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Job Hunting Support: Stay Engaged and Avoid Burnout

Hilani Ellis

Job Searching Tips

Conducting a job search can be daunting. We feel your pain and want to alleviate it. Whether you recently became unemployed, need a career change, or anywhere in between, this comprehensive self-development article is your ultimate one-stop resource for an enjoyable and successful job search. Packed with a wealth of materials, from podcast episodes and insightful articles to assessments and workbooks, we’ve assembled the best EA resources in one place to ensure you have a successful job-searching experience (and outcome).

By using this article and the provided resources as your thought- and accountability partner, you can turn discouragement and disappointment into actionable steps and real results. Job-searching can feel like a full-time job, but we're here to make it easier. Let’s dive in!

Having to Look for a New Job

You were just let go at work, now what?

It's important to face the emotions you'll experience in the coming days and weeks. It's perfectly okay to be upset and face your emotions after being let go. We want to give you permission to connect with your feelings, but then put your shoulders back and move forward. Ruminating in sadness does not help you find joy. Facing your feelings is a necessary step in the process to progress and move forward, as unaddressed emotions can manifest in other ways.

This is an important step to begin learning more about yourself in the job-searching process. To grow and prevail, you must let go of what was to make room for what will be. Understanding who you are inside and out is key to moving forward with any big endeavor. 

What’s My Purpose? 

Now that you’ve embraced your emotions, it’s time to put your shoulders back and transition to being strategic in your thoughts and actions. This approach will help you move forward confidently and land a great role. A crucial second step is to review your strengths and revisit your past achievements. Doing this will build the confidence needed to shine during interviews and throughout your career journey.

Discovering your true purpose and aligning your career path accordingly is key to navigating your professional journey with clarity and fulfillment. This journey begins with understanding not just what you want to achieve but the true motivation behind where you’d like to go. In the #eaPodcast episode, ‘What is My Purpose?’ (linked below) listen to a life purpose expert who helps professionals overcome obstacles and equip themselves with the essential tools needed to nurture a fulfilling life that includes intentional purpose. 

Below are actionable steps to help you land your ideal job. We have four essential tips to cover from setting personal goals to optimizing your resume, enhancing your LinkedIn profile, and uncovering insider secrets to stand out in a competitive job market.

Job Searching Goals: Define Your Path

Setting personal goals is crucial for understanding your career direction and accelerating your journey. Knowing what you want to achieve and how to get there connects your daily actions to your overall purpose and the value you bring to the workplace.

  1. Clarify Your Goals - Reflect on your personal and professional objectives. What do you want to achieve, and why does it matter to you? The Career Audit Assessment (linked in section 3) will help you align your goals with your values, keeping you focused and motivated. 

  2. Make It Real for the Hiring Executive - To secure a desired role, eliminate any guesswork for the hiring manager or potential employer. Demonstrate how your strengths align with their specific needs. This approach helps them easily envision you in the role.

  3. Utilize Tools and Resources 

    • PEP Workbook: Four modules with podcasts designed to help you reflect on your career and set actionable goals.

    • Risk-Taking Assessment: Discover whether you're risk-averse or risk-inclined and highlight this on your resume.

    • Career Audit Assessment: Ideal if you're contemplating a career change or feeling disengaged from your current role.

    • ea Podcast: WTF…Creating a Plan episode: This particular episode offers insights for those unsure about staying in their current position or moving on.

Writing a Great Resume: Crafting Your Career Story 

Your resume IS the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it needs to be impactful and professional. Resumes older than 2023 no longer work. Resumes of today and the future serve as a commercial for you before the main attraction, showcasing your personal brand and career story in a compelling way that helps you get noticed. A well-crafted resume highlights your most relevant experiences and skills, but also tells a story about your career past - this helps you stand out in a competitive job market.

  1. Storytelling: In a world where job searching is tough, a standout resume can make all the difference. Your resume should tell a story, not just list skills and achievements. Start with a dynamic opening summary that conveys your unique value and personality—something that isn’t covered in the details below. Aim to be a storyteller, making your career journey intriguing and memorable. Our Resume Course (linked in section 4) will help you master career storytelling, turning your resume into a memorable narrative that captures attention.

  2. Format, Length & Cover Letter: Keep your resume concise, ideally two pages. Ensure it’s well-organized and visually appealing to highlight your skills and experiences effectively. A clear format helps capture attention quickly and makes a strong impression. If you include a cover letter, it should complement your resume by adding a personal touch. Highlight key achievements and experiences relevant to the role in about 200 words. This brief, engaging letter should capture the reader’s attention, making them curious to learn more about you so they explore your resume.

  3. Enhance Your Application: To further refine your resume and bolster your personal brand, consider taking the Building Your Personal Brand course (linked in section 4). This course provides valuable insights and strategies that can strengthen your executive presence and make your application stand out.

  4. Resume Tools and Resources

Leveraging LinkedIn In a Job Search

To maximize LinkedIn for job searching, focus on timing and personalization.

  1. Timing Your Application: Apply on the second day of a job posting for better visibility, as the first day is often crowded. Mondays and Thursdays are peak days for job postings. By weeks 3 to 5, when interviews are likely in progress, aim to present yourself as a superior candidate.

  2. Customize Direct Messages: Always personalize your outreach. Avoid standard (AI) replies and tailor your messages to reflect a genuine interest in the role and the company.

  3. Engage with Hiring Managers: First, follow hiring managers if they are active on LinkedIn. Then, wait 48 hours before sending a connection request. Mention the job is still open, highlight your top two strengths, and explain how you can contribute in the first 30 days. This approach makes you stand out from other candidates.

  4. Digital Networking Resources:

Secrets to Success when Job Searching

When applying for a job, consider these key points:

  1. Address Key Concerns: Executives often focus on two main questions: Do you fit the company culture, and will you be easy to onboard? Show that you’re a cultural fit by demonstrating your enthusiasm and preparedness. Hear from an executive on how to make your application stand out. (linked in section 7).

  2. Do Your Research: Always come prepared. Research the company thoroughly, understand the job description, and be ready to discuss with specificity how you can meet their needs from day one.

  3. Highlight Early Contributions: In your opening summary and interviews, focus on what you can deliver in the first 30 days. Show that you can quickly adapt and make an impact, alleviating any concerns about a steep learning curve.

  4. Add a Personal Touch:  Include a brief, engaging section in your resume about your go-getter attitude or high energy. Aim to surprise and impress, fitting into the company’s culture positively.

  5. Make a Lasting Impression: Use your interview time wisely to showcase your true self and earn a spot on their calendar. Demonstrate your genuine interest and fit for the role. We offer articles that cover every interview scenario to help you prepare thoroughly (linked in section 7).

  6. Manage Fatigue: If job searching becomes overwhelming, take a short break—at least two days. Engage in activities that refresh you, like spending time outdoors or socializing, to regain your energy and perspective. We offer podcast episodes where you can hear from others who have experienced the same (linked in section 7).

  7. Additional Resources:

Navigating the job market can be challenging, but with the right strategies and resources, you can turn obstacles into opportunities. As you embark on your job search journey, remember that every step you take brings you closer to your ideal role. Leverage the tools, articles, and podcasts provided in this article to gain a competitive edge and stay motivated. Stay resilient, stay focused, and let’s make your career aspirations a reality.

For additional support, check out our latest podcast episode, p.s. Job Searching Tips below.

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