Job Seeker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Finding a new job is easy. Finding the right new job is very difficult.

As a recruiter, I speak to dozens of jobseekers per month and consistently hear the same questions/concerns. My advice about how to approach a job search, and what to expect along the way, is quite simple:

1. Clarify what you want

Many jobseekers who I speak with feel pulled in a thousand directions. Do I want to do sales or fundraising? Should I apply for the social media position or the copywriter? It’s important to have clarity in what you want to pursue before sending applications and taking interviews. Uncertainty in what you want to do next is a red flag for employers. Keep in mind:

• The type of roles (including job title) that you want to pursue

• Tailor your resume to that specific role

• Commit to it

2. Rejection will happen

If you’re looking for a new job AND afraid of rejection, it’s going to be a tough process. Finding the right fit for your skill set, experience, and mission-goals will take time and exploration, for you and the organization. So, the perfect fit is likely not going to be on your first try, and you will definitely hear “no.”

3.  Design a process and commit to it

It takes work to find the right job. The process must be intentional and strategic, or else you’ll land somewhere that’s not awesome. I recommend the following steps:

• Make a list of 20+ organizations that you would love to work for

• Browse the open positions on their jobs page

• If they don’t have the right position open for you, contact their leadership directly to introduce yourself and share what you’re looking for (not all openings are posted)

• Schedule a phone call, zoom meeting, or coffee visit to discuss their organization, why you want to work there, and the value that you can provide

These meetings are critical. If you are successful in scheduling a call or meeting with 20+ leaders in the space that you want to work, the chances are that the right job is somewhere in there. But, you have to nail the meeting. Prepare. Ask insightful questions. Express genuine interest. Probe for the information that you need to discern to see if this organization is the fit. Ask for referrals for other players in the space.

Be persistent. People don’t always respond to the first call or email. Reach back out. Keep a record of who you’re reaching out to and when, make a note in your calendar to follow up with them.

Work is a massive part of our lives. We spend 40 hours per week, 173 hours per month, and 2080 hours per year in our jobs. Having meaningful work, in an environment that you enjoy, for compensation that provides for your needs is life changing.

Don’t fall into your next position. Do your research, prepare your story, crush the process, and land your dream job.

— Caleb FitzGerald, Recruiter