Take Control of Your Career: Insights on Proactive Job Searching

Key Insights for Career Advancement

• Key findings from Minova's #OpenToWork survey
• How to transition from a passive approach to actively managing your career
• Balancing aspirational goals with the practical realities of the job market

Everyone seems to have an opinion about the job market.

Whether you're currently unemployed, aiming for a steady career progression, or considering a change after many years with the same company, advice is readily available, but it's not always supported by solid data.

What if you could ignore the noise and base your job search on reliable information?

Minova's comprehensive survey cuts through the speculation to reveal the actual impact of LinkedIn's #OpenToWork feature on your job search.

The results might surprise you and challenge what you and others have thought about using the green banner to signal your job-seeking status.

The idea that job seekers are at the mercy of misconceptions and unqualified advice is outdated. Instead, consider a new perspective: You are in control of your career. With the right strategy, you can guide your professional narrative toward the opportunities you desire and deserve.

#OpenToWork Survey Results and Realities for Job Seekers

The green #OpenToWork banner on LinkedIn, which indicates a job seeker's availability and interest in new opportunities, often sparks questions and varied opinions about its effectiveness.

Key Findings from Minova's #OpenToWork Survey

A recent Minova survey, which gathered responses from recruiters and hiring managers, reveals the truth and challenges common misconceptions. As one hiring professional stated:

"If a job seeker is actively looking for employment, they should definitely use the green banner designed to show they are actively seeking employment. I prioritize my talent searches by filtering for 'OpenToWork' first."

• 91% of hiring professionals do not see the #OpenToWork banner as a negative.
• Recruiters, hiring managers, and anyone responsible for finding qualified candidates benefit from using the open-to-work status as a search parameter. One recruiter noted: "It's a useful tool, and I'm genuinely puzzled by any recruiter who doesn't use it to their advantage. Our goal is to fill positions, so why create obstacles to finding potential candidates?"
• 72% of hiring professionals surveyed have hired candidates who had an #OpenToWork banner.
• When searching for candidates who are ready and willing to explore new opportunities, the banner helps them get found quickly and easily. According to one experienced hiring professional: "#OpenToWork is the best way to signal to potential employers that you are available, increasing the chances that they will reach out to start a conversation."
• 69% of hiring professionals view the banner and consider, "Do I have a job that would be a good fit for them?"
• Only 18% of those surveyed remain neutral on whether the banner is a positive or negative addition to a job search.

The Reality of Using #OpenToWork

So, what do these insights suggest? Simply put, people are likely not as concerned about the green banner as you might think.

The findings from Minova's survey indicate that job seekers might overestimate the negative perceptions that hiring professionals have of the #OpenToWork banner, if they even consider it at all. One hiring professional shared:

"There is nothing shameful or desperate about being an active job seeker. Speaking as someone just over 40, I challenge anyone to consider whether they or someone they know has ever been laid off, faced with a career change, or just started out after graduation. I would be very surprised if anyone hasn't experienced one of these situations, especially after the past few years."

This realization allows for a significant shift in perspective, not just in strategy but also in mindset: from being overly concerned about how others perceive you to embracing a proactive approach.

It's a transition from passively searching for jobs to actively seeking opportunities and being open to new possibilities.

Reframing #OpenToWork: A Symbol of Readiness and Enthusiasm

What if we viewed #OpenToWork as more than just an alert that you're available?

By seeing it as a proactive declaration of your readiness and enthusiasm for new opportunities, you gain greater control over your job search, transforming a passive tool into an active asset.

Digital Marketing Manager and Creative Strategist Michael Cook took control of his online presence when it comes to being open to opportunities.

Tired of the debate on what should be an effective tool, he swapped his green banner for a blue one—making it his and taking a proactive approach to owning his readiness for new possibilities.

