It’s hot just about everywhere in the U.S. except the job market as many hiring managers are taking vacations during the next two months. Here are five job search campaign tips that will help you when those managers return from vacation.
1) If you don’t have a blog, start one. Write about topics on which you’re a subject matter expert. Add an “About” page that summarizes your job objective, value proposition, and background. Have five topics posted on your blog before publicizing it and commenting on others.
2) Tweet about topics on your blog using Twitter. This can help drive traffic while keeping your followers mindful of your presence. Use FaceBook as well but ensure your site is professional.
3) Join relevant groups on LinkedIn and start/participate in discussions. You can start discussions on topics you’ve written about in your blog. Remember many companies will start planning for 2010 soon…talk about issues to consider and post your opinions.
4) Forget e-mailing companies…use postal mail. There’s nothing worse than plowing through your e-mail inbox after returning from vacation, so any missives you’ve sent may be summarily trashed. However, the snail mail pile should be less intimidating. So pick your top 25 companies/contacts and send something like the following:
- Personal letter with a quick update on your status, something you’ve learned/achieved, and to please keep you in mind this fall
- Personal note with an interesting article attached
- Personal note with a link to an interesting article and/or a topic on your blog
5) Create a 3-month calendar of important events. Who have you been wanting to meet? Industry trade shows and organizational events will restart around Labor Day. Look at the speakers and topics. Create a plan to work the important events and meet important people; don’t just attend.
Remember, a job search is a “campaign” orchestrated to constantly refresh memories about your value and why you should be hired. If you need help creating a campaign, or honing your tools including your résumé, cover letters, etc., e-mail me at stan@stanvictor.com and I’ll arrange a free introductory phone discussion.
Stay cool!
Stan
