Write a Marketing Plan for your Job Search

A well thought out, concise Job Search Marketing Plan (JSMP) is an essential part of your successful job search! It’s a blueprint for your strategy that forces you to focus and direct your job search to ensure that you are covering all methods; keeps you aware of how much work you have to do, and evaluates the quality of your efforts. Your JSMP is a dynamic, action oriented plan that helps you set realistic and meaningful daily, weekly and monthly goals. This plan is critical to your career management and CONDUCTING A PROFESSIONAL JOB SEARCH CAMPAIGN.

Follow these STEPS when you are writing your Job Search Marketing Plan:

1. Define your target market by considering the following….
A) Start with 3 Industries and research 20 companies to target for each industry.
B) Determine who the leaders are for each target company
C) Understand the services / products of each target company
D) Define the Size of your Target Company; Annual revenue and profitability, Number of Employees and Customers served.
E) Define your Preferred Geographic Locations
F) Research competitors of each target company

2. Communicate your job function in relation to your “Highest and Best Use” to an organization. Think about what your value proposition is to them….not
what’s in it for you.

3. Research people and companies on LinkedIn to get inside knowledge and referrals to your targets.

4. Compare your skills, experience, education and background to the profiles of people with similar function and experience to see if your
background supports the positions you are interested in.


6. Compile your networking list of contacts to reach out and tell your story and job search strategy.

7. Develop a list of 50 executive search firms that specialize in your area of expertise and CALL THE RECRUITERS ON THE PHONE to INTRODUCE YOURSELF

8. Organize your direct mail plans to specific company leaders and executives.

9. Tailor your cover letters, resume, LinkedIn profile and other marketing pieces.

10. Secure FIRST interviews through people and relationships (NOT JOB POSTINGS)

11. Document the results by keeping track of ALL your job search related activity and rank each opportunity on a scale of 1-10 (10 = High)

12. Follow-up…Follow-up…Follow-up…Follow up!

You have to think of yourself almost like a product you are selling to a prospective buyer – the HIRING AUTHORITY. If you were selling a product, you would identify “who” would be most likely to purchase your product. Job Searches are difficult because you feel you have to “sell yourself.” Don’t over-sell or you will be perceived as anxious, needy or desperate? Market yourself by describing your past achievements and accomplishments. You must do that same type of methodical planning when you write the marketing plan for your job search. Compiling this Job Search Marketing Plan will drastically REDUCE the time it will take you to find your next career opportunity!

Mark James, CPC is the founding president, executive recruiter and career management coach with Hire Consulting Services. Established in 1999, HCS provides valuable services that optimize the fit between people and companies. HCS specializes in Executive Search and Career Transition Coaching for middle to senior level executives and professionals in multiple disciplines and industries.

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