Job Search Techniques to Boost Your Career

Don’t just wait until you’re unemployed to focus on finding your next job

The uber-popular site Lifehacker recently published an article on ways to give a stalled job search a boost. They mention a number of solid ideas, but I’m assuming that most readers here are not looking necessarily for a job while unemployed. Most of you are probably trying to improve your career and position yourself for the next job you will take on.

Tactics many people wait until they are unemployed to use should really be a part of your everyday approach to your career. In fact, I would suggest that many of these simple techniques are more powerful in the hands of a person who is already on a solid career track. I have even blogged about a few of these already. Let’s look at some of Lifehackers’ suggestions:

Network at your current job. 

focusing on your job’s positives and thanking those you work with can pay off in references and leads

This was directed at people who feel they will soon be out of work. A bit late isn’t it? Smacks a bit of desperation. How about being the positive complimentary person in your office all the time? Build your ‘network’ when you don’t need it and you will find it pays dividends right away . Say thank you every day.

Buy a new suit

Getting a new, sharp suit can invigorate your job search.

I like their suggestions, especially on how do look sharp without breaking the bank. A new suit does make you feel great. I once heard many years ago that the first step to make a million (back when it bought a ot more than it does now) was to spend a thousand dollars on a new suit. Again though, dress for success every day in your current job. It makes a difference. It gets you noticed- more importantly the folks who think they are getting away with semi-casual dress every day are also noticed. In fact they might be the ones soon looking to buy a suit for their next job search.

If dressing well makes sense while you’re looking for a job - shouldn’t it matter every day?

Start a Blog

I worry about this one. Approach with caution, but it just might work. For the right job I have no doubt the right person can shine this way. I’ve seen too many electronic resumes that appear unprofessional and tacky. Too may blogs that paint their author in the wrong light. But done well, I’m sure you can highlight yourself in many ways. As we move to the more right-brained world showing off your design and writing talents, combined with a healthy dose of left-brained technological know how could be powerful. Like anything, you take a chance when you step outside the ordinary, but done well taking a chance may be the only way to hit a home run.

How can this apply to your current career? Well, again approach with caution but there are many ways. Be the person that helps your company start a blog - do it right and you will certainly shine. Run your own blog related to your career and you can build credibility in your field outside your organization. 

Backtrack

Take a lower paying job, even an internship. go back to school. This of course is a real challenge, especially if you have a family and significant financial responsibilities. But if you have a dream job or role in your company that you are after you have to be prepared to do whatever it takes to get there. That might mean financial and time sacrifice to add to your education, it might mean a sideways or even downward move to add to your skill set. Some people climb the career ladder effortlessly, but that isn’t the only way. Try taking on a different challenge in your organization and show that you can succeed anywhere.

The tools and techniques employed by the job searcher are useful in any position. Try a few this week and see what happens.

Thanks to pabloest for the photo via Flickr. Check out his photostream.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!