They say good things come to those who wait, but sometimes it's hard to bide your time in the hopes that the right outcome is just around the bend. If you're actively looking for a new job and it's taking you more than six months, your search techniques likely need to be revitalized.
The good news is companies are hiring. Baby boomers are retiring in droves, and that creates gaps after employees are shuffled around. Enhancing a few elements of your search will land you a job quickly.
There is no set timeframe for getting hired, but there are general guidelines. It should take about three to four months for middle managers and two to three months for people with five years of experience, according to Jo Bennett, a partner at the executive-search firm Battalia Winston International in New York. (Senior managers' job searches take longer--six months to a year--since there are fewer positions at the top.)
One basic rule applies to both job searches and dating: Both are volume games--the more people you meet, the more likely you'll get hired. One executive coach recommends conducting three to five networking meetings weekly. "Part of job searching comes down to a numbers game, and the more activity, the better the chance for desirable results."
When you talk to job contacts, always have something new to update them about. Since you've been job hunting for several months, it's not likely you'll have something new. That's when it's time to take on a freelance or consulting project. Not only will it enable you to update your resume and give you something new to discuss with recruiters, it will make you feel better about yourself.
Finding a short-term project is relatively simple. Recruiters often say they don't have anything full-time, but do have part-time work available. If you've been job hunting for more than six months, take it. It's likely to turn into a full-time job. Also, working part-time puts you into contact with people who know about other full-time positions, says Bennett of Battalia Winston International.
The next step is to volunteer for one of your profession's trade organizations. Get in touch to see if they need help organizing a project or have articles that need to be written for a publication. Since you'll be surrounded by people in your field, you'll hear about job openings. Plus, writing articles gives you a reason to reconnect with individuals you've already been in touch with during the job search. They're likely to ask how you're doing with your job search, an opening for you to update them.
Another way to make industry contacts is to attend professional conferences. The good news is there are plenty of them in the fall. They tend to be expensive, but think of it as an investment in your career. Once you're there, don't blurt out that you're looking for a job. Instead, ask people you meet about their jobs and the company they work for. Get business cards and send a follow-up e-mail after the conference inquiring about opportunities within the firm.
Along the same lines, attend every holiday party you get invited to. It's another opportunity to meet new people professionally. Managers are more likely to bring you in for a job interview if they've interacted with you socially, says Bennett.
Speaking of the holidays, don't abandon your search from Thanksgiving to the end of December. The start of the New Year is when many firms hire and you want to be fresh on a recruiter's mind when an opening comes up.
No matter what, remember to give yourself time to relax. Job hunting is stressful and can be emotionally draining. Take time to exercise and to pamper yourself once in a while. That will keep you going through the tough times.
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