The Definition of Insanity
Posted by matt at 3:39 am
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein…or wait it was Mark Twain…Confucius! No…Doing the bare minimum of web research it seems only American author Rita Mae Brown and the original text of NA bare actual documentation. What’s this got to do with job hunting, you ask?
There just may be some insight into the way we operate on a professional level that can explain why so many of us fall into this suggested trap. Most of us are wired at an early age to persevere. “Try harder”! “Practice makes perfect”! These are great anthems with a single purpose in mind; endure the learning curve on the way to mastery.
But what does this have to do with searching for a job? A few items that require some mastery come to mind. Interviewing skills or writing the perfect resume. Creating your elevator pitch and anticipating that killer question from a prospective employer. But what about getting the interview in the first place (in this job market!). Can you really continue firing resumes into the digital abyss? Enter insanity. If you’re just submitting your resume and praying for returns you could be betting on a pretty low conversion strategy.
So, what’s the answer? Step back, take a deep breath and come up with a plan. The resources at your disposal will be unique to you but the framework for a plan is generally the same.
1. Know your target(s). Know exactly what you want to do? Great! You’re one of the few. Most people have a variety of skills that can be applied to a number of different positions. Understand which jobs are easily within reach, just in reach and positions you may have to stretch for.
2. Know your timeline. It should be aggressive enough that you’re striving but not so unreasonable that you’re doomed for disappointment. You’ll need to have a firm grasp on your financial health to determine whether that less-than-glamorous temporary position is a means to an end.
3. Know your resources. Have an internet connection? Great and not so great. Millions upon millions of job postings on the internet make the finish line seem a perpetual mirage on the horizon. I don’t mean to suggest you shouldn’t submit your resume to open positions. Definitely do so. But this is merely the beginning of a self-branding campaign.
From here comes the creative part. Human beings are social creatures and look for connections to guide decisions. Separate yourself from the other job seeker resumes queued-up in already stuffed email accounts. Network! Network through your friends and all the professional connections you have. Most importantly create new connections (including recruiters). Also make sure to join new groups, take a class, or volunteer. This is a two-pronged strategy aimed at (1) your position targets and (2) expanding the scope of your professional perspective.
4. Map your plan. Put your plan on paper, keeping your timeline and resources in mind and start scheduling activities to support your plan.
One thing to keep in mind. Networking comes a little easier for some than others. If you’re in the latter category, it gets better. Practice makes perfect. 
For more interview tips, trends in job hunting and employment, visit the StratStaff blog.