4 Ways to Get Lucky In Your Job Search: Part 1

You’ve probably heard that luck plays as much of a part in the job search as your skills, connections, and employment history. So how can you create your own luck?

Now, I’m not talking about finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. As the old saying goes, “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Theoretically then, if you’re proactive in your job search, you’ll essentially be presented with “lucky” opportunities. While it’s not as easy as it seems, preparing yourself for the best case scenario can really work out in your favor.

It’s time to throw some luck on your job search, even if you have to create it yourself. In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, here are four simple ways to get there:

Create a website

Taking the time to create your own website may seem like a chore, but the payoff is far greater than any grunt work. At its core, a website can tell the “story of you” through your work history, portfolio samples, testimonials, and even a blog.

Let’s say an employer were to stumble upon your website. They’d quickly be able to tell if you’d fit in with their organization, both professionally and culturally. Plus, they don’t have to go digging for your LinkedIn profile or references. Everything is housed in one place, which makes you look prepared and professional.

Give yourself a social media makeover

In addition to a great website, giving yourself a social media makeover can also “create” lucky situations. For example, if you split the content on your Twitter feed between personal and professional, an employer may be able to get a real feel for your voice. In addition, getting involved in industry discussions illustrates your expertise and passion for the subject.

While you don’t have to use Facebook or Twitter as a job search tool, understand that 94 percent of recruiters use or plan on using social media in their sourcing strategies. Posting the right sorts of content, connecting with thought leaders, and staying active can really make a difference in a cutthroat job market.

Use job search management platforms

Job search management platforms like CareerShift, are a great way to search, store, and organize your job searches and networking contacts instantly. These one-stop-shop platforms can help job you keep up with day-to-day communications, such as scheduling email reminders for job follow-ups, interviews, and phone calls. In addition, many job search management platforms allow you to automatically store documents and emails, cutting down the time it takes for you reach out to particular employers.

Brand yourself

Your brand is everything. From how you portray yourself on Facebook to the topics you blog about, your personal brand is an important part of who you are as a candidate. Why not create one an employer will love?

Branding takes time and a great image won’t happen overnight. Think about how you want to be seen from the outside. Do you want to be a thought leader? Do you want to be the funny professional? Do you want to seem knowledgeable on a global scale? Once you evaluate how you’d like to be perceived, you have to take active steps to get there, such as posting content that aligns with your brand or connecting with like-minded professional, both offline and online. Here are some additional tips:

• Utilize similar bios and design on all your online platforms
• Use the same headshot or avatar
• Monitor what people are saying about you (if applicable, always respond)
• Guest blog to establish thought leadership
• Use a consistent language or tone online
• While every situation is different, these tips can definitely be a springboard to a great personal brand, which will likely impress any employer.

There you have it: Four ways to get lucky in your job search. Next week, I’ll suggest some additional ways to bridge the gap between preparation and opportunity. Stay tuned!

What do you think? What are some other ways to get lucky in your job search?

Photo courtesy of Umberto Salvagnin; Flickr