The signs of this being the right time to job search are everywhere. You can’t open your internet browser without seeing a headline about historically low unemployment, the number of open jobs that aren’t being filled, and the stories about the recent college grads getting job offers with starting salaries that are uncomfortably close to your annual salary. So you’ve really been meaning to at least start looking at open jobs, but you’re stuck.
You’re worried that embarking on a job search is like taking on another full time job, you don’t really hate your job, you don’t really love your job, you don’t want your boss to find out, you don’t want to have to move to be closer to a new job, you aren’t jazzed about interviewing, and you don’t know what you’d even wear to an interview if you got one. Those are all valid reasons as to why you’ve stopped your job search before you’ve even started it. But we’re going to give you three tips to make starting your job search easy.
- Call your recruiter
So yes, we are a recruiting firm, so of course we’re going to suggest that you call your recruiter, but it really does make sense. It’s one of the easiest ways for you to “start looking” without having to invest a ton of time, energy or risk. Additionally, your recruiter should be an expert on what’s going on in the market. He or she should be able to go beyond what you’re seeing in the headlines, dig into you specific situation and give you a realistic picture of what you could expect for a bump in salary, upgrade in job duties, and who’s hiring right now!
- Talk to your favorite former colleague
Offer to take your favorite former boss or co-worker out to lunch or coffee. This meeting works in two ways. One, you’ll get to talk to them about the fact that you’re starting to look. He or she likely knows a thing or two about what’s happening in their industry, and they likely will have a tip or two to share about companies that are hiring or people in their network that are looking to add to their team. Two, you’ll get to ask them face to face that if something pans out for you in your job search that you’d appreciate it if they’d be a reference for you. It’s a lot more personal than just calling to ask for a favor. -Although calling is 100 percent better than just assuming that because they were a reference for you in the past that they’d be willing to do it again. -So do call if you choose not to set up a time to meet in person.
- Use LinkedIn
This one is probably obvious. However, have you seen the button on your profile that you can click to tell recruiters that you’re looking for something new? Here’s where to find it. Go to your own profile, scroll down to your dashboard, in the career interests section you’ll see “let recruiters know you’re open,” change the option to “on.” Then choose the types of opportunities you’d like to be connected with. Super simple, but will likely get you the attention you’re looking for from recruiters looking for people with your profile. Another super simple way to use LinkedIn to kick off your job search? Search the open jobs on LinkedIn. You’ll get an overview of what’s posted, an idea of the companies that are hiring, and potentially some inspiration to fuel your job search.
We know it can be daunting even thinking about searching for a new job. But if you enlist the help of your recruiter, a friend or two in your network, and login to LinkedIn, it will be way less painful than you think. Don’t let the thought of doing a few things outside of your normal routine stand in the way of a lovely raise and new, career.