Are you a passive job seeker? You are, if you are someone currently working and feeling OK or comfortable in your current position, but would be willing to listen and talk to someone about an open position. As a comparison, an active Job Seeker is someone who is expending effort and attention to their search in a current attempt to find new employment. Active Job Seekers are doing some combination of completing applications, contacting agencies, reviewing websites, and buying newspapers in order to immediately find a new job.
You may hear or read a lot about all the techniques that an Active Job Seeker should consider or do, to improve their chance of landing a new position. It may be easy to assume that there is little that a passive Job Seeker can or should do (perhaps just wait by the phone or computer for the contacts to be made). The reality is that there are some easy and quick items that a passive Job Seeker can do to improve their opportunities and status.
Companies love to pursue passive Job Seekers, either through an external Recruiter or directly themselves. There is a perception for an employer that they are obtaining a talent that they otherwise would not be able to hire, perhaps even “stealing” someone from a competitor.
Let’s examine what you can to do as a passive Job Seeker:
• Be OK with the Role – You may be fine with your current job and feel loyalty toward your employer. If these feelings will prevent you from making a move then excuse yourself from the market and any contact you may receive. But, if you are open to listening to what a Recruiter and/or Hiring Manager have to say then you may find yourself with an opportunity that will provide a terrific jump start to your career. An important point to keep in mind is that an employer has an obligation to do what is right for the company, so why not have the same mindset and concentrate on what is best for you?
• Be in the Market – In order for Recruiters to reach you, they have to know about you. So, even a passive Job Seeker has to do a few things, such as maintaining contact with individuals in your field, or posting on networking site like LinkedIn (and keeping your profile current). A passive Job Seeker can also post their resume on a jobs website such as www.wnyjobs.com. This allows your resume to be “out there” without having to work the weekly job postings. You can also easily pick up a copy of the weekly paper WNYJOBS since it is FREE and available in so many convenient locations.
• Make it Easy for the Recruiter – Wherever you post, make sure you stress your accomplishments, value, and knowledge. This will allow the Recruiter, who is reading your online profile or resume, to easily identify you as a potential candidate. Don’t distract your professional online profile with personal items.
• Be Accessible – A Recruiter has only so much time to spend on a passive Job Seeker even if the person comes highly recommended and looks great on paper. Return phone calls (even if you are not interested, since it may lead to something in the future), or check your e-mail on a regular basis.
• Be a Strong Performer – Typically, individuals who do the minimum (or are just “ok” in their job) don’t generate much interest or catch the eyes of others. When you are really fantastic in your current job, is when word starts spreading and people from inside and outside the company become interested.
• Know What You Want – Understand, ahead of time, what it will take to have you leave your current position. Is it more money, a particular benefit, a specific title, or a different opportunity to grow your career? Whatever the reason, it is important to be clear with your needs, so that you can have a productive conversation with the Recruiter to determine if there is a mutual interest level. Remember, if you will settle for less and are not willing to wait for what you want, you really should be an active Job Seeker.
A passive Job Seeker has generally placed themselves in the position to stimulate interest with a prospective employer. Review the items above and determine what works best for you. One last point, don’t forget to also participate in the process by sharing with others when positions are open and when you know someone who might be a good fit for a job.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
