What's Your Strategy?

It may seem like a simple process. Search the want-ads, browse Monster.com and aske everyone you know who's hiring. But if you'r only going through the motions then you may be spinning your wheels.

The job search process, and it is a process, is challenging enough. You may not feel that you're going through the motions. After all, you're probably dealing with stress of a painful job or even no job. Most people exert a great deal of effort trying to retain their sanity in a tough situation. But there is a way to be productive without adding to the pain. Have a strategy.

There's a cliche that still holds true, "if you don't know where you're going, how are going to get there?" If you don't define what it is that you're looking for then you're going to wandering instead of searching. A new job is too broad of a goal to define success. What do you want your new job to look like? What type of environment do you want to be in?

First, start by examining what makes you you. Think of the times that you've felt most productive or the most fulfilled at work. And then ask why you felt that way during those times. Did you enjoy being part of a team? Was it being able to take the lead on a project and claiming it as your own? In my last interview I said that entrepreneurship was important to me. Fortunately for me that was encouraged.

Once you know what you're looking for then develop a strategy for acquiring it. I chose not to use the phrase "find a job" because looking for available jobs will not be fruitful. Only 40% of open positions are advertised and 70% of all positions are filled by someone already know to the company. You have to go past the want ads.