Marketing Strategist and Client Relations Manager Gabriella Burst was also ready to take back control over the green banner debate. Gabrielle says:"In the world of job searching, where often it can feel like you're just another face in the crowd, it can feel full of despair, but a simple shift in color can spark a beacon of hope. Changing my #OpenToWork banner from green to pink wasn't just about standing out; it was about being innovative, challenging the norm, and embracing the possibility that even the smallest changes can lead to new opportunities. I don't want to underestimate the power of creativity, joy, and hope in my journey."‍‍

From Passive to Proactive Career Empowerment

Changing your job search approach from passively waiting to actively seeking opportunities can significantly impact your career progression.

Think of it as a mindset makeover.

Instead of worrying about what others think of the green banner, this shift involves moving from a reactive position, where you simply respond to job postings or wait for recruiters to contact you, to a proactive one, where you take the initiative.

Playing to Win

What does it mean to adopt a "play to win" attitude in your career?

It means more than just avoiding losses or maintaining the status quo. It involves actively pursuing growth, learning new skills, studying industry trends, expanding your professional network, and applying for roles that might seem like a stretch. If you meet at least 70% of the job requirements, you are qualified to apply.

Consider this: In most games, players who play not to lose often adopt a defensive strategy, focusing on avoiding mistakes and preserving what they have. On the other hand, players who play to win are proactive, seeking possibilities and opportunities, and are not afraid to step outside their comfort zone.

Applying this to your career, "playing to win" means:

• Not waiting for burnout or a layoff to pursue your goals
• Actively seeking career advancement and new job opportunities
• Reaching out to connections in your industry
• Building a strong network
• Forming and nurturing positive, mutually beneficial relationships
• Posting on LinkedIn
• Creating targeted applications
• Contacting your dream companies, even if they aren't advertising the role you want
• Using a green banner to signal that you're ready and excited to work

Taking Control: You Control Your Career

You are in charge of your professional journey.

In a competitive and unstable market, this might sound unrealistic, but it's not about entitlement; it's about taking charge of your career.

It's not just about your job performance or how managers assess your career; it's about you controlling what happens next, even if you don't currently have a job.

Your power comes from understanding that you have the ability, knowledge, skills, determination, and resourcefulness to make choices and take actions that lead you to the career you envision.

You deserve the career you want.

How to Proactively Steer Your Career

Adopting proactive career and job search strategies can significantly change your outcomes, but it requires effort.

Here are some ways to take a proactive approach to your career:

• Set Realistic Goals: Start by identifying what you want. What does career success mean to you personally? A higher position? A specific company? A new industry? More money? Understand your underlying motivations and take a work styles assessment to determine what drains you and what energizes you. Clarify your goals to give your job search direction at every stage of your career.
• Create a Strategic Plan: Once you've set your goals, develop a job search plan. Depending on where you are in your career, this might involve upskilling, professional development courses, reaching out to connections, asking difficult questions, targeting specific roles, and expanding your professional network.
• Focus on Career Development: If there's a gap between your current skillset and what you need to achieve your goals, take steps to bridge that gap. Whether through free online courses, industry certifications, or workshops, taking a proactive stance on career empowerment means putting in the effort to get where you need to be.
• Expand Your Network: Your network can lead to unadvertised opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with peers, employees, and mentors on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Engage Actively on LinkedIn: Go beyond simply posting your own thoughts. Actively engage with content, share genuine insights, and establish your professional brand. This increases your visibility to potential employers and helps establish you as an expert in your field.
• Pitch Proactively: Don't wait for the perfect job listing. Instead, present yourself as the solution to a company's problem. If there's a company you admire, reach out to them, express your interest, and explain how you can contribute to their team, even if they aren't currently advertising the role you want.
• Use #OpenToWork as Part of a Holistic Strategy: Don't just add the banner to your profile. Use it intentionally, and combine it with proactive networking and job-seeking activities. #OpenToWork is one tool in your overall job search toolkit, not the entire strategy.

The Outcome of a Proactive Approach

When you take a proactive approach, you don't just wait for opportunities; you actively create them. This often leads to discovering paths you hadn't considered, learning new skills, and ultimately, finding a role that aligns with your career aspirations and values.

It's about navigating your career path with intention and confidence.

The decisions you make and the actions you take have a powerful impact on where you end up. Embrace this control.

