“Anywhere But Here” – The Job Searching Strategy You Should Avoid
So you’re miserable in your current job, or the company you work for is headed nowhere but down. You’re looking for a new job, what’s the worst mistake you can make? Deciding that any job is better than the one that you have and using a job-hunting strategy commonly known as “anywhere but here.”
The Wrong Way to Search for a Job
One of the problems with this method is that you’ll probably end up in another job that makes you unhappy. Another is that hiring managers will probably figure out that you don’t really care about their job or their company, just their paycheck, and you’ll be crossed off their lists.
What are the signs for the “anywhere but here” job search?
- You’re applying for any job you can find. Or too many, without doing any research first.
- You’re not even bothering to network or customize your cover letter.
- You’re not doing your homework before a job interview.
- You’re using templates for your cover letter, resume and follow-up/thank you notes.
These are red flags to potential employers that you don’t really care about what you do or that you have no idea what value you can bring to their company.
The Right Way to Search for a Job
The key to finding a great a IT job is to figure out what kind of employee you are, what value you can bring to a company, and what kind of company you want to work for.
Step one, update your resume and your LinkedIn profile. This will help you figure out what skills you have and how you can sell those skills and your experience to potential employers.
Then, tap into your network. Get in touch with former colleagues and see what’s going on at their current company. Go on job boards to see who is hiring in your area, go on LinkedIn to see if you know anybody who works at those companies, and reach out to those people.
If your college or university offers career services for graduates, check it out—even if you’re not a recent grad. This is an underutilized resource that can help you connect with influential people who would be happy to talk to a fellow alum.
When you find a job you’re interested in, tailor your resume and cover letter for that job – and hopefully personalize that cover letter with the name of the hiring manager or recruiter. You may find yourself applying to fewer jobs, but that’s okay—you want the right job, not just any job.
This all takes time, and if you’re feeling desperate, it may seem like too much. One way to speed the process and help you focus your efforts is to work with an experienced technical recruiting firm like Triumph Services. Our goal is to make sure the right person connects with the right position, every time. Contact us today to learn more!
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