Get Job Search Focus - Avoid Fish Fever

"Fish fever" is a term wildlife biologists use to describe young Alaskan bear cubs who, despite standing in rivers swimming with salmon, go hungry because they can’t focus on just one target.

Do you know anyone with fish fever?

It may be you…particularly if you feel like your job search is chaotic (as in frenzied activity for activity’s sake) or even stalled (as in “deer in headlights” what do I do first?)

Rather than letting all the online job search advice overwhelm you, how about defining your goals first and then developing a job search action plan that addresses those goals?

For example, I coached a client recently about networking. He knew there were lots of different things he could do in regard to networking – and that was part of the problem. There were TOO MANY things, which made it difficult to determine what to do first!

So, ask yourself first: “What is my goal?” Of course your ultimate goal is to secure employment. But networking is more likely to yield job leads, referrals, information, and advice which in turn can lead to securing interviews and job offers.

Next, plan your networking time around the 5 W’s + H + HM formula. Be specific with your goals and activities wherever possible. Consider answering these questions:

WHAT – what job are you going after? In what industries or companies? The more specific you can be, the likelier your network can provide specific help. What are the credibility builders you can introduce into the conversation to demonstrate that you should be taken seriously as a candidate for your targeted type of job and industry? What do you want from each person with whom you network – job leads, referrals, information, advice or all 4?

WHO – who are the “best prospects” in your targeted career field and industries? Who do you already know, so you can build up your networking skills? Be sure to ask for feedback so you can get better! Who is in your social networks and groups, online and offline, that could provide job leads, referrals, information, and/or advice?

WHERE – where do you need to “show up” either online or in person to be visible in your targeted industry and with your targeted companies? Volunteer at events, especially at the Registration table, and you will get to meet all the attendees (great for following up later in the event or afterwards).

WHY – Why are you interested in the companies, jobs, and industries? Do your research and be able to state succinctly your rationale for pursuing your targets based on your job search and career goals. Why do you believe you are a good fit?

WHEN – When will you choose to network? Think about your bio-rhythms. What time of day are you the most energetic and clear-headed? When can you most easily reach your targeted prospects in your network, especially by phone? When will you need to follow-up?

HOW – How do you prefer to network? How can you diversify that preference so you are not missing someone important in your network? For example, if you only network online, you may be missing networking prospects who are not easily found online, but who do attend industry events and trade shows. How can you improve your networking results?

HOW MUCH – Establish your networking or job search plan with quantifiers so you can measure your progress and hold yourself accountable for the goals you set. Then work on a manageable number of those goals each week for your action plan. For example, how many referrals within the XXX industry do you want to obtain this week?

As William Arruda, Personal Branding guru and founder of the Reach methodology to personal branding has explained in Activate Your RAS: “There is a part of your brain called the RAS. It acts as a traffic cop, deciding what gets the green light to your conscious mind. Documenting and reading your goals tells your RAS to be on the lookout for things related to your goals.”

By breaking down your job search activities, such as networking, into bit-size pieces using the 5 Ws + H + HM formula, you stand a greater chance of attaining results. Avoid the “fish fever” syndrome. Determine your specific goals and go after what you want with a focused approach.

Cross-posted by Susan Guarneri at Career Goddess Blog

Comments

[Paul]

good stuff. thanks Susan. It's so easy to start looking for that "any job" when so many companies are on hiring freezes. I know someone who started out look for an AE position in marketing, but 5 months into it he was going all over the industry - from Event Planning to PPC Buying. Instead of hedging his bets and spending more time on those jobs he was most qualified for, he was wasting his time and resources trying to grab everything and anything he could. I'd certainly reccomend keeping a clear focus of your career objectives in any job search - you won't regret it.

[susan]

Here's 3 job sites from about.com's top ten job sites-

www.linkedin.com (professional networking)
www.indeed.com (aggregated listings)
www.realmatch.com (matches jobs based on your skills)

good luck to those looking.

[D Eustace]

Dear Susan,
While I like the focus of avoiding "fish fever", is it true that one can become "labelled" as
a 'black hole' using the astronomical term for sucking everything in for him or herself?

Counsel I have heard is to have something to contribute yourself for others to benefit from.
Be a resource for others. It is not enough to "5 W's" network.

Plan and organize your search and how you go about it.
Optimism is a force multiplier. Continuously learn.
Let the force be us in our searches.