Measuring Job Search Campaign Effectiveness

Measuring Job Search Campaign Effectiveness

To determine the level of effectiveness of an individual’s job search campaign, a number of factors need to be considered. Here is an example of the steps necessary to plan and implement an effective job search campaign:

1.)    Career Assessment and Goal Setting

Job seekers can set a solid foundation for a job search campaign by assessing and prioritizing their talents and interests. They can start by updating their career history with an emphasis on skills, knowledge and experience and the contributions they have made to organizations. By listing these talents along with the top achievements in each job, they are also developing relevant content for use in updating resumes and preparing their verbal communications for interviews.

Then they should prioritize their interests and answer the following questions:

a.)    What skills, knowledge and experience do I want to apply in my next job?

Focusing on talents that are most interesting helps clarify the type of job that best matches current career objectives.

b.)    What jobs are in demand in specific industries and functions that match my talents and interests?

By researching the job market for positions in which they can apply their talents, job seekers can further solidify the foundation for a job search campaign that identifies career opportunities that are the best fit for them. The Internet is an excellent tool for starting to gather information, followed by interaction with people who can provide insights into those jobs and possibly act as a referral source to available career opportunities.

2.)    Written and Verbal Communications

Once the next career objective has been set, it’s time to write a resume along with developing other communication tools to broadcast one’s talents and interests to the job market. Job seekers should create a strong message that shows what their talents can do to contribute to the success of organizations. Written communications include resumes, biographies, cover letters and a LinkedIn profile. Samples of these documents are available at no cost from a number of sources, including Internet career sites, job boards, social networking sites and job search support organizations.

Verbal communications include brief (30 and 60 second) personal branding statements to effectively introduce them in networking situations along with job interviewing strategies. Information on developing verbal communications is also readily available.

3.)    Sources of Job Leads

After career objectives have been set and communications tools have been developed, the job seeker is ready to use a number of sources to identify job leads. The following list of sources has been

developed using the results of a well-respected survey, the 2014 Source of Hire Report. This study by CareerXroads (www.CareerXroads.com),  a consulting firm that assists companies in developing effective recruitment strategies, has surveyed major employers annually for the past 13 years to determine what sources they use to hire new employees. The percentage of new hires from each source is listed after its name.

Referrals (19.2%)

Networking is still the most effective way for job seekers to land new career opportunities. By identifying referral sources and developing relationships with them, job seekers can gain insights into organizations, learn about job openings that are not publicly posted, and gain introductions to the hiring decision-makers. Some companies have formal employee referral programs that provide rewards and recognition to employees who refer candidates for open positions.

Career Site (19.1%)

The Internet provides companies with the opportunity to post their open positions on their own websites. The challenge exists for job seekers to separate themselves from the throngs of people who apply online for these positions. Before applying for a job found online, job seekers should network with referral sources who can provide information about the company, the job, and who could help the job seeker get an introduction into the organization, possibly to the hiring authority. Companies do not necessarily post all open jobs, especially senior professional and top executive positions.

Job Boards (15.4%)

The Internet is an effective source of job postings, and job boards are used by many organizations to publicize their open positions. Again, the challenge for job seekers is to set themselves apart from the multitude of people who apply to these postings. As previously stated, companies do not necessarily post all open jobs, especially senior professional and top executive positions.

Direct Sourcing (12.1%)

Companies are reaching out directly to potential candidates to fill job openings, so job seekers should utilize as many sources as possible to gain visibility with company recruiters and decision-makers. Again, this is a form of networking. Social networking sites like LinkedIn are being searched by recruiters to identify qualified individuals, so job seekers should utilize them to gain visibility and establish relationships that can lead to new career opportunities. Being active in professional, industrial and community organizations can also help job seekers to be noticed.

College (7.5%)

College recruiting for new graduates is still utilized by many companies. Alumni Associations have teamed up with university career planning and placement offices to offer job postings for companies and career support to alumni.

3^rd Party Recruiters (5.9%)

Companies use external recruiters to identify and screen candidates, especially for hard to fill opportunities. Job seekers should identify and develop relationships with recruiting firms that can consider them for search assignments with companies.

Temporary Agencies/Contract-to-Hire (4.4%)

Individuals hired on a temporary, part-time or project basis are in an excellent position to be considered for full-time opportunities by the company. The organization can “check-out” the person in the temporary role to determine if they are an appropriate hire for a full-time position.

‘Pipeline’ (3.9%)

The “Pipeline” refers to the community of Talent Acquisition Professionals, including internal recruiters and employment managers, who network and refer candidates to each other. Reaching out to employment professionals, especially at networking events, can help a job seeker gain referrals.

