How Will I Find My Next Job?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average duration of unemployment is 22.1 weeks. If you're applying for mid-to-senior level procurement positions, even if you're gainfully employed and merely looking to level up to the next step in your career, you can expect that it may take even longer if you take on the challenge yourself. So, you don’t want to start your job search once you’re in dire need. Ideally, your job search is an ongoing process. That way, when you do need to find a job, you’ve already laid the foundation for a successful job search. The key to finding your next job is creating a structure for your process, as detailed below.

Direct applications

The most apparent method of finding your next job is to start looking at job boards and applying directly. Yes, this method puts you in competition with the most people, can be time consuming, and the application to response ratio is relatively low, but a lot of good jobs are posted online and many of the applications that companies get are very poor. So, if you're targeted and truly only applying for jobs for which you are genuinely qualified, then it can yield positive results when combined with the other parts of the process. Also, the great thing about applying through a job board is that you can easily see the skills the company is looking for and tailor your resume to that specific position.

Tip: Even if you’re not looking for a new position, keep your eyes on job postings. This will help you keep tabs on the industry, see what new skills employers might be looking for and you might even find a job that you are interested in pursuing.

Build new relationships

Again, building new connections should be an ongoing part of your strategy as a professional, but it’s never too late to get started. Start by finding groups on LinkedIn and join professional networking groups where you live. Your local ISM Chapter and the Procurement Foundry are both a good place to start. Then, add value to conversations and share a bit about your experience in an authentic way. When you bring value to a group (e.g., sharing an interview tactic that worked for you), you might be surprised how many people are willing to share their insight with you, too. Plus, you never know who may be able to introduce you to a company that is hiring in your field.

Optimize your online presence

You probably have an array of online profiles. The first thing you want to ensure is that the ones you don’t want to represent you in a public manner are private. Then, you’ll want to go over the rest of your profiles and update them with your latest jobs, accomplishments, and skills. The essential profile you will want to update is LinkedIn. Although they may not publicly advertise it, the vast majority of agencies and recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary tool for finding new, qualified candidates. You can’t expect leads to come to you if they can’t see you.

Find recruiters to ally with

Quickly identify a small group of recruiters to help you throughout your job search. They can help you navigate your way through the market, and answer important questions like what salary you can expect, which companies take procurement seriously, and what companies align with your skills and values. Recruiters are also your essential resource for finding opportunities that are not advertised publicly to the broader market.

Lean on your existing network

You might not know who is hiring in a company's procurement department, but there is a high chance someone in your network does. When someone from your network refers you, they can also speak to your skills and work performance, and probably have a good idea if you’ll be a culture fit at the company. That’s perhaps why referrals are the leading source of superior candidates for 88% of employers, and more companies are continuing to incentivize their employees to refer high-quality candidates for vacant positions. You can connect with your network by setting up coffee meetings, sending them a personal message, or even making a LinkedIn status updating your network about your job search.

Find time for something else

Looking for your next position can be a full-time job — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a break. It can be hard to do, but ensure you make time for your physical and mental health while you're deep in your job search. Don’t forget to give time to your relationships and the people who are supporting you like family and friends, too! It might sound counterproductive, but by taking some time for yourself, you’ll have more energy and focus during your job search.