How to Find the Right Job

You have to be a bit of a Goldilocks when job hunting and look for the "just right" jobs. When I'm considering opportunities, I think of it a lot like college: 1. I apply for a few "reach" jobs. Reach jobs are those that are a stretch. You meet less than 80% of the requirements, the job is a big promotion, or it's in a new industry. This also includes very desirable jobs (remote, high comp, etc.) Particularly in a tough market, you'll be lucky to land an interview on 1% of reach applications. For me (a recruiting manager at a remote tech company), that might look like a director role at a similar company, or a recruiting manager role at a consulting firm where I have no industry experience. In this market, even a Sr. Recruiter role at a remote company could be a "reach job" because there are so many people on the market and I have only 2 years in tech. 2. I apply for a few "safety" jobs. These are jobs that you are beyond qualified for in every way. You have done that job in that industry at a similar company and excelled. It's targeting lower paying industries where things are less competitive. This also includes work environment. I want to work remote, but I'm going to apply for hybrid/on site as safety jobs to maximize my chances. Even in a tough market, you won't get an interview every time, but you should see maybe 10-20% on these applications. For me, this would look like applying for individual contributor or management roles in non-profits (where I spent most of my career) and where there are typically fewer applicants due to compensation. 3. I primarily apply for "just right" jobs. These are jobs that I am very well qualified for, with some room to grow. This could look like doing the same job you're currently doing but at a larger company. It could be a job that's a step up (moving from a Manager to a Sr. Manager) at a hybrid company. It could be taking a step back in level but moving to a new industry or a company with better compensation/work environment. Given this market, you're still only looking at landing interviews for 5-10% of these jobs. For me, this might look applying for Sr. recruiter or Recruiting Manager roles at companies that are similar to mine. Then combine this strategy with how quickly you need a job: -Laid off and need a job NOW! Go heavy on those safety jobs. If I needed a job in the next 3 months, I would be applying for 50-60% safety jobs and the rest just right jobs. -Happy and just seeing what's out there? Go 50-50 on just right and reach jobs. -Know you need a new job in the next 6 months? Go 20% reach, 60% just right, 20% safety. Here's a hard truth: I think most people are way too heavy on "reach" jobs, especially in the context of this market. And this just sets you up for a lot of rejection and disappointment. So take a realistic assessment of your experiences, your urgency, and the market, and make sure the mix of jobs you're applying for matches that.

Struggling with the job search? Stop submitting dozens of online apps and crossing your fingers. Try this instead: Start by setting aside 2-3 days. Use that time to research the heck out of companies in your target industry. Learn about their products, customers, finances, people, and culture. You’ll cross a lot of places off your list — that’s a good thing! Work to narrow down the list until you have 15 companies you really love. Now focus 100% of your time and energy on those companies. Invest time creating highly personalized resumes and cover letters, then apply. Begin building relationships with potential referrals. Start with people you know — can anyone in your circle introduce you? Then message decision makers (hiring managers, potential peers) directly. Finally, think about how you can go above and beyond to show how much you want to work there. Can you share potential solutions to a challenge? Can you help identify a new opportunity? Can you perform a competitive analysis? Can you gather feedback on a new initiative? Package that up in a deck and lead with it (I call these Value Validation Projects). Moral of the story? Stop going 100 miles wide and one mile deep. Instead, choose a small set of companies you’re genuinely excited about and invest 100% in them.

The journey of finding the right role is not just about checking boxes and submitting resumes. It’s about investing the time, energy, and attention to detail that demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and company. Job searching is hard work. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re applying to dozens of roles without hearing back. ✔️ The effort you put into each application makes a difference. • Researching the company culture and values, understanding their challenges, and knowing how you can add value. • Customizing your resume to highlight relevant experience and accomplishments that directly speak to the role. • Writing a tailored cover letter that goes beyond the basics, showing how your unique skills and experiences align with the organization’s goals. 💪 Quality over quantity. It’s not just about submitting as many applications as possible. The goal is to make each one count. Personalizing your approach might take longer, but that extra effort signals to employers that you’re serious about the role and willing to go the extra mile. 🎯 Intentional effort gets noticed. Hiring managers can tell when an application is generic. When you take the time to match your experience with the company’s needs, or when you follow up after an interview with thoughtful insights, it shows dedication. It sets you apart from the crowd. 🔑 Consistency is key. The road can be long, and rejection is part of the process, but each thoughtful application sharpens your skills and prepares you for the right opportunity. Even if you don’t land every role, your efforts build momentum and resilience. 👉 So, whether you’re in the thick of applying, waiting on responses, or polishing your interview skills, remember that your effort is shaping your future. Keep refining your approach, keep learning, and most importantly, keep showing up. 💬 How do you maintain your energy and motivation during the job search process? #JobSearchJourney #CareerGrowth #PersistencePaysOff #

