Feeling like you aren’t getting much out of your job search? It might be time to spruce up your approach. By treating the process more like a personal campaign, you can build on your personal brand and get your foot in the door fast.

The goal of a job search campaign is to raise awareness of your job search, while also incorporating aspects of your personal brand – the specific attributes which define you. 

Step 1: Creating your strategy

Like any other kind of campaign, you require a strategy made up of goals and objectives. 

When defining goals, you need to think about what it actually is that you want. It’s okay to dream a little, so try asking yourself what your ideal job, company and industry would be. You should plan these goals by using the SMART framework to ensure that your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. 

A SMART objective should resemble the following: 

“To secure a role in [your area of interest or qualification] in [desired industry] by [date].”

So, to put that into context: 

“To secure a role in social media marketing in the fashion industry by April 2021.”

Now you have defined your goals, you must create measurable objectives to outline the steps you need to follow in your own job search. For example, “within the next week, send one networking email a day to potential employers or recruiters”. 

Step 2: Establish tactics

In order to implement your strategy, you will require a number of tactics to help you reach your goal.

Such tactics may include: 

• Social media: platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are all highly useful tools for job searching in the present day. 
• Email marketing: this requires you to establish an email list of employers you want to target. You will also need an attention-grabbing subject line, a warm introduction and a captivating body that gets straight to the point as well as a strong close.
• Personal website or portfolio: even if you lack demonstrable experience, you can still publish your CV and details about yourself in a well-laid-out manner online using platforms such as WordPress, Weebly or Wix. 
• Content marketing: Content marketing tactics like blogging help raise awareness of your personal brand and showcase the skills and attributes you have to offer.

Step 3: Promote yourself everywhere

There are many routes you can take to make yourself known to employers. Networking events, workshops, your own social media pages and groups you are a member of are all platforms where you can promote your personal brand. 

Traditional word of mouth is also an excellent way of promoting yourself. By discussing your campaign with friends, family, colleagues and online followers then word will spread that you’re looking for a new job. The old ideology of “it’s all about who you know” drills in the importance of your network in your job search.

Through word of mouth, your connections may recommend you to potential employers and give you a positive reference or pass you on to contacts in your desired industry.