Reactive vs. Proactive Job Search Strategies

Popular Reactive vs. Proactive Job Search Strategies Don GoodmanJenna ArcandDecember 22, 2022

Man conducts a proactive job search strategy

Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

There are two kinds of job searches: reactive and proactive. Most people use reactive job search strategies, which means they look for job openings and then apply for the ones that interest them. So, when you send your resume to recruiters and respond to job board postings, you are really at the mercy of what comes up.

In a proactive job search, you pickthe companies and the jobs you are seeking. This way, you get the job that you chose and worked to get versus just hoping a good job comes your way through the recruiters and job boards.

Before you start your job search, make sure you have a well-optimized resume and LinkedIn profile, since employers will use these to see if you're a great candidate for the job. Once you've updated those, you're ready to begin your proactive job search.

Here are four key steps in a proactive job search...

1. Identify Which Companies Interest You Young woman writes something down while researching companies for her proactive job search

Bigstock

There are a number of ways you can identify companies. Start by making a list of 10-20 companies that you think you would love to work for. This is your interview bucket list.

Talk to your friends and colleagues and see who they recommend as well. Note that LinkedIn has a very strong company search feature that can help. Go to LinkedIn, click on the search bar, and hit enter. Then select the "Companies" filter at the top of the page and search. If you find a company that might interest you, click on their profile and see if you're passionate about a product or service they provide, or their mission.

If you are, then you should probably add the company to your list.

2. Research The Companies Man researches companies for his proactive job search

Bigstock

The next step in a proactive job search is to learn more about the organization and determine if it is a place you really want to work. There are a number of ways to do this. The first thing to do is to visit the company website and go to the "About Us" section. You can review the company history, products, and services, and make sure you check out the "News" and "Press Releases" sections to see the latest newsworthy events.

Make sure you look at their blog, too—if they have one—as it gives you a good idea of their areas of expertise and corporate culture. Also, check out all of their social media accounts to get a better idea of the company culture, and remember to follow them.

Also, there are a number of excellent tools like Glassdoor that provide anonymous reviews of thousands of companies, salaries being paid, reviews of the corporate culture, and evaluations of top executives. Sometimes they will even show you questions that are asked in an interview. It's a good idea to research companies on this site and on similar sites during your proactive job search.

3. Leverage Your Network Woman leverages her network during a proactive job search

Bigstock

Go back to LinkedIn's company search capability and enter the name of the company that interests you. Note that when the listing comes up, it will tell you how many people in your network are employed there. This is a good place to start and you can reach out to these people for assistance.

Tip: People respond much better when they are asked for advice versus being asked to help someone get a job.

A good message to send to your connections on LinkedIn might be: "I am looking at XYZ as a potential employer and was wondering if you could tell me about the corporate culture there?" You can also send this type of message to your extended network.

4. Reach Out To Hiring Managers Father conducts a proactive job search

Bigstock

Now that you have identified companies that interest you, it is time to identify people who work there. Again, LinkedIn is a great tool here.

Start by identifying the hiring manager and staff in the area you wish to join. Look for people who would be your peers and their managers.

Now see what LinkedIn Groups they've joined. This is important because if you join the same group, you can now communicate with them for free without updating your LinkedIn account.

Look to see if they have participated in any group discussions. This is a great way to enter the conversation and start showcasing your expertise. And remember to keep your comments upbeat, positive, and professional.

Do the same for Twitter. Select the contact button under their profile and see if they have a Twitter handle. Follow them and see what kinds of tweets they have put out. Again, a terrific way to join the conversation.

Now look to see if you have people in your LinkedIn contacts that can provide an introduction to them. Ask what they know about the company and if they recommend them as a potential employer. Ask them what they think is the best way to get introduced.

Note that you did not ask them to introduce you, but rather you asked them for advice on how to get introduced. You're not asking for a favor.

Finally, reach out to the hiring manager. Make sure you have a good 30-second elevator pitch that briefly describes your background and value proposition. And remember that people hire people they like so try to build rapport.

A proactive job search takes discipline so set weekly goals for yourself. The benefit is you will end up in a job that you chose instead of in one you got through happenstance.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

From Your Site Articles

10 Ways Employees Can Be More Proactive At Work ›
4 Tips For A Proactive Job Search - Work It Daily | Where Careers ... ›
3 Job Search Tips For The Unemployed - Work It Daily | Where ... ›
8 Tips For Conducting An Effective Job Search - Work It Daily ... ›
7 Ways To Use The Law Of Attraction In Your Job Search - Work It Daily | Where Careers Go To Grow ›
Why Job Seekers Should Care About Employer Branding ›
8 Ways To Get Your Foot In The Door At Any Company - Work It Daily ›
The Hidden Job Market: What It Is & How To Find It - Work It Daily ›
6 Ways To Deal With Family Asking About Your Job Search - Work It Daily ›
How To Land That Competitive Job You Want - Work It Daily ›
5 Reasons Why It’s Easier To Find A Job When You Have A Job - Work It Daily ›
Why This Type Of Job Search Never Works - Work It Daily ›
5 Things You Shouldn't Do When Looking For A Job - Work It Daily ›
4 Steps To Identifying The BEST Companies To Work For - Work It Daily ›

