Career Search Tips

Helping you be more strategic in your job search.

Facts you should know

When starting your job search:

If you find yourself in job search mode, we recommend you spend only 10% of your time online. And the rest of your time should be strategically pursuing leads, networking, researching companies you’re most interested in and meeting people in person.

Time-Frame
Average length of a job search is 17 weeks
Making The Connections
65%-70% of jobs are gained through personal referrals or networking connections.
Internal Affairs
90% of jobs are filled through employee referrals.
Online Presence
35% of hiring managers screened out candidates based on what they found on candidates’ social networking profiles.

Some fields are more competitive than others, and it’s important to know which ones are in demand!

infographic showing the top seven most competitive jobs

“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort..”

– Theodore Roosevelt

We understand that

Your time is a valuable resource.

This Career Search Tips page is specifically geared towards all job seekers whether passively or actively looking, early in career or an executive, who have limited time to commit to their job search and want to use their time wisely.

Our goal is to enable you to be as efficient, effective and focused as possible. Our career search tips will require you to invest some time and effort, however those who utilize these tips will see better results and greater opportunities.

“Find out what you like doing best, and get someone to pay you for it.”

– Katharine Whitehorn

Three simple ways to successfully network.

Whether you’re actively looking for your next career move or you just want to stay proactive in case a better opportunity comes up, face-to-face networking is still one of the best job search strategies out there.

Make Networking Fun.
Instead of finding a networking event that is specifically for business, search for a group of business individuals who are doing something you like to do. For example Is there an activity you already are doing or have a strong interest in learning, like golfing, cooking, photography or hiking – many professionals choose to be in groups like this. By meeting people in a relaxed, social and enjoyable setting you are more likely to have real, meaningful conversations and have opportunities to ask questions about their jobs.
Research and be Strategic.
Many times people in your profession and industry are involved in groups, associations, clubs and learning communities. Spend a few hours and do some research to find those groups. Be strategic and contact the leader of each group to find out what the purpose and goals of that group is to see if it aligns with your goals. Then go and try them out!
Start with People You Know.
If you look at your family, friends, church, facebook, you may be surprised who you already are connected with. Let people know what types of career opportunities you’re most interested in or even better be specific when telling them what type of person you’d love to meet. Then take action and make that connection. Your current “network” is more powerful and valuable than you probably realize.

Five things you should avoid while looking for a job.

Along with what you should avoid, here are some things you should do instead.

Avoid applying for every single job you find that is in your wheel house.
For example if you are a Sales Manager, applying for every job that is titled Sales Manager no matter what the qualifications.

DO actually read the entire job description and make sure you have the experience it requires, especially under any REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS section. For instance as you read through the job description come up with one example of how you have done that or something similar in one of your past or current position(s).

DO research every single company you are considering applying to. For example research the company’s history, the employees, current news/financial reports/blog posts about the company – make sure you have 2-3 solid reasons why you would want to work for that particular company.
Avoid sending the exact same resume to every job you apply for.
DO take the extra time and cater your resume and cover letter to that specific job description. If you read and completed #1 above you should already have come up with some good examples of why you’re qualified for that particular position, which you can then highlight in your resume. And make sure to keep your resume 1-3 pages maximum in length – if 10 years experience or less for sure keep to 1 page.

DO check your spelling and grammar. Ask a friend, colleague, spouse or even better a recruiter if possible to proofread your resume.
Avoid general statements on your resume, i.e. built a team of sales reps, or managed marketing department.
DO be specific! Instead of general statements you should give quantifiable achievements for each bullet point on your resume. You want to be able to “paint” a picture for the reader of your application, give them a very detailed idea of what you have accomplished in the past. For example, built a team from 0 to 10 sales reps in twelve months, or successfully managed a marketing department of 6 for five years.
Avoid applying online through the company’s website if at all possible. It’ll be a waiting game, because you never know who or when someone will be viewing your application.
DO your research and see if you know anyone in your network that has a connection to the company you’re interested in. For example, a good approach is looking at your Linkedin profile, find a mutual connection and ask for more information and a possible introduction to the hiring manager of that position. If you cannot find a connection, find the hiring manager for the position, if you cannot find the hiring manager then at least find out who the recruiter or HR generalist is for that position and send a written email introducing yourself.
Avoid just applying to a job and then doing nothing but complain when you don’t hear anything back from the company.
DO follow up with the company, if you do not hear back within 4-5 days, just to make sure they received your resume. Ask them where they are in the process – are they just reviewing resumes, are they interviewing now, etc. It doesn’t hurt to tell them you’ll follow up with them if you don’t hear back, and ask them by what date you should do this (this also then gives you an idea of their hiring timeline). If you read and completed #4 you should already have the contact name of the person in charge of that particular position.

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Success Stories

“I had the pleasure of working with Susie Japs and her amazing team. Wejungo® did an outstanding job from start to finish. In building our recruitment & hiring strategy, to a revamp of our job descriptions and selection process. They even came to our office for an interviewing training workshop session with our team. It was amazing. We will be working with you again soon. Thank you so much.”

