If you go shopping, don't you need to know what you are looking for in order to find it? So how can you find a job if you don't know what kind of job you are looking for or where to look? Here are 3 ways to be more focused in your search:
1) Don't try and be all things to all people. It is not a good strategy. Be what the company is looking for.
2) Be a solution to the companies goals, period. Each one of us comes with a history and experiences, most of them are not important to your next employer.
3) Know your strengths and know where they fit in the marketplace. This will require talking with people and educating yourself (using Onet).
Try to develop a list of 40+ companies that you would want to work for and that have a need for what you do. (These companies are not necessarily hiring at the moment and that doesn't matter).
Now you have 40 specific targets. This will provide you with focus. Rather than blindly networking or asking about jobs, you can seek information about these companies.
This will also help your network focus better as well.
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