Related Articles Around the Web

Job Search Tips: How to Stand Out With a Proactive Approach ›
14 Job Hunting Tips to Get the Job You Want | Indeed.com ›
10 Career Experts Share Their #1 Piece of Job Search Advice ... ›

proactive job search {"customDimensions": {"1":"Don Goodman, Jenna Arcand","3":"job search, proactive job search, job search tips, job seekers, job search advice, job search strategy, career, career advice, proactive vs reactive job search, proactive vs reactive job search strategy, job search strategies, job search help, job search process, career tips, career help, companies, interview bucket list, networking, network, hiring managers, linkedin","2":"popular","4":"12/22/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376550212, 404327439, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499, 376491143], "buckets": [], "authors": [19549410, 19836096]} }

8 Ways You're Being SHUT OUT Of The Hiring Process1-hour workshop to help job seekers figure out what's getting them tossed from the hiring processCover Letter 3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS Jenna ArcandSeptember 28, 2022 Work It Daily's live event "3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS"

Work It Daily's live event "3 Tips For Overcoming Your Biggest Job Search FEARS"

{"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]} Are you terrified of screwing up a job interview? Does the thought of writing a cover letter horrify you? Are you scared to network with others? What do you even say, anyway? If you're struggling to overcome your job search fears, this live event is for you.

We get it. Looking for work can be scary, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time and haven’t gotten any results.

Understanding which fears are getting in the way and how to overcome them will make all the difference. Sometimes you might not be aware of which obstacle is getting in the way of your goals. If you want to overcome these fears once and for all, we invite you to join us!

In this training, you’ll learn how to:

Utilize strategies for coping with your job search fears
Be confident in your job search—from writing your resume to networking
Face your fears and move forward

Join our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, and Director of Training Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live event on Wednesday, October 5th at 12 pm ET.

CAN'T ATTEND LIVE? That's okay. You'll have access to the recording and the workbook after the session!

Read moreShow lessjob search fears {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, Jenna Arcand","3":"live events, career events, j.t. o'donnell, jt o'donnell, christina burgio, career advice, career, career growth, professionals, job search, job seekers, job interview, job search tips, job search advice, interview, job interview tips, interview tips, job search fears, overcome job search fears, networking, cover letter, resume, writing a cover letter, job search strategy, job search help, looking for a job, unemployed","2":"cover-letter","4":"09/28/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 376490081, 562457120, 370480899, 376490053, 376489574, 376491143, 376489962, 404327439, 376489624, 479660731, 543270555, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19836096]} } Get Some LeverageSign up for The Work It Daily NewsletterEnter emailSubscribeFollow window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_multiplex', ['fluid'], 'wit_multiplex').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.display('wit_multiplex'); }); Popular 5 Ways To Develop Your Skills On The Job Tracey ParsonsJenna ArcandDecember 22, 2022 Man develops his skills at work

In today's competitive job market, it's so important that you keep learning and growing. But you know what? Time is scarce. It is hard enough to get the job done each day let alone plan for the next step in your career. But, if your career is a priority, it is critical to find ways to learn and grow so that you can continue to advance your career and develop your skills.

If you are looking for a promotion or raise, you're going to have to prove you can add more value. The best way to do this is to continually feed your career with skills and knowledge that show you are worth the raise and promotion.

Here are five ways to develop your skills at work and advance your career.

How Can You Develop Your Skills & Knowledge At Work?

If you want to develop your skills and knowledge at work, try getting (and being) a mentor, raise your hand for new challenges, read and look for problems to solve, make friends in other departments (networking is always important!), and find internal learning opportunities.

What Is The Best Way To Develop A Skill?

The best way to develop a skill at work is to make it a goal and work toward that goal a little bit every day. Consistency is key. Incorporate learning into your daily life by doing the following:

1. Get A Mentor & Be A Mentor Two women mentoring each other at work

Bigstock

Having a mentor at work is crucial to attaining new skills and knowledge. A good mentor will help you solve some of the challenges and roadblocks you face. The best mentors will help you figure out the next steps that work for you and help guide you over hurdles that sit squarely in your blind spot.

Amazing mentors will be the people who tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. They will give you the real feedback you need to fill in your blind spots that put you in a position to advance.

Mentors are important to advancing your career. They can expose you to new experiences and points of view.

