251: What Type of Job Search Should You Launch?
What Type of Job Search Should You Launch?
Let me start by saying that not all job searches should look alike — and the important thing is that you launch the type of job search that makes the most sense for you.
When clients get coached by me on their job search, it is an Active job search. If they are employed, I require they spend a minimum of 5 hours per week in their job search; if they are unemployed, I suggest 30 hours per week — if they want to get employed as quickly as possible.
If they have fewer than 5 hours per week they can devote to a job search, I suggest a Passive job search.
Let’s break these terms down:
An Active job search focuses on networking-based activities.
A Passive job search focuses on job boards and company websites.
An Active job search can have Passive strategies in it. Here’s the ratio I recommend:
If you are just out of college: 25% Active and 75% Passive
If you have been out of college for a few years through mid-career: 50%/50%
If you are at a more senior level: 75% Active and 25% Passive
If you are at the C-level: 100% Active
A Passive job search might include some networking, but due to time constraints is almost completely job board- and company website-focused.
I have covered specific Active and Passive strategies in previous episodes, so I’m not rehashing that here. One of the things I do with clients in one coaching session is create their customized job search strategy. They leave that session with a plan they can calendar in — that gives them their marching orders.
The question we want to answer in this episode is: Which type of job search should I launch? Here are some considerations:
Are you unemployed?
If you are unemployed and want to become employed as quickly as possible, then an Active job search is your best option. I recommend 30 hours per week of job search. Using the ratios above, here’s how you would break out your time:
Right out of college: 7.5 hours per week on networking; 22.5 hours per week on job boards and other passive strategies.
Mid-career: 15 hours on each
Senior: 22.5 hours per week networking; 7.5 hours on job boards
Are you currently employed, but want to change jobs relatively soon?
To change jobs relatively quickly, you’ll need an Active job search. This will require you to carve out at least five hours each week for your job search. Here’s how you would break out your time:
Right out of college: 1.25 hours per week on networking; 3.75 hours per week on job boards and other passive strategies.
Mid-career: 2.5 hours on each
Senior: 3.75 hours per week networking; 1.25 hours on job boards
Are you currently employed and want to change jobs, but you aren’t in a hurry?
If you can carve out at least five hours each week for your job search, then an Active strategy is still your best option. If you don’t have the bandwidth to commit to at least five hours per week, then a Passive strategy is probably all you’ll be able to do — with the occasional networking meeting or event thrown in.
Are you not really looking to leave your current job, but want to be open to speaking with recruiters?
This is what I call the ARFO strategy — Always Ready For Opportunity. I’ve spoken about this in other episodes — you have all your ducks in a row, such as an updated resume, current credentials, and an appropriate education level.
In an ARFO job search, you are simply “opening the door” to recruiters — this is primarily through your LI profile. I strongly recommend having an expert like me write your LI profile for you so it is impactful to the reader AND has the right things in the right places to serve as “recruiter flypaper.”
In summary, the variables for this equation are Time and Urgency.
If you have Time and Urgency = Active job search
If you don’t have Time but do have Urgency = Passive job search with some networking in the mix if at all possible
If you don’t have Time or Urgency = Passive job search
If you don’t have Urgency = ARFO
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