The Job Seekers Job Description

“You should treat your job search like a job.” Chances are, you have heard that cliché before. But what does it mean? Most people assume that it relates to the number of hours they spend on their job search. They mentally commit 40 hours or more a week to their job search, but struggle with how to fill those days.

We all know the typical job search functions – go online, look for jobs on websites, apply to jobs – but a smart and savvy job seeker knows it takes much more than this to be effective. Just like any job, hunting for employment can be broken down into specific areas of responsibility:

Management

Develop overall strategic plans for the job search

Set specific, measurable, achievable, and timely goals and deadlines

Test and find best working environment, such as time of day or location

Business Development

Develop a list of potential or target employers

Set up Google Alerts on target employers

Conduct outbound calls for informational interviews at target companies

Network at live events through associations, business groups, or job seeker groups

Reach out to past or current employees at target companies to conduct in-depth research

Research and contact managers at target companies

Follow up on submissions to HR

Build strategic alliances with recruiters and other job seekers

Gain referrals/recommendations from past clients, managers and fellow employees

Create and update a database system to track progress on job search

Foster social media relationships

Join social media groups specific to your location, industry, and interests

Find and apply to jobs on job boards such as Indeed.com, CareerBuilder, etc.

Search LinkedIn Groups for hidden job postings

Build social media connections with recruiters

Marketing

Create professional, perfect resumes with relevant keywords for target jobs

Write custom cover letters for jobs, both for HR and for specific hiring managers

Upload a dynamic, keyword-rich LinkedIn profile with a high-quality photograph

Manage or clean up all social media accounts

Share meaningful content on LinkedIn, especially to Groups

Practice interviewing techniques

Evaluate your wardrobe to search for potential interview outfits

Create presentations for interviews (if requested)

Finance and Accounting

Set a budget for the job search (typically 3-7% of target salary. Typical expenses include resume services, classes, networking events, food/treats for informational interviews, travel expenses, etc.)

Track expenses to use as tax deductions

Find free or affordable fun things to do around town (there’s more to life than just job searching)

Human Resources

Do nice things for your network to stay in their good graces

Keep track of 401(k)/IRA from previous employers

IT and Technical

Ensure proper operation of all equipment, internet connections and on-location IT operations

Conduct data backups

Catalog warranty information

Administrative

Calendar management

Data entry, inbound/outbound mail

Create email lists to send monthly updates to friends, family, and recruiters

Generate materials for interviews, including printing high-quality resumes, samples of work, and copies of awards or letters of recommendation

Organize networking contact follow-ups

Manage office supplies

Record any necessary documentation for governmental agencies, including Unemployment or Workforce Investment Act (WIA) grants

The Business of Your Business

In addition to these responsibilities, remember to stay sharp professionally. This may mean taking classes in the latest software or creating mock projects in your area of expertise. Volunteer experience can be valuable, especially if you can do something related to your field or helps build your network. In other words, don’t forget to practice your profession in any way possible.

Excerpt from “Get a Job Without Going Crazy (3rd Ed)” by Donna Shannon, ©2019