Job Search Communication 101: A View from Both Sides

Here's a friendly suggestion for job seekers, especially fresh graduates and early career professionals with still gaining hands-on experience

I've been on both sides of the interview table:

• Building and hiring teams for my food company, L&J Foods Ltd (made 5 key hires)
• Successfully landing a food R&D role myself (almost on the spot!)

Experiencing both sides of the interview situation taught me something crucial about effective communication during job searches.

Consider this: Someone slides into your inbox looking for a job. You kindly ask them to share BRIEFLY their job preferences and relevant skills or experience. Just so you can understand how you might help.

Their response? A 5-page CV dropped in your inbox with a "Please check this." How would that make you feel?

I'll tell you how it affects me; it's an immediate turn-off. I've had people do this to me more than a few times and I was left somewhat disappointed a bit.

Here's a reality check: in today's fast-paced world, very few people have the time to scroll through a lengthy CV as their first interaction!

A better approach is to answer the specific questions they asked. Provide a concise summary of your response and THEN offer your CV and other details as a reference.

This approach shows you value the other person's time and understand the importance of clear, efficient communication. These seemingly small strategies make a significant difference in how the other person perceives you.

Here are some power tips for you as a young professional in today's world:

📍 Create a Strong Digital Presence:

Build a digital portfolio that complements your CV. Depending on your field, you could do this in many ways.

But one way that probably fits every field is to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Depending on your goals, share relevant content that showcases your expertise at a frequency you're comfortable with. And also engage thoughtfully on industry-related posts. Document your learning journey or projects as you go.

If you're in the software space, github will be a great place for you. A free personal website or even a google doc with key things you've done hosted on your LinkedIn profile can go a long way to give you an upper hand.

📍 Master the Art of Outreach:

Be proactive but not pushy and craft thoughtful, personalized messages. Keep initial communications as crisp and relevant as possible and show respect for people's time and position. Follow up appropriately (once is usually enough). If you don't get a response, you move on to the next opportunity (respect for yourself and your time is crucial).

Remember: Job searching is a strategic process, not a numbers game. Quality of interactions often matters more than quantity.

Here's a call to those who can help: If you're in a position to help someone's job search, please consider:

• Sharing that email address
• Providing that phone contact
• Writing that recommendation
• Making that introduction

Yes, it might take a few minutes of your time, but it could change someone's entire career trajectory and life.

Whether you're seeking opportunities or in a position to create them, know that clear communication and respect for others' time are universally acceptable in the professional world.