Workplace strategy, talent planning, talent acquisition and talent strategy are buzzwords that human-resources professionals and recruiters have been using with their clients for years. Employers are increasingly focused on attracting and aligning workers with their organization's work environment to enable peak performance.

With unemployment in Colorado at an epic low, it is not hard to understand why such strategies are important. But paradoxically, it can be hard to get hired.

Don't get me wrong, there are lots of jobs out there. But the finding and the getting are hard. Despite all these rosy statistics, I encounter dozens of people every day who cannot seem to find the right job. Now of course there are qualifiers to this premise, but from where I sit, there is a huge ongoing need – yes, even in this low unemployment environment - for individuals to consider how they "go to market" when looking for work. Job seekers, not just employers, need a talent strategy.

Below are a few examples of the most common type of job seekers I encounter and some advice I typically offer to help those individuals make progress. Perhaps you will find yourself in one of these stories and find some value in my insight.


“My job is OK, but I'm not that excited about it”

You want something different, or better; you feel undervalued, or underpaid. But you have no idea where to turn or how to get started.

This defines the way a great many people feel, and the obvious first step is to work with your boss or HR to see if you can find a more fulfilling situation where you are … remember, the grass is often not greener.

But let's assume you've done that already and have made the decision to leave. Don't be rash, take your time and craft a strategy. Really spend some time networking, reaching out to others in your chosen field, or others who have left your company, to get a sense of what some common next steps might be. Figure out what interests you, and what you uniquely offer to an employer.

Focus on the aspects of your job that you really like (maybe the 20 percent), and then figure out how to do more of what you like (make it 80 percent) and less of what you don't. Of course, you will want to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are updated.

There is nothing worse for a hiring manager or a recruiter than to interview someone who doesn't know what they want to do – it's a huge waste of time for everyone. That's what informational interviews and networking are for. Get some direction, and then start your search.

“I've been out of the workforce so long – what can I do?”

You had a robust career five, 10, 20 years ago, but left the workforce to care for children, parents, or to make a move with your spouse. Now you feel like you could never be competitive because your skills are no longer relevant, or that you aren't technically savvy enough.

The first thing I do with these people is give them a pep talk. Prior professional experiences and the skill sets you have used to raise a family, take care of a household and volunteer are all relevant. This doesn't mean that you won't have to augment with some courses or online work, or that it will be easy, but being a coffee barista is not your only option. Start by evaluating what you've done, all your “unpaid” work and skills used, and try to quantify as much as possible.

Think about where your previous career and your volunteer work might intersect. Networking is critical and will help you formulate ideas about the how and the what. Hone those ideas by getting feedback from friends and family, and then start communicating those ideas by creating or updating your social media (especially LinkedIn), your resume, and perhaps even a bio. Attend professional events, build your network, and tailor your messaging as you learn more and meet people.

“I have my degree, now what?”

You didn't participate in campus recruiting because you didn't know what you wanted to do, or didn't have time. Now maybe you're back home and not sure where to go, but got a job in a restaurant or the mall until "you figure it out."

My advice? First, develop real-world skills. Pursue an internship in a field that interests you. This might not be paid, which means maybe working nights or weekends in other jobs to help finance those endeavors.

Second, tap your network of friends and family to help you make connections and act as resources. Work on your resume, develop a Linked In profile, clean up your social media and practice interviewing with your parents' friends.

Know that it is highly unlikely that you will land the "perfect job," so instead focus on getting as much experience as possible, perhaps something that will give you some exposure to management or to others in the industry. Don't expect the world out of your first job, but do expect some training and some feedback, in return for hard work.

So no matter what stage of life and career you are in, take the time to develop your "go to market" strategy before you start your search. I promise if you do, the process will be a whole lot more pleasant and positive.