"Andrew" has been job hunting for about a month and is feeling very frustrated. He has applied for about 100 jobs in his target city in another state. He is doing a lot of things right. He researches companies and then contacts those he likes, talking about how he might fit into their plans. He holds an excellent interview and has boatloads of confidence.
Andrew is qualified. There is no question about that. He has recommendations from people who would hire him back in a heartbeat. It is just that his wife has a new job out of state, and he wants to live there, too. He is an absolutely wonderful find for anyone in his industry.
The problem is he is being turned down for positions he qualifies for, and even for some he over-qualifies for.
A long-distance job search is a horse of a different shade. Almost everything that is difficult about a local job search is even more difficult when conducted long distance. Here are 10 steps to ratchet up the response from the hiring managers:
1. Give first: The heart of networking is its mutuality. When you contact people, ask what you can do to help them. Be ready to give and give first. Yes, you are looking for a job, but you are also and foremost looking to fill a need. This attitude alone can put you at the top of an employer's list.
2. Work more through your contacts: When you ask someone to recommend you, don't stop with a good word or a letter of endorsement. Ask them to put you in contact with someone they actually know at the company. Or someone who knows someone. Don't forget to play the six degrees game. LinkedIn has a very professional introduction request that's effective.
3. Be persistent: If one thing with a hiring manager doesn't work out, ask them about other opportunities in their department, other departments, and other companies.
4. Recheck your list: Who have you thought of contacting that you haven't contacted yet? We often forget to make a contact or leave one out because it's a little uncomfortable. Use your imagination to find another more comfortable way to make the contact.
5. Maintain contacts you have: It's best if you've maintained communications with everyone you've ever met throughout the years, but few of us are that good. So, forgive yourself for not being an ubernetworker and start contacting people. LinkedIn and Facebook are perfect for this.
6. Do it again: Recontact the people you've called already and see if anything has turned up since you talked with them. Remind them of your target, especially if something has changed.
7. Develop more contacts. This is especially difficult with a long-distance job search, but there are ways around it. Go through your address book. I have relatives or friends in nearly every state. You probably do, too. In most cases, people will welcome the opportunity to help you. The hard part is asking.
8. Work your online social networks: Do more with contacting people through Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. There are usually groups you can find on Facebook, for example, that allow you to learn more about people there and perhaps find a friend or friend of a friend who can put you in direct contact with the right person. If you don't know much about these networks, read Jason Alba's book, "I'm on LinkedIn, Now What?" (He also has a nifty job search organizer at jibberjobber.com.)
9. Take off! Plan a trip to your target city to follow up with people face to face.
10. Get a pep talk: Find at least one person who encourages you, whether it is your career coach, your spouse, your best friend, or a job club. Talk with them often to keep up your spirits and remind you of the benefits you will derive when you reach your goal.
When you're done with step 10, start over at step 1. This is the most sure-fire way to land a job in this economy or any other. Talk with your people, and make more people your people.
Envision, attract, and attain the career of your dreams with Jeri Hird Dutcher, your Workwrite Career Coach. Our coaching techniques take you from where you are now through the acceptance of your new position. No matter how stuck you feel or how long it's been since you've conducted a job search, we facilitate your progress, likely shortening your job search and ensuring a position that is a good fit for you and the hiring company. To feel more comfortable with your job search while working toward your goal, visit http://Workwrite.net/about/contact-us.
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