How to Season Your Job Search to Perfection

Part 2 in a Job Search Series

By Martina Brehmer

After last week’s post on getting ready for your job search, I’m hoping I have you thinking about the future of your career and not just salivating over the perfect chocolate chip cookie. In case you’re catching up, we’re doing a three part series on the ever tricky job search. You can read the first of the series here.

Now I want to cover something that I’ll admit, stumped me as I jumped into my own pursuit of the dream. I thought that if I nailed my application, the phone would start ringing. All I had to do was showcase my enthusiasm with a colorful cover letter and a resume containing a carefully curated selection of my skills, right? Wrong!

Picking up a beautiful cut of meat from your favorite local butcher and tossing it into the oven for a few hours rarely yields a memorable roast. And worse, it’s wasteful. Submitting an application, even if it rocks, is just not enough. With hundreds, or even thousands of applicants to that role you’re pining after, the only way you’re going to get noticed is if you season it right, and baste that roast until the timer goes off (or you get that call you’ve been waiting for).

The Spice Blend for Job Searches

Set goals. Keep a spreadsheet for your activity, and color-code it by action.
Stand out by following up. Most job postings contain information about the recruiter or hiring manager associated with the opening. Having trouble finding this person? Hit LinkedIn, Angel List, or even a contact form on the company website and don’t be ashamed of showing your enthusiasm with that extra little bit of effort.
Think about your network and reach out to friends that are connected to companies that interest you! Successful employers look to their team members for tips on who to hire, sometimes offering incentives to those that refer quality human capital.
Sell yourself and your brand. Be proud of the value that you’re bringing to the table – this is not the time to be shy! If you don’t grab this opportunity by the horns, someone at your heels will.

Opportunity comes from getting in front of the right people, and giving them cause to linger. Some applicants may be lucky enough to find themselves at the top of the pile but with a little bit of extra effort, I guarantee your job search results will taste better.