I’ve seen varying statistics but in general, it takes three to six months to find a job.  The process begins with a search and ends when you walk through the doors on your first day.  The amount of work on the job seeker’s part between those two events is gargantuan.  You should begin your search by using multiple job search engines to search various job titles on each site to make sure you are covering all your bases.  You should also search for open positions on individual company websites because your dream job might not even be posted to a search engine.  Oh, and network, do not forget about networking.  This includes face to face communication and posting on professional platforms like LinkedIn and maybe Instagram depending on your industry.  Once you have finally found that perfect opportunity it is time to update your resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter.  You have to tailor your resume and cover letter to each (yes, each) application you submit.  It is going to require a lot of research to make sure your resume and cover letter are in line with what your future employer is looking for. Oh yes and do not forget about keywords.  Make sure you are utilizing every possible keyword.

Once you have landed an interview, it is time to research that specific company and your specific role even more thoroughly.  You have to practice answering questions \and take an inventory of your past experiences to identify what you should even talk about during the interview.  Salary research is also a good process to start during the interview phase because you want to put your best foot forward when you get to the negotiation stage.  You will know exactly how to articulate your value because you already addressed it in the interview. Phewwwwww.  That was a lot, and you have to do this for each job application, each networking conversation, and each interview.  This extensive list is why you should hire a career coach.

Have you ever planned a vacation for your family?  If you are like me, you probably noticed very quickly that you regret volunteering to be the organizer.  Now you must deal with everyone’s needs and opinions and all you wanted to do was float in the ocean and sip a margarita.  Have you ever used a travel agent to plan the same experience?  Soooooo much easier!  You are essentially paying someone to do all the busy work and deal with your family and their opinions which saves you time and headaches.  A career coach is like a travel agent for your job search.

A career coach can help you identify and weigh your options.  We are experts who collaborate with you and look at all facets of you to determine why certain jobs or careers are a better match than others.  Once we have helped you identify a job or a career that is right for you, we are also there to help you learn how to articulate your skills and value in a way that will set you apart from the rest.  A career coach is there with you every step of the way from your first Google search to when you step foot in your new office.  Just like a travel agent, a career coach is there to help you narrow your options so you can pick the option that is best for you.

Searching for meaningful work and landing a job is a skill and the only people who spend their professional careers sharpening these skills are career coaches.  The only time you look for a job is when you need a job.  This might be something that happens to you every other year when you first enter the workforce and then with many years in between as your career progresses.  It is totally normal to forget how to write a resume or prepare for an interview, because you are not using these skills every day.  Career coaches spend their time working on all aspects of a job search (that most people loath).  And we love it!  Like really, really love it!

If you are reading this blog and thinking, “that sounds like someone who could help me”, please schedule a consultation.  I’d love to be your career travel agent and help you explore your options to find one that is right for you.

If you would like to learn more about what’s new at Lauren Barlow Career Coaching, please join me for my Relaunch Party and FREE Career Exploration Tools webinar on Oct. 8th @ 8 PM EST.