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Passive Job Search Strategies

Published: Nov 30, 2009

 Job Search       

Once people start feeling better about the market, those currently employed will feel braver about considering job alternatives.  While the market has not completely recovered, I find more people emboldened about their prospects and planning to look in early 2010.  If you are one of those employed jobseekers itching to test the market, here are some strategies for a passive job search:

Shore up your job search foundation
Update your resume. Complete your LinkedIn profile.  Send a holiday mailing as a fun way to get your contacts organized. Reach out to references, mentors, and your key stakeholders from past positions to make sure you haven’t lost touch.  Do these basic maintenance chores now while you are not busy actively looking.

Take time for internal reflection
If a great opportunity came along, would you recognize it?  Do you know what would make you leave?  Do you know what you need in your next role to ensure it keeps you on the career path you desire?  Are you ready for that next professional challenge or just bored (in which case you might want tostart a hobby rather than a search)?

Get yourself known
If a great opportunity opened up, would the hiring company recognize you?  Have you published or presented?  Are you active in social networks?  Are the people who do know you and like you able to describe what you’re good at and what interests you? 

If you’re not sure about launching a search but want to test the waters, you need to use these passive job search strategies. Once you master job search strategies and incorporate them into your regular career management, you won’t need toworry about missing that next big thing. You will naturally be in touch with the market and able to pounce on opportunities according to your interest and timetable. That is the ultimate job security. 

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