Standing out in our job search can be really challenging. Competition has truly never been more fierce.
In this video, I’m going to share some ideas for getting noticed in your job search. We’re going way beyond your resume!
So in order to stand out and get in our job search, we need to be noticeable.
But how do we do this without coming across as totally fake and self serving?
I mean obviously, we’re job searching to get a job. No surprises there.
But there is a way to be noticeable while also being personable. And that’s through connection with others.
And I’ve found that in zeroing in on f-words, or an F-word Formula if you will, I was able to amplify my own visibility, and help job seekers do the same.
1. Focus On Your Focus
The first F word is actually two and that’s focus on your focus. This is about really claiming and confidentially owning your “brand.”
So let’s say your target job is digital marketing manager.
When you’re focused on a focus – in this case, digital marketing manager – that informs what we share and how we engage on social media, in particular LinkedIn.
I advise you and my clients to stay “on brand” when sharing posts and content, and engaging with other people’s posts and content.
So with the digital marketing manager example, posts you might share or engage with would be related to digital marketing like email marketing, social media marketing, leading teams in marketing, etc.
The purpose of this is to really establish your credibility in your field.
By no means do you need to become a thought leader despite what other supposed thought leaders or influencers are telling you.
Simply by having a voice and posting on your LinkedIn in a way that focuses on your focus, you will establish your expertise and credibility.
2. Fandom
The next f-word in the formula is fandom! Become a raving fan of influential people who you want to connect with.
This could be people already working at your target employers, people who might be your future bosses, and people who you just really want to get to know.
Whatever the reason, becoming a fan by engaging with and sharing content of these people of influence is part of playing the long networking game. And effective networking IS the long game. This engagement and being a fan is noticed and appreciated.
So when you approach this person to request an informational interview later, or an introduction to a connection, they’ll know who you are and be more likely to deliver on your request. You aren’t a stranger asking for a favor.
3. Findability
The next F is findability. Be findable or searchable, by being present and active online. So this shows up as having a LinkedIn profile that is well written, shares your story, and is rich in keywords that focus on your focus.
First, the keywords:
Keywords are important in your LinkedIn headline, summary, job titles and job descriptions, and your skills section.
Next, being present and active. This is best demonstrated in commenting, asking thoughtful questions, and responding to others’ comments on your posts.
Sidebar: commenting is considered a very high value activity on LinkedIn. If you are in the mode of liking posts, I recommend switching to commenting, or doing both, in order to get seen more.
4. Freshen Up Stale Relationships
The fourth F is to freshen up stale relationships.
It’s much easier to warm up an existing connection than spark a new one.
Ask previous connections how they’re doing and give them an update on what you’re up to as well. I don’t know about you, but I always love hearing about long lost friends’ lives. For example, I just heard from a high school friend who informed me that she now has 4 kids. It was so nice to hear from her and reconnect. I know I’m not alone in this feeling.
5. Facilitate Connections
The next F is to facilitate connections.
Another way to be even more memorable is to facilitate connections between people in your network if you feel there’s a great reason for them to know each other.
Both of your connections will appreciate the effort in getting them together. And in being a connector, you’re also seen as more influential, which adds to your ability to stand out.
6. Follow Up
The last F in the F-word formula is follow-up.
This is an often overlooked part of job searching. But following-up helps us stay top of mind and in front of eyeballs.
By no means do we want to harass someone. But we want to help jog their memory. People are busy, c’mon.
So after you apply for a job, follow-up.
After you interview, definitely follow up not only with a thank you within 24 hours, but make sure you’re also following up reiterating fit and excitement for the role, 1 week after the interview if no word. And then once a week after that.
If you’re asking for an intro, referral, or recommendation, and you don’t hear back, you can also follow up on this. It could be buried in their inbox. Again, people are busy.
Which F word do you plan on adding to your job search? Or which F word are you already doing that you’re nailing every time? Tell me in the comments below.
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