In addition to finding a good mentor, consider finding a good protégé as well. In many cases, taking that next step in your career means you may have to manage people. The best way to practice is to become a mentor to someone else.

When you become a mentor, you pay your learnings forward to others to help them advance as well. You learn a lot about motivating people and teaching them new skills when you can also act as a mentor at work.

2. Raise Your Hand For New Challenges Man takes on a challenge at work to develop new skills

Bigstock

When you see new opportunities to learn new skills, go for it. If there is something in the company you want to learn to do and you see an opportunity to learn those skills in a special project or a new assignment, make the grab.

Do a little extra when it's required to learn those new skills that you need to advance. Remember, it's not aggressive to reach for a new opportunity. It is helpful, useful, and valuable.

People who progress in their careers find ways to elegantly make grabs for new learning opportunities.

When a new project comes up and it aligns with the skills you're looking to obtain, raise that hand. Let your manager or HR team know that you want to learn some new skills or gain new, more advanced experience. Be clear on what you can offer to the project and get involved.

3. Read, Read, Read & Look For Problems To Solve Professional man looks for problems to solve at his company

Bigstock

Sometimes there are not a lot of grabs to make. We understand that. We recommend that you start reading everything you can about your industry and your field.

Study everything there is to know about your company and its competitors. Know the company goals and unique selling points of your company like the back of your hand. Become an expert in these things and be able to talk about them. Think about some solutions to the company's chief challenges.

Honestly, when someone on my team comes to me with a solution, they stand out.

When there are not many special projects to make a grab for, you can develop and pitch your own special project by knowing what challenges you can solve for the company. This way, you learn new skills and stand out because you've taken the time to solve a company problem.

4. Make Friends (Network) In Other Departments Group of professionals network to develop new skills

Bigstock

Many times, new skills are outside your department or area of influence and responsibility. To overcome this, think about networking internally.

Get to know people in other divisions, other offices, and on other teams. Be curious about their department. Learn everything you can about their job and their skills. Find out how they got those skills and see how you might be able to chip in over there in your spare time to develop those skills you want to use to grow your career.

5. Find The Learning Opportunities Internally

The last one is one I always forget about.

Many companies have some sort of internal learning system. Go talk to your benefits team. Find out about training opportunities available to you. Learn about any tuition reimbursement benefits you may have. Talk with your HR team about what you want to learn and how it can help the company.

Developing new skills doesn't have to mean going back to school in the evenings. Sometimes the skills you're looking for are right in front of you. It's a matter of knowing what you want to learn and finding ways to develop those skills while you are at work. After all, if you want to achieve career success, you have to work on your career just as much as you work in it!

If you're struggling to develop your skills and grow your career, we can help.

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Read moreShow lesshow to develop your skills at work {"customDimensions": {"1":"Tracey Parsons, Jenna Arcand","3":"career growth, career development, career success, how to develop new skills, develop skills at work, developing new skills, mentoring, problem solving, networking, learning new skills, learning opportunities, develop new skills, skill development, skills, how to develop skills at work, career tips, career advice, career, career growth and development, how to develop your skills at work","2":"popular","4":"12/22/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376491143, 376489624, 479660731, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548993, 19836096]} } Cover Letter #1 Thing You MUST Say In Your Cover Letter Jessica Holbrook HernandezJenna ArcandDecember 22, 2022 Man writes a cover letter that asks for the job interview

Man writes a cover letter that asks for the job interview

Is there one thing you can say in a cover letter that will guarantee it accomplishes its purpose? Absolutely!

A cover letter serves as an introduction to your resume and to yourself as a candidate for employment. It's the place to show your interest in the position, and make a personal connection between who you are and why you're a great fit for the opportunity.

Showing your interest and passion for the company is important in the cover letter. However, saying this ONE thing is almost an ultimate guarantee you'll get the interview.

Ask For It Woman writes a cover letter that asks for the job interview

Bigstock

You know that old saying, "Ask and you shall receive"? It's true. It may sound like common sense and obvious advice, but how many times have you sent a cover letter with your resume and not asked for the interview? It's easy to do!

Should You Ask For An Interview In A Cover Letter?

You may be hesitant to ask for an interview in your cover letter (or might just forget to do so) but you absolutely should. It shows confidence and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

How Do You Ask For An Interview In A Cover Letter? Man helps his friend with her cover letter and job search

Bigstock

In the closing paragraph of your cover letter, all you need to do is ask the employer for an interview. Statistics have indicated job seekers who ask for the interview in their cover letters are twice as likely to get the interview.

Below, we give you several examples that you can modify and use in your own cover letter.

Examples Of How To Ask For A Job Interview In Your Cover Letter Job seeker writes a cover letter

Bigstock

Ending #1

I'm excited about the Director of Sales position with XYZ Widgets and would love the opportunity to meet in person to further discuss my experience and the value I can offer you as your next Director of Sales. Please call me at 555.555.5555 to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.

