precious few get a second interview. With no feedback, applicants have no idea why they missed the cut.




How can you increase your chance of being hired? To find answers to this question, VitalSmarts applied our Influencer Model to the job search process. Here’s what we found.




Clarify Measurable Results




The only result job seekers care about is a desirable job offer. However, obtaining this offer is better achieved if you also clarify a few short-term results, which we describe below.




Find Vital Behaviors




While people use a variety of job search strategies, it is helpful to focus on the most important behaviors that drive the process. Here are behaviors we uncovered, along with short-term results to track.

a. Develop and use networks. Employers are more likely to hire people from within their circle or their circle’s circle. The more people who know what you’re looking for, the more likely you are to get job referrals.



Tracking measure: number of networking contacts made



b. Identify job opportunities. Organizations continue to hire despite the poor job market. Identify job listings weekly, if not daily. Follow up on leads from contacts to uncover opportunities that aren’t posted. Many jobs go to people who reach employers before jobs are posted.



Tracking measure: number of job opportunities identified that meet your qualifications



c. Submit quality job applications. Finding a job is a numbers game. The more good applications submitted, the more likely you are to get an offer. When there are multiple openings in one organization, don’t spam the employer. Instead, apply to jobs with the best fit.



Tracking measure: number of applications submitted



d. Prepare for interviews. Practicing responses to interview questions can increase your chances of success. Identify a repertoire of likely questions and prepare responses that show how you will add value to the organization.



Tracking measure: number of practice sessions completed


Use Six Sources of Influence




Successful influencers succeed because they use a strategy that combines multiple sources of influence. They uncover all of the job search obstacles and apply as many solutions as they can. To maximize job search efforts, use these tactics from the six sources of influence.




Source 1—Personal Motivation: Hunting for jobs is stressful and it’s tempting to give up. Find ways to make undesirable tasks more desirable.
• Tie self esteem to actions, not results. Focus on the job search actions that are within your control, and not on what potential employers might do. Work at mastering the job search process and take pride when you complete short-tem tasks, regardless of immediate results.




• Make it a game. Turn job search into a game that requires regular practice. Give yourself a score for how quickly and how well you complete tasks. Note the time it takes to complete an application or how many contacts you add to your network. Track your scores and push yourself to improve.




• Set aside inhibitions. Talk with people—those you know and those you don’t. Set up phone calls, interest interviews, and networking lunches. In these conversations, don’t censor your best stories. Instead, make a personal connection. Build a network of supporters.


Source 2—Personal Ability: Job search is a time to recognize weaknesses. Acquire new skills to enhance your resume.


• Master job search skills. How do you research the job market? What does an excellent resume or cover letter look like? How do you network? If you aren’t sure, then you probably lack skills. Talk with experts, get ideas from websites, or buy a book.




• Learn to tell your story. Become skilled at sharing personal stories that provide insight into your qualifications. Think about your audience and use stories to illustrate your character and skills.




• Use deliberate practice. Golfers who want to improve don’t play a round of golf; they practice at driving ranges and putting greens. Deliberate practice for a job seeker involves someone firing tough interview questions and videotaping responses.




• Add qualifications to your resume. Pick up a new skill that is commonly referenced in position descriptions. Take a distance learning class, apprentice with a friend, or teach yourself.

Sources 3 & 4—Social Motivation & Ability: Create the social support required to sustain job search activities.

• Get support from others. Share frustrations and get emotional support. Encourage others to hold you accountable for short-term results.




• Create a lifeline. Expect to encounter challenges—difficulties using job search websites, unusual questions, requests for writing samples. Set up “lifelines”—people to call on for help.




• Obtain resources. If you’re juggling too many commitments, use your social network. Rather than work an extra job, borrow cash from a family member. Ask a friend to watch your child.


Sources 5 & 6—Structural Motivation & Ability: Make vital behaviors convenient. Reward early successes and use cues to keep on course.


• Put job search activities on your calendar. It is easy to have days and weeks slip by and fail to achieve short-term results. Place job search activities on your personal and family calendars and regard them as important appointments.




• Make deliberate practice easy. Identify convenient places where you can practice. Minimize distractions like phones, email, television, and friends.




• Reward yourself. Identify treats or fun activities to use as incentives. Short-term rewards are more powerful than long-term ones.


About that Pot of Gold


There is one final recommendation. Make time to get away from all these to-do lists, meetings, and web searches so you can catch the next rainbow. Keep your spirits up and remember that you’re on an adventure that leads to a pot of gold.