Navigating a job search can feel like a wild chase, with many factors outside of your control. However, focusing on what you can control is a powerful way to stay proactive, confident, and on track. This approach not only minimizes frustration but also significantly increases your chances of sniffing out success.
Here are some of the key controllables in your job search, with a keen focus on leveraging your professional pack.
The Power of Your Pack: A Key Controllable
One of the most impactful and often overlooked controllables is your professional pack – your network. Just like dogs thrive in a well-connected pack, people want to work with those they know and trust. A referral from a current employee is like a powerful bark of endorsement, signaling a trusted companion.
- Reach Out to Your Past Pack: This isn’t just about a one-time plea for help; it’s about re-engaging with the fellow canines you’ve built a rapport with. Your past peers, alpha-managers, direct reports, and even vendors or clients can be invaluable. Remind them of the positive experiences you shared in the kennel, and let them know what kind of new territory (role) you’re seeking. They might know of an open spot in their pack or be able to introduce you to someone who does. Remember, most dogs enjoy helping their kin, especially those they respect.
- Be Strategic and Specific: When you reach out, be clear about the type of role and company you’re sniffing out. This makes it easier for your contacts to identify potential opportunities. You can say something like, “I’m looking for a [Type of Role] at a company that values [Company Values] – a pack where I can truly belong.”
- Keep Your Pack Warm: The best time to build your pack is when you don’t need a bone. Continue to nurture and maintain relationships throughout your career. A simple “checking in” message or sharing a relevant article with a former kennel-mate can keep you top-of-mind and make it less awkward to ask for a helping paw when the time comes.
The Impact of Pack Referrals
The data on employee referrals is compelling and underscores the importance of a strong pack. While the exact numbers vary by study and industry, the trend is clear: referred candidates have a significant advantage, often wagging their tails all the way to a new job.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Referrals account for a disproportionately high percentage of new hires compared to the total number of applicants. Some sources suggest that while referrals may only make up a small portion of all applicants (around 7%), they can account for 30-50% of all new hires. This means a trusted bark goes a long way!
- Faster Hiring Process: Companies often find that referred candidates are hired more quickly, like a quick dash to the finish line. A referred candidate may get hired 13 days faster than a non-referred one.
- Better Retention: Referred employees tend to stay with the company longer, settling in comfortably with their new pack. One study found that 45% of employees referred by colleagues stay for more than four years, compared to just 25% of employees sourced through job boards who stay for longer than two years.
These statistics highlight why companies value employee referrals and why you should make leveraging your pack a top priority in your job search.
Other Key Controllables: Your Personal Prowess
Beyond your pack, here are other aspects of your job search that are entirely within your control, showcasing your own unique skills and loyalty:
- Your Personal Brand (Your Scent Mark): This includes your resume (your pedigree), LinkedIn profile (your digital den), and how you present yourself online and in person. Ensure your resume is tailored to each job application, highlighting your accomplishments with quantifiable results – the trophies you’ve earned. Your LinkedIn profile should act as a digital portfolio, showcasing your skills, experience, and professional interests, making your unique scent unforgettable.
- Interview Preparation (Practicing Your Tricks): You can control how well you prepare for interviews. Research the company (their habitat) and the interviewer (the lead human), practice answering common questions, and prepare insightful questions to ask. Being prepared demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism, showing you’re a well-trained and eager companion.
- Your Mindset and Attitude (Keeping Your Tail Wagging): A job search can be mentally taxing, but you can control your response to setbacks. Stay resilient, maintain a positive outlook, and focus your energy on what you can change. This includes your daily habits, your research, and your follow-up with contacts – all actions that keep your spirits high and your tail wagging.
- The Quality of Your Applications (Hunting with Precision): Instead of a “spray-and-pray” approach, like chasing every squirrel, be selective. Focus on applying for roles that truly align with your skills and career goals. This targeted approach is more effective and helps you avoid burnout, ensuring you’re conserving your energy for the right chase.
Reach out for more idea and remember that you are not a lone.
