The advertising rule of 7 suggests that it takes seven exposures before a consumer will purchase a product. Can you apply this concept to your search? I think so, but only knowing it could very well take more than 7 exposures to get that new job or promotional role you seek.
I frequently hear how disappointed candidates are when they send a resume and hear nothing back. They think that's all it takes to get an interview, despite the fact they've been told that in today’s market a lot more effort needs to happen. A good start is to pick up the phone and follow up on your resume submission the same week. Similarly, when someone is overlooked for a promotion, they wonder why. When asked how they positioned themselves for the promotion and how they pursued it, there may be little evidence of anything more than responding to an internal posting. In that case, do they really need to wonder?
Don't keep wondering or finding yourself in a state of disappointment. The tip this week is to consider the rule of 7 as the minimum number of times you and your professional credentials must show up as hiring managers, and their teams, search to fill a role. For your search, these are 7 key touch points/exposures:
- A referred introduction
- Your resume submission
- Follow up call(s) to ensure your resume was received, and ask if it is being considered
- Networking (not just online, do it in-person too)
- Send a thank you letter after interviewing
- Make follow up calls after an interview to inquire about next steps
- Submit your recommendations (when asked, or if you are a strong match, perhaps proactively)
If you are not yet getting the traction or the results anticipated in your search, keep trying! But, focus on matching your activities to the list above, ensuring a minimum of 7 exposures throughout the process.
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