S=Set a goal for your search
T=Take aim at Target roles & organizations
A=Ask others to help you
R=Routinize your day
T=Take Training in the basics of job search
As a wise person once said, The key to getting ahead is getting started.
Now let's open up each part of START:
The "S" in START stands for Setting Goals, the first step in an effective job search.
Do you know what you want to do next in your career? This question is of the utmost importance as it will provide direction and focus for everything you do.
A well-designed goal has the following characteristics:
S=Specific
M=Measurable
A=Aligned
R=Realistic
T=Time-framed
With a clear goal guiding your search, you can then develop your Strategy, the roadmap that you will follow to reach your desired end.
Do you know what you want to do next in your career? This question is of the utmost importance as it will provide direction and focus for everything you do.
A well-designed goal has the following characteristics:
S=Specific
M=Measurable
A=Aligned
R=Realistic
T=Time-framed
With a clear goal guiding your search, you can then develop your Strategy, the roadmap that you will follow to reach your desired end.
The "T" in the START formula is for Take aim at your Targets.
You know the expression "Ready. Aim. Fire," right? Most job hunters really don't do this. They tend to react to job postings that they see on job boards. It's like a "Fire. Fire. Fire" approach.
Rather than a reactive approach such as that, take a proactive approach by thinking about the job market. With your goal in mind, make a list of the companies of interest to You that could use your skills and capabilities. These are your Target Companies.
Begin to research them methodically. Use LinkedIn as a research tool. Follow them on LinkedIn. Start researching Who works there that you might want to get to know.
Begin to think about what you can offer to each of these companies.
In sum, the "T" calls for development of Three lists: target companies, target people in those companies, and targeted value propositions.
This is the basis of your marketing plan.
You know the expression "Ready. Aim. Fire," right? Most job hunters really don't do this. They tend to react to job postings that they see on job boards. It's like a "Fire. Fire. Fire" approach.
Rather than a reactive approach such as that, take a proactive approach by thinking about the job market. With your goal in mind, make a list of the companies of interest to You that could use your skills and capabilities. These are your Target Companies.
Begin to research them methodically. Use LinkedIn as a research tool. Follow them on LinkedIn. Start researching Who works there that you might want to get to know.
Begin to think about what you can offer to each of these companies.
In sum, the "T" calls for development of Three lists: target companies, target people in those companies, and targeted value propositions.
This is the basis of your marketing plan.
The "A" in START means Ask others for help. This is a smart way to expand your reach into the marketplace. Every person that you know has their own interpersonal network that you can leverage.
When you ask others for help, do not ask them for a job. Even though that is exactly what you are after, such an "ask" puts too much pressure on them. It is too much to ask.
Instead, ask them for advice, for information and insights, and for referrals to people that they know. People will be happy to make time for such requests and will do their best to help.
Be sure to show your gratitude. And then, ask how you can be of help to them.
Just as your schedule was full when you were working, fill your schedule now with the activities that will bring you closer to your goal, such as networking, researching, marketing, learning, and volunteering some of your time to help others. And don't forget "quality time" for You such as spending time with loved ones, going to the gym, meditating, and the like.
None of us are trained in the skills required in a job search. We are just thrown into it! All of a sudden, we have to write a resume, leverage our networks, get ready to interview, and negotiate a job offer. All incredibly complex tasks requiring skills we may never have stopped to acquire.
So taking training in the skills and processes of searching for a job is a really wise thing to do especially if it is new to you. Luckily there is a great deal of help available. Online there are many fine youtube videos and recorded webinars. And in many local areas, there are job search support groups that are ready and willing to teach you the skills and secrets you need to execute your search.
When you ask others for help, do not ask them for a job. Even though that is exactly what you are after, such an "ask" puts too much pressure on them. It is too much to ask.
Instead, ask them for advice, for information and insights, and for referrals to people that they know. People will be happy to make time for such requests and will do their best to help.
Be sure to show your gratitude. And then, ask how you can be of help to them.
If you are new to the job search process, you may be wondering if all of the above is really worth the effort. The fact of the matter is, that most people find their next jobs through other people.
The "R" and the "T" in START stand for Routine and Training. Let's look at each.
Establishing a routine is a must for job seekers. A routine that works for you brings structure and order to the blank slate of unemployment.Just as your schedule was full when you were working, fill your schedule now with the activities that will bring you closer to your goal, such as networking, researching, marketing, learning, and volunteering some of your time to help others. And don't forget "quality time" for You such as spending time with loved ones, going to the gym, meditating, and the like.
None of us are trained in the skills required in a job search. We are just thrown into it! All of a sudden, we have to write a resume, leverage our networks, get ready to interview, and negotiate a job offer. All incredibly complex tasks requiring skills we may never have stopped to acquire.
So taking training in the skills and processes of searching for a job is a really wise thing to do especially if it is new to you. Luckily there is a great deal of help available. Online there are many fine youtube videos and recorded webinars. And in many local areas, there are job search support groups that are ready and willing to teach you the skills and secrets you need to execute your search.
