The job market has shifted from being a place to find your occupational life partner to a series of rushed hookups. The robust economy has broadened the scope of employment opportunity. In these times of abundance, it is almost foolish not to spend time broadening one's professional standing, to take full control of your present and your future.
In a survey conducted by TalentLyft, 90 percent of global professionals are interested in new opportunities. As an employee (especially a new one) it’s reasonable to find your way into an organization, become comfortably situated and stay there for a long time. However, in an economy where there are ample choices, the prescient person knows why they should search passively for a job and how to do that.
Staying in a company long term has its benefits. Embedding oneself within a corporate culture can lead to ascent in the hierarchy. Still, passive search for outside opportunities provides it own benefits:
Know Your Path
Looking at job opportunities while situated in a company creates a sense of agency. Looking passively for new positions provides leverage as it gives insight into what similar positions are paying in other companies. This can provide the power to negotiate a new salary, pay raise or additional benefits. As companies shift priorities, looking passively for other jobs provides alternatives to changes you don’t support.
Find the right path
Passively seeking new opportunities can lead to a change in career. Well-rounded job candidates are solid gold, particularly in the fast-paced, lean world of start-up companies. Seldom do candidates only have one skill at their disposal. With multiple skills, looking for opportunities that are very much outside of your current position can allow you to find a possibly better overall employment fit.
Build Your Network
Passive search provides the chance to tap into and deepen your network. Looking at sites like Linkedin as well as other social media platforms can show the progress of individuals in their respective careers. Finding the time to reach out and dip into networks can reveal opportunities and people that only your connections can provide.
How to look
When searching for jobs passively there are some tips and tools that can help:
Build up your Linkedin and social profile
Linkedin, Facebook, and Google Plus are all opportunities to build a solid online presence. Curation of an online identity creates connections and the information those connections use (what does the second half of this sentence mean). Fill out your profiles with as much information as possible about your career, skills, knowledge, certifications as well as interests. Write recommendations and comment on the accomplishments and changes in your connections’ lives. Join groups that can connect you further to new people and places.
Check out companies
Make a list of 10-15 companies where you would like to work. Spend some time looking into those companies, the positions that they offer as well as the benefits of working at those companies versus your current employer. Keep working on and updating this list to be prepared when an opportunity arises.
Keep your info current
On both social profiles and resume documents, make sure to update in real time any accomplishments, quotas or promotions in your position. This will prepare you to quickly send information to potential companies. Create a general template of a cover letter that is matched to your skills but can be adapted to a specific role when needed.
Be prepared
Make sure to have the proper attire as well as the information you'll need for interviews in one place in case of an emergency. Opportunities pop up and so should you, dressed and ready to compete.
In a corporate world that moves faster than ever, being on top of the shifts and changes in opportunity and industry is imperative. Passive job seeking puts power in your hands. Using tools both online and off can lighten the load of staying current.