Rehires (3.9%)

Companies are contacting previous employees to determine if they have an interest in returning, and individuals should include their former employers on their lists of target companies.

Career Fairs (1.4%)

Organizations set up booths at job/career fairs to attract potential candidates, and job seekers should be on the lookout for career fairs that specialize in functions and industries that match their interests.

Print Advertisements (0.9%)

Although the Internet has become the “electronic want-ads”, companies still place recruitment advertisements in newspapers as well as professional and industrial publications.

Walk-ins (0.3%)

While considered a “shot in the dark”, job seekers who walk-in unannounced to companies may have timing on their side and may be considered for appropriate opportunities.

To plan and implement an effective job search campaign, individuals must develop a strategy that includes action steps to develop job leads through a variety of methods including the ones listed above. Setting daily and weekly goals, following up on all contacts including referral sources, and continuing to try new sources of leads are essential elements of a successful job search campaign.

Tips for Job Hunting Success

Tips for Job Hunting Success

Summer is over, and everyone, including hiring managers, are back from vacation. Hiring does ramp up in the Fall, so here are 5 Tips for Job Hunting Success:

1.) Develop and Implement a Strategic Action Plan

The need to plan an effective job search campaign is important, so develop a strategy for finding the job that's right for you. Here are the steps of a Strategic Career Plan: 

• Assess your talents and strengths and prioritize them in terms of what are most favorable to you
• Research the job marketplace and identify opportunities that are a fit for you
• Develop a marketing campaign, including written communications (resume, cover letters/introductory statements, LinkedIn profile, biography) and verbal communications (branding statements, interviewing and negotiating) that will allow you to effectively represent yourself to prospective employers
• Identify and utilize all the avenues available to identify job leads including Internet job postings, referral sources, job fairs, recruiters and direct research and contact with companies
• Set realistic goals on a daily and weekly basis and follow-up on all leads 

2.) Keep a Confident Attitude and Strive to Build and Maintain Momentum

By developing a plan and sticking to it, you are setting yourself apart from a lot of people who have lost confidence and are not maintaining a high level of job search activity. The result is less competition for you, so take positive advantage of this and increase your lead development.

3.) Consider Temporary, Part-time and Project Opportunities

Even though they may be looking to fill less full-time positions, companies may increase their need for workers to fill temporary assignments, part-time positions and project-oriented roles. While these may not be the best match for your needs and interests, they can provide you with cash-flow while you continue to look for full-time opportunities. Also, these contingency positions allow you to get your foot in the door, build positive relationships with employers, and can turn into full-time jobs down the road.

4.) Increase your Networking to Expand Information and Job Referral Sources

Word-of-mouth job searching can produce quick and effective results and is still how most people find jobs. Pull out all the stops to develop and maintain referral sources not only for job leads but to get introduced to people in companies you are interested in working for and to individuals who can provide vital information on trends affecting your field, function and industry.

5.) Don't Go It Alone: Seek Support

The job hunt is an emotional roller coaster to begin with, and it is much more stressful in a challenging economy. Seek both emotional and professional support from those around you. Take advantage of job search support groups offered by a number of non-profit organizations and government agencies. Utilize the expertise of a career coach to bring efficiencies to your search. Don't operate in a vacuum. There are many sources of support ready to assist you in developing a strategic plan for continued career success.

Tips for Job Hunting Success in a Difficult Economy

Despite the grim economic news these days, we need to realize that companies are still hiring. Even organizations that are laying off employees in some departments and functions are still looking for talent to fill other positions. I am urging my career transition clients to pick up the pace of their job searches.

Here are 5 Tips for Job Hunting Success in a Difficult Economy:

1.) Develop and Implement a Strategic Action Plan
The need to plan an effective job search campaign is always important, and in difficult economic times it is vital to develop a strategy for finding the job that's right for you. Here are the steps of a Strategic Career Plan:

• Assess your talents and strengths and prioritize them in terms of what are most favorable to you

• Research the job marketplace and identify opportunities that are a fit for you

• Develop a marketing campaign, including written communications (resume, cover letter, biography) and verbal communications (branding statements, interviewing and negotiating) that will allow you to effectively represent yourself to prospective employers

• Identify and utilize all the avenues available to identify job leads including referral sources, job fairs, recruiters and direct research and contact with companies

• Set realistic goals on a daily and weekly basis and follow-up on all leads

2.) Keep a Confident Attitude and Strive to Build and Maintain Momentum
By developing a plan and sticking to it, you are setting yourself apart from a lot of people who have lost confidence and are not maintaining a high level of job search activity. The result is less competition for you, so take positive advantage of this and increase your lead development.

