Creating a Job Search Strategy

When looking for a new job, we highly recommend you create a job search strategy. Lay out your game plan for finding employment and you will be more likely to find a job than if you just haphazardly send resumes to companies (aka "The black hole!").

1. Contact your recruiter.  Do you have a recruiter that you turn to for career advice? Building a relationship when you have a job can really help you when you need to find a job. Often, recruiters only want to talk with you when they are hiring for a position that you are a fit for, however, a good recruiter is always looking to build their network so they should always be open to people who need guidance/advice. Let your recruiter know you are back on the job market and see if they are working on any positions that you'd be a fit for or if they have any advice.
2. Make a list of companies that you want to work for. This list should have 6-10 companies that you think would be a good fit for you. Maybe it’s a company you always wanted to work for, that you admire or you know people who work there and love it.  Be sure to think geographically, too. If you live in the northeast, but don’t want to relocate, maybe applying for a job in Oregon isn’t a good idea. :)
3. Research those companies. A few minutes online, and you can learn a lot about companies that you are interested in.  Read their mission statements and value statements.  Do their values line up with your values? If not, try to find companies where you would align with their corporate culture. Many companies believe that you can’t teach culture.  If your culture doesn’t match the company, then you won’t be fit for the job. Make it easier to move through the interview process apply to companies where you have similar beliefs.  Do you do a lot of volunteer work? Apply to companies that offer 40hrs of paid volunteer time!
4. Once you have a list of 6-10 companies that you are interested in, check your network.  Do you know anyone at these companies?  Ask your recruiter if she/he has any contacts that they can put you in touch with for an informational interview.  If you know someone at any of these companies, let them know you are interested in a position at their company; ask if they are hiring & for what positions.  If they aren’t hiring, see if they can help you get an informational interview with someone in the HR or Staffing Departments.  Also, see if they would be willing to make an introduction to the leader of the department for which you would like to work.  In Sales?  Ask to meet the Sales Director.  In Marketing?  Ask to meet the VP of Marketing.  
5. If you don't know anyone at the companies you are interested in, check LinkedIn.  Search by the company name, and try to find people in the department you want to work in and reach out!  If they are open to receiving InMails, InMail them directly (fastest route to success) or ask for an introduction through a connection. Be sure to follow up with a request to connect directly and stay in touch.
6. Join professional development organizations that support your goals.  The Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition (OIWC) is a great organization in the outdoor industry.  The OIWC mission is to "equip, educate and support women in the outdoor industries to recognize their professional goals." With a membership in the OIWC ($45 a year) you can reach out and connect to leaders at companies in the outdoor industry for which you want to work! 

We all know how important it is to build a strategy in our job. During interviews people always talk about their ability to be strategic and tactical so try to be strategic in your next job search.  It'll give you a path to follow and we hope it helps you be more productive in your quest to find a new position.