Navigating the modern job market can feel overwhelming, especially with the rapid changes in how work is structured and how roles are secured. Here are three key strategies to help you optimise your job search, stay focused and land the right job faster:
1. Define Your Job Target: Broader is NOT Better
While you may have diverse skills and experience, trying to appeal to everyone can dilute your personal brand and confuse recruiters. Being too broad often leads to mixed messaging, making it harder for hiring managers to understand what you can truly offer.
By narrowing your focus and positioning yourself as an expert in a specific area, you’ll stand out more clearly. This targeted approach not only strengthens your brand but can also speed up your job search, as recruiters will have a clearer understanding of your value proposition.
2. Develop a Strategic Plan and Process
It’s natural to want to jump back into the job market quickly after receiving unexpected news, such as redundancy. However, launching into a frantic job search with an outdated resume and scattergun approach rarely works.
Instead, take the time to develop a thoughtful plan. Clarify what roles and activities within those roles you’re seeking, what you want to avoid, and your non-negotiables. Update your resume, ensure it’s optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and refresh your LinkedIn profile to reflect your updated brand. Spend time preparing to articulate your strengths clearly in interviews and cover letters.
The first month or so of your job search should be dedicated to refining your goals, identifying potential employers, and building your network. By setting a solid foundation, you’ll be far more effective when you begin actively applying and networking, which will ultimately lead to faster results.
3. Get Support from a Reputable Career Consultant or Coach
The job search landscape has changed drastically. With AI playing a significant role in recruitment and networking being more important than ever, working with a trained career consultant can give you a competitive edge.
Since only 10-20% of jobs are secured through traditional applications, knowing how to leverage your network without feeling “salesy” is crucial. A good career coach will help you navigate these challenges and craft a strategy that works for you.
Be cautious, though—career consulting is an unregulated field, and not everyone offering help has the necessary skills to guide you through the process. Ensure you’re working with a professional who has proven expertise in career management, rather than someone who may be skilled in a related but distinct area, such as recruitment.
The world of work has changed, and so have the strategies for landing a role. By having a clear target, a well-thought-out plan, and expert guidance, you can shorten your job search and position yourself for success.
For these and more tips and advice as to how to secure your next role, follow me, and checkout www.peopleedge.com.au or feel free to connect with me or arrange a 15 minute complimentary chat with me by clicking here: https://calendly.com/jo_attardwatters/peopleedge-introductory-discovery-call-15-minutes
Jo Attard Watters is the Managing Principal and Founder of PeopleEdge Coaching & Consulting. Jo is a professional, Master’s degree qualified Executive and Career Management Coach, Consultant, Business Adviser and Academic who works with individuals and organisations to help them “be the best they can be”. With significant experience within both Corporate and Not for Profit sectors, Jo is passionate about seeing her clients succeed in their areas of interest.