I see so many posts each day of educators venting their frustrations about applying to tons of jobs with no luck. Job hunting is hard on a good day, and making a career pivot is even more difficult. I get it, I've been there more than once. If what you're doing isn't working, here are some ideas: 1️⃣ Take a step back, stop applying, step away from your resume, and get intentional. 2️⃣ Make a list of all of the skills you've acquired in your current career. Not tasks, skills. Then, narrow that down to the 3-5 skills you want to use and develop regularly in your new career. 3️⃣ Identity a professional and/or personal value that aligns to each skill. Don't skip this part! This is the 'why.' 4️⃣ Research careers and job roles based on your skills and values. Network with people in those roles. 5️⃣ Pick your top 3 role types based on your research. Take your resume and make 3 digital copies. Start aligning your resume to each role type. (For example, I had a content marketing resume, an instructional design resume, and a corporate training resume.) 6️⃣ As you read job descriptions, look for your skills and values in them. If a job description doesn't match at least 3 of the 5 skill/value sets you've identified, it's not for you--don't apply. Stay focused. I transitioned out of the classroom in just 3 months back in 2022 using this method. Then, I changed industries in 2024 in under 3 months using the same process. I can't guarantee what your timeline will be, but this technique works. When you're clear about what you want and what you bring to the table and can communicate it succinctly, it's easier for others to see how your personality and former experience make you a great candidate. Try it. What have you got to lose? 👇🏿👇🏻👇🏼👇🏽👇🏾👇🏿👇🏻👇🏼👇🏽👇🏾👇🏿 Hi, I'm Lauren and I'm a #formerteacher turned Creative Marketing Manager. Follow me for more content related to #education, #mentalhealth, and #transitioningteachers!

If you're job hunting, you need a target employer strategy. The truth? Nothing else is working. I wish I had better news for you, but I can't ignore the evidence and you shouldn't either. Without an intentional and targeted approach to employers, your resume will get lost. A targeted employer strategy isn't simple, but it is the best use of your time right now. It will help you: 🎯Increase your chances for an interview 🎯Find a job in a place where you can thrive 🎯ID jobs before they hit job boards (60-70% never do!) 🎯Connect with people inside the company Here's how to make it work. 1️⃣ Make a List of Prospective Employers ↳ Start with companies that you know you are interested in ↳ Add companies where friends & family work ↳ Include companies in your area that are “Top Places to Work” 💡Pro-tip: Try a “drive by” strategy. Visit office parks, take a pic of the lobby directory, and check out the companies online. 2️⃣ Research Each Company ↳ Look at the company website thoroughly to get a gut feel ↳ Check out their press releases and annual reports ↳ Google news about the company 💡Pro-tip: Capture the career page URLs of companies you like in a spreadsheet to create your personalized “job board.” 3️⃣ Make Internal Connections ↳ Use LinkedIn to find near-peers in at each company ↳ Aim to connect with 2-3 people at each company ↳ Email and ask for a chat about how their work 💡Pro-tip: Use hunter[dot]io or other email predictor to find email addresses. 4️⃣ Have Meaningful Conversations ↳ Focus on questions about the role and the company ↳ Be ready to talk about yourself and what you want ↳ Ask who else you should talk to and what other companies you should check out 💡Pro-tip: Do NOT ask anyone to “keep their eyes out,” or ask about openings. 5️⃣ Leverage Relationships ↳ Keep people posted on your progress monthly ↳ When you take their advice, share positive results ↳ Let them know when you see a job of interest and ask if they have any insights 💡Pro-tip: Lather, rinse, repeat, staying in touch with regular updates. When you make a good impression, magic can happen: ↳ You will be top of mind for openings before they are posted. ↳ You will be an early applicant because you are monitoring company career pages, rather than relying only on job boards. ↳ You will be a much more informed candidate based on insights from current employees. Have you used a target employer strategy? What's worked for you? Share in the comments 👇 ♻️ Repost to help job seekers in your network. 🔔 Follow @Sarah Baker Andrus for more job search tips. 📌 Need personal support? DM me and let's chat!