According to Judith Humphrey, author of the book "The Job Seeker's Script" and a contributor to Fast Company, there are several important aspects to consider when embarking on a job search. The first step is to focus your search and apply only for jobs that align with your interests and goals. Randomly applying for a large number of jobs can lead to frustration and being ghosted by employers.
Humphrey suggests that job seekers ask themselves six questions to make their job hunt more productive:
1. Am I prepared to invest time?
2. What are my skills and interests?
3. Do I want a new direction?
4. What kind of culture do I want to work in?
5. What size company do I want?
6. Will I be able to succeed there?
To guide job seekers through the entire process, Humphrey recommends following the "HIRE" template. HIRE stands for:
- H: Hook your audience.
- I: Inspire.
- R: Reinforce your message with reasons and examples.
- E: End with engagement and a call to action.
Humphrey emphasizes that the HIRE approach can be applied to various forms of communication, including cover letters, resumes, interviews, thank-you notes, and networking. She discourages skipping or outsourcing tasks like writing a cover letter or thank you note because they offer an opportunity to showcase your communication skills and understanding of the hiring company and job. In fact, 83% of recruiters and hiring managers consider cover letters important.