3.) Consider Temporary, Part-time and Project Opportunities
Even though they may be looking to fill less full-time positions, companies may increase their need for workers to fill temporary assignments, part-time positions and project-oriented roles. While these may not be the best match for your needs and interests, they can provide you with cash-flow while you continue to look for full-time opportunities. Also, these contingency positions allow you to get your foot in the door and can turn into full-time jobs down the road.

4.) Increase your Networking to Expand Information and Job Referral Sources
Especially in difficult economic times, word-of-mouth job searching can produce quick and effective results. Pull out all the stops to develop and maintain referral sources not only for job leads but to get introduced to people in companies you are interested in working for and to individuals who can provide vital information on trends affecting your field, function and industry.

5.) Don't Go It Alone: Seek Support
The job hunt is an emotional roller coaster to begin with, and it is much more stressful in a challenging economy. Seek both emotional and professional support from those around you. Take advantage of job search support groups offered by a number of non-profit organizations and government agencies. Utilize the expertise of a career coach to bring efficiencies to your search. Don't operate in a vacuum. There are many sources of support ready to assist you in developing a strategic plan for continued career success.

For more resources including receiving career consulting, Click Here

Mature Workers: for more resources,Click Here

Gear up for a Successful Summer Job Search!

Stop the excuses! Yeah, it’s hot and humid, everyone seems to be on vacation or getting the kids ready to go back to school. Not the time to be planning and implementing a full-bore job search? WRONG!

When I started my career over 30 years ago, there were some definite cycles that defined the level of hiring during the calendar year. During the summer months, recruiting activity decreased as hiring managers and candidates took vacation. As Thanksgiving approached, hiring slowed way down until after the new year began.

Today, in our virtual, 24/7, go-go-go world of work, recruiting activity slows down only slightly during the summer and the year-end holidays. Get your search up and running now so you can take advantage of the fact that many other job seekers (i.e. your competition) are kicking back and taking it easy.

Start now, build momentum, be considered for opportunities now and be in high gear when the 3 months of Prime Recruiting Time, September, October and November, arrive as employers are back from vacation, the kids are back in school and everyone gets back to focusing on work.

Take advantage of this time to prepare and implement an effective transition with these 5 Action Steps:

1.) Assess Your Career
Is your current job meeting your expectations? Is it time to look at new opportunities
that are a better fit with your interests, values and priorities? Analyze your current
situation and determine if the job/function/company are meeting your needs. If not, what needs to change?

2.) Restate your Objectives and Goals
What are your short-term objectives and long-term career goals? These can change
as we think about new directions and priorities, so always be thinking about revising
your roadmap to success.

3.) Explore the Market for Your Talents and Interests
With your goals in mind, put on your detective’s cap and investigate the potential
opportunities out in the career marketplace. What trends are affecting your function
and/or industry? What companies are on top of their competitive game and could use your talents? ID the organizations you want to target. If you are looking for part-time or temporary assignments, you are in tune with many employers who are constantly hiring people to take on projects, temporary assignments and part-time positions.

4.) Conduct a Personal Marketing Makeover
You have one chance to make a good first impression. Revise your resume to be an
effective sales tool to communicate your background and interests to prospective
employers. Brush up on your interviewing techniques and negotiating strategies.
Develop an extensive plan to ID jobs that interest you, and work hard to increase
your visibility in the job marketplace through networking (social networking on the
Internet as well as face to face) and following up with referrals.

5.) Implement a Strategy to Success
Take that plan and make it work for you by setting weekly goals for yourself in
utilizing all the avenues available for developing job leads including networking, searching job boards, contacting recruiters and introducing yourself directly to
decision-makers in companies that interest you. Build and maintain the momentum necessary to successfully reach your career goals!

Job Hunting During the Holidays: Is It Worth It?

Myth vs. Reality: Job Hunting During the Holidays

While many job seekers think that searching for career opportunities during the holidays is a waste of time, the fact is that smart job hunters can take advantage by continuing their quest during one of the best job searching seasons of the year. Despite the tough economic climate, jobs are available and companies are looking for qualified candidates all the time. Let’s look at a few myths and facts about a holiday job hunt:

Myth: Hiring Slows Way Down between mid November and the First of January.
Reality: In our 24/7 world, companies continue to hire all year long.