Zeynep I.President, Health and Wellness Tech Company

“We hired Wejungo® to first conduct a reviewal and identify what’s working and not working when it came to our current hiring process. Wejungo® worked with us to help implement sourcing and interviewing techniques to increase the volume of quality applicants and strengthen the relationship between HR and our hiring managers. With the new sourcing strategy customized to our business, we have accelerated and improved the quality of our staffing on our 3-4 most recent hires. I highly recommend Wejungo® to any company who truly wishes to elevate the quality of new hires AND improve their company’s hiring capabilities.”

Dan M.President, Manufacturing company

“We engaged Wejungo® to review our organization of 22 locations and our Talent Acquisition and Recruiting needs in particular. They exceeded our expectations on all fronts. Their analysis of our needs and recommendations were outstanding. Susie Japs and her team conducted interviews with our key leaders/employees and got to the bottom of the key areas that needed to be addressed including a fresh look at our organizations’ functions. We further enhanced our engagement with Wejungo® to assist with the implementation of their recommendations as well. The entire company is extremely satisfied with the successful outcomes from our consulting assignment with Wejungo® and look forward to continuing to use their professional services to support our People and Culture initiatives.”

Nigel L.COO, Hospitality West Coast

“Wejungo® came in and changed our whole perspective on the recruiting, or as I now know it, sourcing process. They were able to walk us through the entire process and change the way we think about hiring. Susie opened our eyes and allowed us realize that in order to attract top talent, we want to stand out. They were so thorough that we were able to use the tangible takeaways and seamlessly integrate these steps to improve how we hire. We have received positive feedback from candidates who were impressed with the unique look of our talent profile as well as from our internal team who appreciated the fact that the process allowed them to see the full scope of what they needed to successfully fill the position. We are incredibly grateful to Wejungo® and thank them for our sourcing makeover!”

Mark G.CTO, Online Technology Company

“We found Wejungo® after we heard from a client how great they were, we then found them online. Right away I could tell they were different by their messaging and the way they presented themselves on their website. The first meeting with Susie and her team impressed me and the decision to work with them on our Business Development Leader role was a “no-brainer” based on their creative recruiting approach and the thoughtful questions they asked me in that first meeting. We are so thrilled with the market intelligence, honest feedback and suggestions that were made to us along the way to help ensure we saw the best of the best in the market. I have honestly never worked with a recruiting firm as thorough and focused on the long-term fit as this one.”

Caroline T.EVP Sales, International Marketing Agency

“As a not-for-profit, Feeding the Soul Foundation we are always open to ways we can improve from people we trust. I reached out to Susie at Wejungo® to guide us in what I originally considered a simple question and what I received was better then I had ever anticipated. Susie was able to help us identify our goals and most importantly she inspired me to open the door to something greater than I could have imagined. As we set the foundation, she gave me the clarity to address challenges and follow-up on action steps we much needed to take. My original simple question was really a big challenge, which was aligned, confronted and solved with direction and strength from Susie. As an entrepreneur and the Director of Events I am would recommend any one seeking business guidance and new development opportunities to contact Susie at Wejungo® immediately. Thank you Susie for what you created for us!”

Melissa G.Director of Events, CA Non-Profit Organization

“Susie Japs and her staff at Wejungo® did a fantastic job in moving my company and my mindset into social media and branding. As a small business owner, I spend most of my time focused on my clients and their needs, so I often miss out on new ways of marketing and presenting my firm. Wejungo® helped me to better understand social media and provided the steps and encouragement needed to build an online presence that meets my company’s goals. Thank you, Susie!”

Jonathan D.Chief Attorney, Midwest Law Firm

“Susie was very thorough and really knows how to help entrepreneurs like me. She was accepting of my own style, yet assertive in keeping me on track. She followed through with concise summaries of the work we did, giving me assignments and next steps. What I appreciate most is that Susie was very focused on me and my new venture so it felt like she is a member of my team. I highly recommend her services since she helped me do what others could not!”

Linda B.President, California Consulting Firm

“Susie intuitively picked up our business concepts, helped define customer targets, internal systems-problem areas, shape our hiring guidelines and collaborated with me on our strategic plans. Her tireless enthusiasm to help our national nonprofit will have lasting effects for years to come. I strongly recommend Susie as her skills and abilities extend far and wide.”

Jerry H.Executive Director, National Non-profit Organization

“Thank you for listening to my needs as a business owner and uncovering our true potential. This was truly an investment in the success of our business rather than yet another consultant fee. My business immediately benefited from your ability to understand my company and to get right to the point with a plan of action with measurable results to top it! My whole staff and company saw an immediate benefit from your brief time with us and we continue to be energized with all the new improvements in our performance. You were right, we really DID create success TOGETHER, and we will continue to do that!”

JBCPresident, Midwest Architecture Firm

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