Ready for a Career Change? Here’s Your Job Search Roadmap!
Have you been thinking it might be time for a job change but not sure where to start? Whether you’re ready to make a move yesterday or just starting to kick the tires, today I'm outlining a roadmap to help you get started. 🛣️
Before you begin your search, take some time to be sure your Resume and LinkedIn are up to date.
Resume Basics
No more than two pages (with limited exceptions)
Omit old info that's irrelevant
Nothing smaller than a size 11 font
Focus on bullets that demonstrate impact versus just listing responsibilities
No pictures on your resume
Omit things that feel stale/date you (words per minute, fluence with MS Word, etc)
Include city/state where you reside (not full address), personal email address, personal phone number
LinkedIn Basics
A current photo. Doesn't need to be a professional one, but should be professional-looking. (For tips on doing this easily, check out this article).
Use LinkedIn to showcase any designations, education, awards, etc.
Highlight your awesomeness with few specific bullet points - include keywords that can help you come up in a query when recruiters are searching online
Addressing your LinkedIn profile and Resume will help you put your best foot forward for anyone who might be looking for someone like you, and also presents you in the best possible light when you apply for a position.
Now that you're ready to search, where can you look? Let’s dive in:
Start by making a list of companies you’re interested in working for. Yes, there will be some great ones that aren't even on your radar but start with those that come to mind that are of interest and/or you’ve heard good things about. These are the top targets - be checking the “Careers” page on their websites and their LinkedIn job postings regularly.
Go to their LinkedIn page and see if they have jobs posted there.
Reference the “connection who work here” on their LinkedIn page and see if you know anyone who already works there that might be able to put in a good word
LinkedIn Job postings. Yeah, it’s the obvious place. Don’t be discouraged by jobs that already show a ton of applicants. You’d be shocked how many unqualified people are applying. It’s often just noise.
Indeed. It can be a dumpster fire but there are still some great companies with great roles posting there.
Jobs.insurancerecruiters.com – This is the site for the National Insurance Recruiters Association. I’m a member of this great org. If you see a job that looks like a fit, copy and paste the link and send it to info@nb-talent.com, and we’ll can connect you with the recruiter on it for better consideration
When combing thru the NIRA site, also make note of which recruiting firms come up over and over again in your searches. These firms probably do a good bit within your specific niche and thus are good ones to connect with on a deeper level. Find those recruiters on LinkedIn, reach out and introduce yourself with a quick note about who you are and what you’re looking for, and ask them to keep you in mind.
Network with folks in your industry. Tap into your network of former bosses/colleagues/industry connections. Let them know you’re quietly putting some feelers out and looking for an opportunity like xyz and ask them to let you know if they hear of anything.
Also, getting to know a few recruiters with strong connections on your space can be truly invaluable. A great recruiter connection can mean:
An opportunity on a job you didn’t even know existed because it wasn’t posted
Top of the pile consideration because you’re coming in through a trusted source
Consideration for a role you might be slightly underqualified for because you’ve got a ringing endorsement from a recruiter partner the hiring manager trusts
“Plan ahead, be strategic and you’ll have options. I recommend doing all of this BEFORE you’re under the gun to make a change. If you’re starting to see the writing on the wall because of an acquisition, ownership change, realignment, etc. Start having conversations now. If you can avoid it, don’t put yourself in a situation where you must make a move - that can mean taking a role you’re not excited about or a comp. package that doesn’t do you justice. ”