Ending #2

I would love a personal interview at your earliest convenience to further discuss my credentials with you. I can be reached at 555.555.5555 and will follow up as well to make sure you've received my information.

Ending #3

Thank you for your time reviewing my resume. I welcome the opportunity to discuss in a personal interview my qualifications and fit for the position. Feel free to reach me at 555.555.5555 at your earliest convenience.

Ending #4

Thank you for your time and consideration. I'd love the opportunity to further discuss the position and my experience with you. Please reach out to me at 555.555.5555 to schedule an interview.

Remember: you can ask for the interview with any wording you're comfortable with, whether that's with more direct language or not. The key thing is to close your cover letter by asking for the interview.

A cover letter is your chance to connect with an employer and explain your passion for what they do and how you believe you can help them achieve their goals as a company. If you do all that and ask for the job interview at the end of your cover letter, you'll be much more likely to get a call from the hiring manager.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Read moreShow lesshow to ask for an interview in a cover letter {"customDimensions": {"1":"Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, Jenna Arcand","3":"cover letter, cover letter tips, cover letter examples, job search, career, job seekers, career advice, interview, job interview, ask for interview in a cover letter, how to ask for an interview in a cover letter, cover letter advice, cover letter help, asking for an interview","2":"cover-letter","4":"12/22/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 376490081, 370480899, 376489574, 404327439, 543270555, 479660731, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19549361, 19836096]} } Featured Man develops his skills at work

5 Ways To Develop Your Skills On The Job {"customDimensions": {"1":"Tracey Parsons, Jenna Arcand","3":"career growth, career development, career success, how to develop new skills, develop skills at work, developing new skills, mentoring, problem solving, networking, learning new skills, learning opportunities, develop new skills, skill development, skills, how to develop skills at work, career tips, career advice, career, career growth and development, how to develop your skills at work","2":"popular","4":"12/22/2022"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 14, "sections": [0, 370480899, 376491143, 376489624, 479660731, 473310813, 473333499], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548993, 19836096]} }

Now Hiring: Remote SysOps Engineer {"customDimensions": {"1":"Work It Daily, Kinsta \u00ae","3":"kinsta, hiring, remote jobs, remote work, remote workforce, remote companies hiring, remote companies 2021, sysops engineer, sysops engineer jobs","2":"popular","4":"05/18/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [370480899, 545998439, 545998440, 473310812, 376489962, 526353713, 545658354, 548352055, 548352058, 543270555, 473333499, 473310813], "buckets": [], "authors": [19548593, 21891195]} } J.T. O'Donnell reflects on lessons professionals can learn from athletes.

J.T. O'Donnell reflects on lessons professionals can learn from athletes.

3 Important Career Lessons Learned On And Off The Field {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"career change, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, career, career challenges, overcoming career challenges, personal branding, personal development, professional development, professional growth, success, career success, pro athletes, tom brady, chris gronkowski, nfl, tiktok, social media strategy, social media, career growth","2":"popular","4":"02/10/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 376489962, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }

How Ex-NFL Player, Chris Gronkowski, Is Using Social Media To Change Careers {"customDimensions": {"1":"Executive Community, J.T. O'Donnell","3":"2010, Barstool, camera phone, career growth and development, career growth opportunities, chrisgronkowski, cowboys, dallascowboys, dinner, football, free, gronkspike, iceshaker, investor, nfl, nflfootball, nflplayer, nflplayers, nflworkout, payday, rookie, salary, sharing, sharktank, tic toc, tic tok, tick tock, ticktock, tictok, tik tok, tiktok, tiktok.com, trade, trainingcamp, upload, video, video phone, weighin, youtube.com, \u0442\u0438\u043a \u0442\u043e\u043a, \u30c6\u30a3\u30c3\u30af\u30c8\u30c3\u30af, chris gronkowski","2":"popular","4":"01/29/2021"}, "post": {"split_testing": {}, "providerId": 0, "sections": [0, 370480899, 473333499, 526353713, 376489624, 479660731], "buckets": [], "authors": [21030904, 19549412]} }

PropertySea is the ultimate platform for all your real estate needs. Whether you're searching for your dream home, looking to sell or rent your property, or seeking investment opportunities, PropertySea is your one-stop destination.

Join PropertySea Today:

Whether you're a homebuyer, seller, renter, or investor, PropertySea is your trusted partner in the real estate market. Discover a world of possibilities, connect with expert agents, and make your property dreams a reality. Start your real estate journey with PropertySea today and experience the convenience, efficiency, and reliability of our comprehensive platform.

Originally posted on: https://www.workitdaily.com/proactive-job-search

Reactive vs. Proactive Job Search Strategies

Share

Categories

Share