Never Search Alone

1. Build a Job Search Council for emotional support and networking

Your JSC will help you convert those insecurities and fears into hope, confidence, accountability, and motivation to find a good job.

Emotional support is crucial. The job search process can be emotionally taxing, filled with insecurities and anxieties. A Job Search Council (JSC) provides a support system to manage these emotional challenges and maintain motivation throughout the search.

Leverage collective intelligence. A JSC typically consists of 4-6 peer job seekers who meet regularly to share insights, provide feedback, and hold each other accountable. This group can offer diverse perspectives, expand your network, and help you see through blind spots in your search strategy.

Mutual reinforcement. The act of helping others in your JSC can boost your own confidence and motivation. This "job seeker see, job seeker do" dynamic creates a positive feedback loop that benefits all members of the group.

2. Conduct a Listening Tour to understand your market value

Listening to the market does not mean that you will necessarily get the answer you want. Quite often, it's the opposite. You may find out that your goal is beyond your current market fit.

Market research on yourself. The Listening Tour involves conducting informational interviews with former colleagues, industry professionals, and recruiters to gain insights into how the market perceives your skills and experience.

Key components of the Listening Tour:

• Reverse Exit Interviews: Ask former colleagues about your strengths and areas for improvement
• The Golden Question: Ask contacts "If you were in my shoes, how would you approach this job search?"
• Recruiter Interviews: Gain insights into what jobs you could get easily, which would be a stretch, and which are out of reach

Stay open-minded. The feedback you receive may not always align with your self-perception or career goals. Use this information to refine your understanding of your market value and adjust your job search strategy accordingly.

3. Craft your Candidate-Market Fit statement to focus your search

Strategy is how you achieve that goal, hope, or aspiration.

Align goals with market reality. Your Candidate-Market Fit statement should reflect the intersection of what you want and what the market wants. This focused approach helps guide your job search and makes it easier for your network to help you.

Components of a strong Candidate-Market Fit statement:

• Clear and concise (often one sentence)
• Reflects your skills, experience, and career goals
• Aligns with market demand and opportunities

Iterative process. Your Candidate-Market Fit may evolve as you gain more insights from your Listening Tour and networking efforts. Be prepared to refine your statement as needed throughout your job search.

4. Master the art of asking for help throughout your career

I find that many people are inconsistent in their thank-you notes and often negligent in providing ongoing monthly or quarterly updates to those they've spoken to during their Listening Tour.

Overcome the stigma. Many people hesitate to ask for help due to fear of appearing weak or incompetent. Recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.

Build relationships through gratitude. Always send thank-you notes after receiving help and provide regular updates to your network. This practice strengthens relationships and keeps your contacts engaged in your job search.

Reciprocate. Be willing to help others in your network when they need assistance. This creates a culture of mutual support that can benefit you throughout your career.

5. Prepare thoroughly for interviews and create a Job Mission

Interviewing isn't a competition where success means landing any job you interview for. You want to land a job that is just as right for you as you are right for the company.

Research extensively. Before interviews, thoroughly research the company's strategy, products, culture, and financial performance. Use this information to prepare thoughtful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Create a Job Mission with OKRs. Develop a clear statement of the objectives and key results (OKRs) you plan to achieve in the role. This demonstrates your understanding of the job and your commitment to delivering results.

Conduct backchannel research. Leverage your network to gain insights into your potential boss, company culture, and any potential challenges you might face in the role.

6. Negotiate salary, resources, and support to set yourself up for success

Negotiate how the company is going to invest in your success, including everything and anything: funding for a team or project, investing in your own professional learning and development, or making a commitment to helping you get on boards of directors.

Negotiate beyond salary. While salary is important, also focus on negotiating the budget, resources, and support you'll need to succeed in your new role. This can include team members, technology investments, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

Use your Job Mission as leverage. Your well-crafted Job Mission with OKRs can serve as a powerful tool in negotiations, demonstrating your commitment to success and justifying your requests for resources and support.

Overcome fear of asking. Remember that research shows 83% of people who ask for more in negotiations receive it. Your JSC can provide emotional support and practice to help you overcome any hesitation in asking for what you need.

7. Prepare strategically for your new role to ensure a strong start

Before you start your new job, ask yourself again: How can I fail at this new job?

Continue backchannel research. Before starting your new role, gather more insights about your new boss, company culture, and potential challenges you might face.

Conduct a failure analysis. Ask yourself and your JSC how you might fail in this new role. This exercise can help you identify potential pitfalls and develop strategies to avoid them.

Organize a Peer Coaching Call. Arrange a call with 3-4 professionals already doing the job you're about to start. Use this opportunity to gain insights on how to approach your first 90 days and avoid common mistakes.

Stay connected with your support network. Continue to leverage your JSC and broader network as you transition into your new role. Their ongoing support and advice can be invaluable as you navigate the challenges of a new position.

Last updated: August 9, 2024