For you job seekers who are unemployed -- you're not working and are receiving unemployment benefits (UI) -- you are my people. As such, what I'll say next is meant to encourage you to do what's smart in your pursuit of your next job. Fair warning to you, this article calls for total commitment. If you're not up for it, stop reading.
First you need to determine if you want to wallow in the minors or advance to the pros. Because let's face it, your 20 applications a day, 600 overall so far, ain't making it. I don't know how strongly I can say it. It's not f#@&ing working. Want to stop reading?
Caveat: even if you make the pros, your batting average, passing yardage, Fútbol goals, or whatever analogy you want to use, might not garner your dream job; but it will result in a job.
Like any professional athlete, you'll have to strive for heights that seem unattainable. But the good news is that you'll have a game plan (that isn't exclusive, nor do it necessarily follow this order). So, buckle up.
Prepare a concise value proposition that describes your target occupation and the value you’ll deliver to companies. Just as important as the value you’ll deliver is being able to describe your ideal occupation.
This value proposition will develop over time, as you network with a growing list of people with whom to network. In other words, it’s a work in progress.
Tip: Value Proposition ~ Define your value in one clear, compelling statement.
Spend a day thinking about people you've worked with within the past 10 years. These were people with whom you had a strong working relationship. Even if you haven't kept up with them, that's okay; people want to help if they can.
To say you should come up with 150 names would be ideal, but I would take 75. Don't forget recruiters or staffing agencies who helped you with your job search in the past, especially if they were successful.
Tip: Contact List ~ Reconnect with people who know and trust your work.
Without using an LLM, 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 (email) that begins with something personal about your relationship, or speaks about how enjoyable it was to work with them.
Follow this with the news of your unemployed status and the type of work you're seeking. Be clear on this in regards to your title and the industry in which you want to work
Lastly, ask them is they would keep their eyes/ears open for a job that suits your skills and accomplishments.
Tip: Networking Email ~ Personalize it, keep it simple, make the ask clear.
Follow up with the people you sent your letters to one week after you sent them. Something simple like, "I know you're extremely busy, so I want to make sure you received the letter (email) I sent you."
Follow up just once. You'll want to spread the letters apart, so you're not spending an entire day calling or emailing your contacts.
Tip: Follow-Up ~ One polite follow-up keeps you top of mind.
Generate your target company list. Don't roll your eyes. Like athletes who push their bodies to achieve excellence, you're going to push your mind to come up with 20 or more dream companies.
If you're struggling to come up with 20+ companies, ask the LLM of your choice to "identify 20 companies similar to (company) in the (area). As well, name companies of different sizes.”
Once you've developed your list, naturally you'll check to see if they're advertising jobs in your occupation, but more importantly you'll research them to determine how they're doing, and then you'll reach out to the key players within the companies by using LinkedIn to connect with them.
Tip: Target Companies ~ Focus on 20+ companies you actually want.
Find your networking venue. This might be a larger online or in-person group, or it could be something smaller like a buddy group, or perhaps your one who likes to meet in person with people. The latter can be very beneficial, but will take time and strategy.
This leads us back to your target company list and reaching out to people via a networking letter or verbally contacting them for informational meetings, which I discuss below. This is where your strategy comes into play.
Tip: Networking Venue ~ Choose spaces where you can show up consistently.
Take your networking virtually by engaging consistently on LinkedIn (commenting, not just liking). Networking has become more than in-person events; it now involves reaching out to people on LinkedIn to develop your network.
Leanne Calderwood, CMP, writes this about being visible, "That's when it clicked. Visibility is not about going viral. It is not about having the most clever hook or the most perfectly timed carousel. It is about being consistently present so that when the right person finally pays attention, you're already there."
However, these new connections won’t become bona fide until you reach out to them in a “personal way” by first building strong relationships and then asking them to have a phone conversation or meeting them in person.
Tip: LinkedIn Engagement ~ Comment with intent; visibility comes from contribution.
Request introductions (warm handoffs). Now that you’ve accumulated a number of connections, including on LinkedIn – don’t worry, the number will increase – you’re going to ask each of them to introduce you to other people whom can be of mutual value.
By mutual value, I mean reciprocation. You ask, “How can I reciprocate?” I say it doesn’t have to be the same favors they provide for you, such as a lead to a job opportunity. It could be offering to critique their LinkedIn profile, or something you’re good at.
Tip: Warm Introductions ~ Ask for intros and offer value in return.
Ask for informational meetings. Harken back to your target company list. Once you’ve developed sound relationships, ask your contacts if they know of anyone who works for your desired companies who you could ask for an informational meeting.
The purpose of the informational meetings isn’t to ask for a job; it’s to ask for information and advice that will better help you understand the companies and roles that exist at said companies. This is key: make sure your questions are intelligent ones.
Hannah Morgan, says to make the most of each conversation: "Set clear goals for each networking opportunity. Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself. Follow up with new contacts within 24-48 hours. Offer value to your connections, not just ask for favors. Maintain your network consistently, not just when job hunting."
Tip: Informational Meetings ~ Seek insight, not a job.
Attend targeted industry events (virtual/in-person). I always say the best people to network with are those who are employed and have their finger on the pulse of the industry you’re pursuing. Often times they're decision makers.
My connection, Gina Riley, most recently wrote about her executive clients: The real challenge isn't knowing that networking matters. It's finding the right rooms. At your level, you're not looking to shake hands with other job seekers. You need to be in spaces where decision-makers are present, relaxed, and open to conversation. Those rooms are harder to find than they used to be.
Tip: Industry Events ~ Speak in the present and lead with value.
Follow up, follow up, follow up. I know I've already mentioned this step, but it's a very important step and one I find many of my clients don't do. Perhaps it's because reaching out to a complete stranger feels like an imposition, even if my clients have had great experiences with their interactions.
Tip: Ongoing Follow-Up ~ Stay visible—consistency builds opportunity.
These are but 11 steps to take in your endeavor to become a professional job seeker. There are more; remember I said this list isn't exclusive. But if you’re achieving 80% of them, you’re in great shape. No one is perfect at their job search, so don’t sweat it if you don’t measure up to Michael Jordan or Tom Brady. You got this.
My final words are when you land your next role, pay it forward by helping other unemployed people find work. Some of my favorite clients are the ones that write, "Bob, if I can ever help anyone who needs a job, let me know." And they mean it.
Related: Using AI in Your Job Search Without Losing Your Voice or Credibility