Make Employers Come to You
Utilizing job listings, networking with people in your industry (and in other industries), and applying to companies you want to work at–these are all great ways to go after a job. But how can you make employers and recruiters come after you? We asked Career Rocketeer’s Chris Perry, a career-search and personal-branding expert, for five self-promotion tips. Here’s what he advises for the modern job seeker:
Start Blogging
Starting and maintaining your own blog requires commitment and an investment of your time, energy, and creativity. While you can blog on any topic you desire, focusing your blog’s theme and content to better serve your industry can be an outstanding way to show off your personal brand and demonstrate your unique value to potential employers and career stakeholders. A blog can be a great entrepreneurial venture to include on your resume and online profiles, and it demonstrates industry involvement and contribution outside of your full-time experience. Blogs are very easy to get started, on numerous free and self-hosted platforms.
Get Quoted
Whether you start your own blog or contribute guest posts regularly to industry-related blogs, getting quoted in blogs or online magazines (or in books and printed periodicals) adds a new credential for you to tout in your job search. It also really boosts your personal brand. HelpaReporter.com (HARO) is a free service that links reporters, journalists, bloggers, and authors who need quotes with experts and experts-to-be who can provide them. Sign up to receive daily queries from HARO, and respond as often as possible (and appropriate) to queries related to your field or areas of interest. Before long, you may be quoted in the Wall Street Journal or interviewed for a leading blog, which will increase your credibility across your network and beyond.
Get to the People Behind the Postings
Most job seekers and professionals neglect informational interviews, likely because they sound boring, hard to get, ineffective, or all of the above. But informational interviews are actually powerfully effective both in your job search and in your career networking. By reaching out and asking for a few minutes to learn about a fellow professional’s career and experience, as well as for a bit of advice (note: this doesnot mean asking for a job), you get a chance to introduce yourself and your brand, and make a stronger connection with someone new. While this person may not be in a position to hire or ready to hire at the time of your interview, you are now on his or her radar and may be a first go-to candidate for the next opportunity that comes up.
Offer Your Ideas
If you’re willing to put a little work into targeted job searches and take a small, calculated risk, you might consider doing a little research for your chosen company, identifying the right contacts there, and offering them a free proposal of fresh ideas related to trends and opportunities in the industry or functional area. Consider sharing some relevant case studies that support your suggestions. It’s essential that you thoroughly think through your presentation, and that everything look professional and polished. Offering your ideas or suggestions is risky in the sense that it opens the door for rejection or no response; however, it immediately shows the recipient your investment, your creativity, and the value you offer the organization.
Step Up to the Podium
If you like to speak publicly and have something relevant to share with your peers, whether it be advice, experience, or case studies, consider developing a presentation or presentations that you can pitch to present for various industry associations, alumni groups, and other organizations. Whether they’re webinars or in-person events, presenting to an audience sets you apart as a confident thought leader who has true value to share with others, whether it be an audience or an employer. Do a little research on what organizations and associations are out there and exactly what topics and events are currently being offered, so you can determine how to offer something to serve unmet needs or complement current event programming.