5 Job Search Strategies You Havent Tried Before

5 Job Search Strategies You Havent Tried Before As anexecutive leadership coach, I strongly believe that women can be most powerful when their work is aligned with their values.Too many women try to fit themselves into a mold Am I qualified for that job?NO You should be asking, What makes me come alive? and then setting out to find that job.If it doesnt exist, create it.You are elend stuck. You are a powerful beacon of light that shines more brightly when surrounded by other beacons. The sooner you learn that you have the right to unleash your potential in all aspects of your life, the happier you will be in your life.The perfect jobfor youmust allow you to do the following1. Use the skills you already haveWhat are you outstanding at? Spend at least 5 minutes free writing an answer to this question without stopping. Include jobs, hobbies, volunteering anything you have spent time doing, enjoyed, and were at least marginally good at.Dont censor yourself. Think expansively include an ything and everything.2. Learn the skills you dont yet have but wantName 3 people you have worked with whom you respect.What do they do that you admire? This might include the actual job tasks, the way they conduct themselves, or something else that sticks out to you. Their positions can be anywhere in the company.3. Identify an organizational culture that aligns with your value systemWhat do you value? When making decisions, what must remain true for you to feel good about your choices?Fill in the table below. Think big picture all the way down to how you want to spend your day-to-day.What do youneedout of a job? (must have).What do youwantout of a job? (nice to have)Benefits/PerksMust haveNice to haveSalaryBenefits (health, dental, tuition reimbursement, gym reimbursement, professional development opportunities)Culture (values alignment, happy hours, start-up feel, all hands on deck, clearly defined individual responsibilities, logical hierarchy, matrixed relationships, overlappin g teams)Location (commute, type of building, individual bros, shared space, desks, bean bags, standing desks, couches, work from home, work from cafe)Work Style (flexible hours, clear schedule with set end time, flexible location, office space)4. Build your strategic networkThe big question great, now how do you get this dream job?List 5 people in your strategic network you can reach out to and discuss your career and growth. Scour Facebook, LinkedIn, and any otherloose connections you may have.Your strategic network means people one step removed from your actual friends think acquaintances and colleagues. Get creative. Are you in a social sports/running club, professional network, karaoke league, or anotlageher group that connects you with people you may not otherwise encounter?Commit to finding outwho you knowin your industry or desired industry. Do some research, ask if you can buy them coffee or a drink, and conduct a 15-minuteinformational interview. Make sure you respect thei r time and keep it to exactly how long you agreed to meet for.5. Meet your financial goalsWhat is your bottom line minimum necessarysalary? Calculate your expenses using a website likeMintor a basic expense calculator in Excel.Know what number you absolutely cannot go below to survive. Now dream bigger. Think about vacations, hobbies, retirement savings, vehicles, experiences, clothes, shoes, and anything else you want. Factor those into your salary needs.Also consider the frustratingly true fact that even when women ask for raises on par with men, theyreceive them less. Money is energy it fuels our ability to do the work. So remember that when an employer is interviewing you, it is becauseyouhave somethingtheyneed, and act accordingly. Youve got this, girlMore MotivationMy coaching practice helps women assess their personal values by guiding women as they identify and destroy roadblocks that are limiting their success. As a coach, I work with clients to collaboratively develop str ategies so women can achieve their newly defined vision for their success.We do not allow others to dictate our behaviors, choices, or desires, especially when it comes to our careers. We do not settle for less than our worth. I am going to share with you for free the secrets I have learned over the years to finding the best job fit foryouand making it a reality.You are not a beggar. You are educated, experienced, and enthusiastic.An employer who wants you knows that you bring more to the table than they do. They have money, benefits, and resources. You have a particular skill set, drive, and ability to learn that they need.You are not powerless in the job search. As soon as you think that, it becomes true. An interview is like dating when youre inexperienced, you think I hope they like me. When you become more experienced, you realize its about hoping you are both mutually a good fit for each other. Eventually, you realize you owe it to yourself to assess that fit up front and cut ties early if it is not working.The job search system favors employers because it was built by them. They get flooded with resumes and dont have to do any work.Meanwhile, you spend hours upon hours sending out perfectly crafted emails and cover letters that never get read. Dont get stuck thinking about job titles and what already exists let your mind reach for the biggest, grandest, craziest idea you can think of, and work backward from there to something realistic andmeaningfulfor you.--Jenny is the founder ofForward in Heels Executive Coaching, which empowers badass women who want to excel at what they do, stand tall, and own their worth so they can light up the world. As a licensed psychotherapist as well as certified executive leadership coach, Jenny has been helping women make bold, lasting changes in their lives for over a decade.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer