The new year is well underway; job seekers are relaunching job search plans and activities. As The Employability Expert, I am asked to evaluate a person’s ability to be employed in the labor market, at what level and with what earnings. I assess a person’s diligent efforts to find employment with earnings that match the person’s employment history and qualifications in the job market. In employment litigation, job search diligence is known as efforts to mitigate damages.  

Many people I evaluate who haven’t looked for new employment for some time are may be:

  • under-employed
  • between jobs (“in transition”)
  • unable to work in prior occupations/professions (for variety of reasons)
  • interrupted a career or active employment
  • stuck in their job search
 

It takes a lot of work to be hired into the right job. Best practices for seeking a new job seem to change all the time. Yet, with good planning, time commitment and scheduling the right mix of daily activity, job seekers can take advantage of these trends.

When I evaluate job search diligence, I consider many factors including the time spent in different activities and how it is recorded. Different activities may include better practices suggested in ‘How to stay on top of job search trends‘ because these practices do get results. They include:

  • Paying attention to company/industry news as well as general economic and financial news (national and regional)
  • Networking (not only for connections and referrals, but to stay on top of trends)
  • Attending a conference (to network, boost visibility and knowledge of current industry trends). Though costly, one well selected conference can boost knowledge, momentum and positive results
  • Utilizing social media (consult trusted professionals & colleagues which they follow)
 

Career coaches, recruiters and vocational experts agree that, the right networking activity is most likely to lead to a successful hire. Networking should include in-person meetings, by far the best way, digital communication and different social media. Effective networking, however, is the least understood and most under-developed skill for job seekers or anyone seeking to build a business. It is more challenging for people who have been out of the workforce or did little networking for an extended period. There are ways to develop effective networking knowledge, skills and action.

Watch for our next issue for  networking advice and resources you can share with your clients, colleagues and friends.
 

Wishing you and yours a very rewarding and energizing new year!