Passive Job Seekers Get the Best Jobs!

There are two kinds of candidates out there: those actively looking for jobs, and those who aren't actively looking ("passive candidates"). Typically, it is this second group, contain the real talent gems, since these are the workers who are too happy or too valuable or too successful to be looking for a new job. This group contains the 'best and brightest' talent that will propel your organization to new heights of achievement.

We know why recruiters like passive job seekers, but why should a happy employee keep their ear to the ground for new opportunities? Well a few reasons but 2 stand out. 1)Things could change at your current company (management change, merger, acquisition, boss leaves, reorganization, etc) AND 2)you don't know what's out there if you have shut the door to the idea of something new.

I actually fell into the 2nd scenario. Completely content and secure in my job with no thoughts of change, until a very persuasive person convinced me to have an "informational" conversation with my current company and now here I am. Happier than I have been in any other role with diverse responsibility and lots of opportunity for growth.

So, how does one become a "passive" job seeker? Here are a few tips.

Build an online presence:
Buy Your Domain Name and Establish a Basic Website or Blog. Be sure to keep your website/blog up to date and relevant. Include your value proposition, a copy of your resume and some samples of your best work. Publish additional content (articles, video and audio clips, photographs, and the like) that demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your field. Once you have built a site or blog, include a link on everything you send out.
 
Create a LinkedIn Profile:
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com is by far the best way to get your information out there. Be sure to keep your profile up to date with as much professional information as possible. Include your email address if you would like to be easily contacted and/or change your security settings to allow direct messages. Link with professionals in industries of interest. Remember, this is a professional site so use a professional picture and think through your language. Recruiters typically search LinkedIn by keywords. Think about some of the keywords and phrases that employers in your field use to search for someone with your job -- and for someone who has the job that you seek? In other words, your goal is to uncover the qualities and qualifications that recruiters and hiring managers might use to search for qualified candidates. Keywords can include job titles, company names, specific skill sets, industry buzzwords and jargon, certification names, software titles, and the like.
 
Say "yes" to informational conversations:
If another employer reaches out to you, do some research on the company and have an informational conversation. Regardless of if you are going to honestly consider the opportunity, this is a good chance to network with others in your industry and build relationships. Also, this is an opportunity to get some insight on what is going on with the competition. Take the free lunch/drinks and get what you want out of the conversation!