Stop Searching, Start Creating Demand

Brandon Gutman 07/02/08

Some people never have to look for a job. Companies and recruiters are constantly knocking on their doors. Wouldn’t you want to be one of those people? It’s easier than you think. Here are five tips you can follow to help build and maximize your candidacy value in any industry.

Evolve with the Market

If you work in a space that thrives on being cutting edge, you need to follow the curve. For example, the advertising and media business is becoming more and more digital. People in this industry must embrace new learning in order to remain relevant. I recently attended a conference on Social Networking that was produced by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and met many senior executives who hold very key positions. When I asked one of them their primary reason for attending, they answered, “job security.”

Keep a Brag Book

In addition to having an updated resume, keep track of all of your accomplishments such as new business wins, awards and press. If you have less work experience and feel like you haven’t hit many homeruns yet, build a file of complimentary letters and emails, successful project reports and positive annual reviews. You can even put active campaigns in a case study format, outlining the Challenge, Action and Results to accentuate your success. Include positive comments from a manager or client in quotes with your "case study." This brag book will become your personal marketing brochure – just be sure to update it constantly.

Get in the News

Build your reputation and “Google factor” by being printed online. You don’t have to rely on the press to interview you. Get yourself published by contributing to a trade publication. If you’re like me and think you’re too busy, make the time anyway because it will pay off when a potential employer (or your mom) types your name in a search engine. The more consistently your name appears in the news (positively, of course), the higher your credibility. Ultimately you can become that much more attractive to potential hiring managers and search consultants.

Speak Up

Just like getting writing published online, it might seem that speaking at conferences or events is difficult to secure. The good news is that it’s not and you don’t need to retain a PR firm. Many of the people you see talking on panels arranged those gigs themselves. The more you speak, the bolder your name will become to upper management, executive recruiters and other industry leaders. Go to the websites of conferences that interest you and look up the content producers – they’re usually listed with their phone and email information.

Network Persistently

It’s often said that it’s all about who you know. We should live by the philosophy of it’s all about who knows you. Isn’t the sound of your phone ringing more pleasurable than making a cold call? If you’re not already a networking dynamo, get out there and start attending as many conferences, workshops and cocktail events as possible. You'll find the more people know you, the more opportunities will come your way and the more help will be there when you need it.

Think of yourself as a brand and follow these tips. Your phone will ring more and you’ll have greater opportunities to choose from.