What to do when you’re searching for a new job and you’ve run out of leads

leads, job search, Tracy Short & Co.jpg

Photo by Nicole Wolf on Unsplash

Running out of leads during a job search is inevitable – it happens to everyone.

In the early days of your search, you felt motivated and excited about a fresh new start, but as time passes, the last thing you need is additional pressure and stress.

The most frustrating part is that you know there are jobs somewhere!

In this post, I’ve reverse-engineered the research method I use to find candidates in a system that you can use to find a job.

It’s a simple method that will put you back in control and get you fast results.

Let’s get practical

You need a clear head and fresh energy for this, so first things first: take the dog for a walk, visit a friend, go for a run—whatever takes you away from the problem (physically and mentally).

 

Back to basics

It’s a good idea to revisit your CV and LinkedIn profile to ensure they aren’t letting you down.

 

Refresh your CV

Is it working for you?

Is it starting conversations and opening doors?

Are you confident it matches your level and represents your experience?

What feedback have you had about it recently?

 

Sometimes, it only takes a few minor ‘tweaks’ to sharpen it up and make a big difference.

LinkedIn

Give your LinkedIn profile a tidy-up. Ensure you’re happy with the headline and what you’ve written in the ‘About’ section.

  

How are you using your LinkedIn profile?

Some people are still using it as a digital CV when it’s capable of a lot more.

Use LinkedIn to stay in touch with your connections and stay front of mind with recruiters.

Share your expertise, knowledge, and opinions, and remember to engage with content on the newsfeed to boost your visibility.

 

Now it’s time to look at your search.

Review your search so far

 

When I worked in executive search, the recruitment process's first stage was research. This meant identifying targeting companies, potential candidates and trusted contacts for recommendations. Throughout the search, I’d stay on top of the research, changing course where necessary, to ensure I got closer to the ideal candidate.

 

You need to take the same approach for your job search. If it’s not working, get ruthless and be creative. Review the meetings and conversations you've had up until now to see if you’ve missed a trick. Do any new angles appear?

 

Map out your search

If you’re anything like me you’ll have information all over the place – in your head, on Google calendar, and dog-eared Post-it notes. But that’s not going to work in this situation because you’ll need all your data together so you can work out your next steps.

 

For this detective work, use an Excel spreadsheet:

  • Set up a five-column spreadsheet with the following headers: company, contact name, contact details, notes and status.

  • List your leads, meetings, interviews, virtual coffees, phone calls, and LinkedIn messages under each relevant heading.

Once it’s all in one document, go through your research with a fine toothcomb. Can you see any gaps (such as relevant companies that you’ve overlooked or contacts who could help)?

Can you spot opportunities? Invariably there will be someone you can go back to, a door that’s still open, a role that went on hold, something you’ve overlooked.

 

Refresh your wish list

 

Review your target list of companies and refine it based on your knowledge of the market, expertise, experience and values.

Then look for connections on LinkedIn who may be able to help with an introduction to those companies. Add those people to your hit list.

 

Boost your list 

 
Who else in your network could help you?

  • Previous colleagues and bosses

  • Recruiters that you’ve worked with previously

  • Industry contacts

  • Clients and suppliers

  • Include your 'well-wishers' and personal contacts

 

Create your hit list

 

Add these additional names and companies to your spreadsheet and decide who to contact and how.

Now you have a new hit list to work with.

 

Reach out

Get in touch with a personalised note. Or if you have a phone number – make a call!

Summary

To summarise, if you’re running out of leads and need to reboot and refocus a job search:

  1. Get back to basics – refresh your CV and LinkedIn profile first

  2. Review your search so far

  3. Map out your job search

  4. Revisit your wish list

  5. Boost your list

  6. Create a new hit list

  7. Get in touch – reach out!

This is a rinse-and-repeat method

Use it when you’ve lost your mojo or need a change of direction or a rethink.

 

How to get headhunted

Wouldn’t it be great if instead of looking for a job, you had recruiters coming to you?

If you haven’t already downloaded my free guide, ‘How to get headhunted,’ sign up here.

The guide is based on my ‘insider’ experience as an executive search headhunter and the traits and behaviours of successful candidates.

Use it as a checklist to boost your professional profile and stay front of mind for those juicy roles.

Here’s the link again.

Other blogs:

How to write a CV

LinkedIn micro-tips for your career

 

ABOUT ME

I’m Tracy, a Career Consultant and former Executive Headhunter. Through 1:1 coaching, I help senior executives and leaders land great jobs and be successful at work.

I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.

If you’re ready for straight talk and career guidance, get in touch – let's start the conversation.

 

And don’t forget to sign up to The Insider – behind the scenes of your executive career for my 'insider' tips and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.