Seek Opportunities That Align with Your Goals

Job Search, Job Hunt, Job Searching, Job Hunting, Job Opportunities, Career Strategy

When on the hunt for a new role, having a focused search can mean all the difference in you thriving vs foundering.

A little more on this topic...

Having a targeted job search can eliminate the stress of submitting mass applications and the waiting game (not to mention the headache that comes along with tracking every position you've applied to). It may make you cringe when I say, don't just send out your resume or mass applications as much as possible. Rather, focus your energy on targeting specific industries, companies that offer the right benefits for you, or roles that fit within your career development path.

How to begin a hyper-targeted job search in 5 steps:

The colleagues who work by your side each day provide some of your best opportunities for developing close friendships and gathering constructive feedback. Boost your job satisfaction and advance your career by schmoozing closer to home. Consider these suggestions for internal networking.

Internal Networking for Everyday Situations :
  1. Lend a hand. Being generous will help you develop strong relationships around the office. Volunteer your services when a colleague is trying to meet a tight deadline. Share your expertise in situations where your insight can make a difference.  
  2. Take initiative. Cultivate a reputation for going the extra mile. Earn trust by being a top performer.  
  3. Speak up. Conflicts rarely resolve themselves. Don't be afraid to talk through issues (tactfully, of course) when they arise and before they grow into more serious clashes that can undermine a positive workflow.  
  4. Communicate face to face. While it's quicker to text or send an email, face-to-face discussions have many advantages. Let others know you value them enough to spend time with them. A personal touch increases engagement.  
  5. Listen closely. Give others your full attention. They'll appreciate your interest, and you'll learn more about them. That knowledge will help you ask relevant questions and avoid misunderstandings.  
  6. Share a laugh. Work is just work,so remember to lighten up. Having a positive and light-hearted attitude at work can also get others around you to open up.
  7. Eat together. If you're usually swamped with paperwork or phone calls, take advantage of lunch hours. Spend a half hour in the break room or invite the whole department to try out a bar, coffee shop, or restaurant.   
  8. Show you care. Simple gestures can show your coworkers that they matter to you (remembering their interests, their kids' names, etc). 
Internal Networking for Special Occasions :
  1. Mingle at office parties. Maybe you have a position where your interactions are limited to the same few people each day. Use birthday parties and summer picnics to extend your circle. Chat with a peer in another department.  
  2. Bond at retreats. Corporate retreats provide an opportunity for profound discussion and silly games. See your coworkers from a new angle.  
  3. Participate in staff meetings. Staff meetings will fly by more quickly when you take an active part in the proceedings. Thank the accounting department for explaining the new timesheets. Share what you learned at a business roundtable.  
  4. Ace your orientation. If you're new on the job, ask your supervisor to point out a stellar employee you can emulate. Make them a top priority for your internal networking.  
  5. Greet new hires. If you've been on the team for a while, go out of your way to welcome the newcomers. Your extra efforts will stand out when they're trying to memorize a ton of new names and faces. Plus, teaching is a great way of learning, so you may pick up a few pointers as you guide them around.  
  6. Transition gracefully. While you'll probably move on to another organization eventually, your last days can be a productive period when you adapt your relationships to changing circumstances. Exchange contact information and make specific plans to stay in touch instead of counting on having lunch someday.  
There's much more to networking than handing out business cards. Connecting with colleagues inside your company can be just as important as participating in any external event or Meetup group. Building genuine relationships with your office mates will strengthen your network and make your impact more meaningful.