In fact, December is a crucial time for organizations to bring new employees on board. Many departments have hiring budgets that have been approved for filling positions throughout the year, and some have not been completed. The managers know that if they don't fill the position by the end of the year they will lose that part of their hiring budget. Also, bosses who have just had their 2011 hiring budgets approved want to have qualified individuals selected and ready to start by the first of the year.

Myth: Recruiters and Hiring Managers Don’t Have Time toInterview during the Holidays.
Reality: While the number of days available for interviewing may be reduced by holidays and vacations, the interviewing process does not come to a screeching halt.

The need to quickly fill critical vacancies supersedes time off for recruiters and managers. Candidates and recruiters need to be flexible in scheduling interviews at any time, especially around the holidays. Recruiters and hiring authorities may be out of town or not available to interview for other reasons during part of the holiday season, but candidates should be available on short notice for interviews.

Myth: With all the Distractions, the Holidays are a Poor Time to Continue a High Level of Job Search Activity.
Reality: Smart job seekers increase their job search activity level during the holidays.

Since many job hunters go into hibernation during the holidays, others find that the competition for jobs is reduced and enjoy easier access to decision makers. Those hiring authorities who are in their offices are usually more available, are open to discussing career opportunities and supporting job hunters. By taking advantage of the “Holiday Spirit”, smart job seekers can gain ground on their competition and be considered for more positions.

The Bottom Line: Keep up the Job Search Momentum and Reap the Rewards

Job seekers can increase their visibility and keep a high level of activity going during the holidays by using many opportunities to network and stay in touch with referral sources and potential employers. By using holiday parties and receptions to meet new people, briefly explain their interest in looking for new career opportunities and asking for referrals and suggestions, job hunters can expand their network.

Another tip that I suggest to my career transition clients is that sending out holiday cards to recruiters, employer contacts, previous co-workers and other network contacts in addition to friends and relatives is an effective way of keeping one’s name in front of referral sources and potential employers. Job seekers need to take some time for themselves and their families during the holidays, but they also need to keep up the momentum of an effective job search.

Using the Internet to Find a Job

While the Internet is a great tool to use in finding a new career opportunity, most job seekers don’t use it effectively.

There are 3 main ways to use the Internet to support a career transition:

1.) Research: Use it as a tool to gain information on the economy, industries and trends that effect them. Identify companies that interest you and gain insights into their operations.

2.) Networking: Support your networking by using the Internet to identify people who are important to your job search. By learning the names and backgrounds of hiring managers at prospective employers and people who can be effective referral sources into those companies, you can gain specific information that will be helpful for your candidacy and get introductions to the decision makers. Social networking sites like LinkedIn help you increase your connections.

3.) Job Postings: The Internet is a great source of job leads from the employment pages of company websites to the job boards listing career opportunities from a large variety of organizations. Applying online for jobs has become a very streamlined process.

The problem with using the Internet for finding a job is that most job seekers use the Internet backwards.

They identify a job posting and immediately apply for the position, then sit back and wait for the “Email to Ping” and the “Phone to Ring”, which rarely happens.

To effectively use the Internet, job seekers should research a company before applying for a job in order to gain insights into its operations and to determine what talents and experience it is looking for in a successful candidate.

They should also identify the hiring manager and strive to develop relationships with network contacts who could make an introduction to that decision maker. Even if that is not possible job seekers should gain insights about the company and the job from people in the know so they can modify the application and resume to emphasize aspects of their background that are a match.

By understanding the needs of the organization and developing relationships with people of influence, an individual can gain the advantage over other candidates.

For more information on how to develop and implement successful job search campaigns, go to www.WorkingMyWay.com.

Conference for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs

Phoenix area Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs are invited to “Embrace New Opportunities” at a FREE day-long action summit on April 27, 2010 for executives and professionals exploring career options. Embrace Change 2010 features experts in executive transition, business start-ups and the job market who will team up to present practical, “How-to” strategies at this pioneering conference about change. They will demonstrate how to think beyond the resume today, and will provide the practical strategies for career transition in the New Economy.

I will be speaking on the changing workplace and its effect on the workforce. It will be a message to those in career transition that, whether you are looking for a full time job or other alternatives including starting your own business, you need to understand the trends affecting the workplace and your area of expertise.

EVENT: EMBRACE CHANGE 2010
PLACE: The Scottsdale Center for the Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
DAY & TIME: Tuesday, April 27th, 2010 – from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

The FREE Embrace Change 2010 Career Conference will reveal extensive information and insider tips about emerging opportunities in Phoenix. There will be winning tools and strategies for successfully changing jobs and starting a business.

For more information and to register, go to www.EmbraceChange2010.com .