Idealism vs. Practical Realities in Job-Seeking

While adopting a proactive and empowered approach is important, it's also necessary to recognize the balance between aspirational goals and the practical realities of the job market.

As much as we try to control our career paths, external factors such as the economy, industry trends, and unforeseen personal circumstances can influence job search outcomes.

Acknowledging this balance helps in setting realistic expectations and creating manageable strategies.

So, what aspects are within your control at all times?

• Skill Development: Continuously improving and updating your skills is within your control. Whether it's through online courses, workshops, or self-study, enhancing your skillset makes you a more competitive candidate.
• Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships can lead to opportunities that might not be publicly advertised. Engaging on platforms like LinkedIn, attending virtual events, and reaching out to connections can significantly impact your job search.
• Tailoring Applications: Customizing your resume and cover letter for each job application is essential. Highlighting how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the job demonstrates your genuine interest and suitability for the role. The purpose of your resume is to showcase how the top 10% of your skills and experience align with a job's requirements.
• Mindset and Attitude: Maintaining a positive outlook, resilience, and openness to different opportunities is key. While you can't control every aspect of the job search process, your mindset is your own and can influence how you respond to challenges.
• Proactive Job Searching: Rather than passively waiting for opportunities, actively seeking out and applying for jobs, reaching out to potential employers, and showcasing your skills and experience can lead to more opportunities.

Dreaming big and aiming high is part of growing in your career, but it's also vital to stay grounded in reality.

Understanding and accepting the limitations of what you can control allows you to focus your efforts more effectively and reduces the frustration that can arise from unrealistic expectations.

By balancing a proactive, empowered approach with a realistic understanding of today's market, you can navigate your job search and career development more effectively and with greater resilience.

Effort Behind Opportunity: It Takes Work to Get Work

In addition to the things you can control, landing a job requires effort. There's no magic solution in job searching or career advancement. It demands dedication, strategy, and consistent effort.

To make your job search more effective:

• Get Clear on What You Want: Follow the steps above to take a proactive approach to your entire career.
• Target Your Applications: Rather than applying to every job, focus on opportunities that align with your skills and career goals.
• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
• Improve Your Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete. An optimized LinkedIn profile will showcase your professional achievements and aspirations.
• Network Actively: Build and maintain connections that could lead to job opportunities. Networking is about more than just asking for a job; it's about building relationships.

If it takes work to get work, streamlining your approach can help you save time on tasks like tailoring your resume, managing your applications, and improving your LinkedIn profile.

With Minova, you can manage your entire resume and job search from one central location.

Empower your career with Minova's suite of job search and resume tools.

Redefine Career Empowerment with Minova

Embracing a proactive approach (and reframing what it means to be #OpenToWork) are powerful steps in career empowerment.

Having the right tools and guidance is crucial for navigating this journey. This is where Minova becomes your partner every step of the way. As a comprehensive job search and resume platform, Minova can be your ally at every career stage.

With Minova’s suite of tools, you can:

• Streamline your job search process
• Create standout resumes
• Access valuable resources for career development and growth

Whether you’re just starting out, looking to advance in your current field, or considering a complete career change, Minova meets you where you are by transforming how you approach your career goals, ensuring that you’re open to and excited to work, fully prepared, and actively pursuing positions that align with your aspirations and skills.

Embrace the proactive path, redefine what being open to work means for you, and let Minova guide you toward career success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key strategies for achieving career empowerment according to Minova's #OpentoWork survey?

Minova's #OpentoWork survey highlights the importance of proactive career management, including setting clear goals, networking effectively, and continuously developing skills. It suggests that individuals should regularly assess their career paths, seek feedback, and be open to new opportunities to maintain control over their professional growth.

How can someone proactively approach their career development to feel more empowered?

Proactively approaching career development involves self-assessment to understand personal strengths and areas for improvement, staying informed about industry trends, and creating a career plan with actionable steps. It also means building a professional network, seeking mentorship, and embracing lifelong learning to adapt to changing job market demands.

What insights did Minova's #OpentoWork survey reveal about the impact of networking on career empowerment?

The survey revealed that networking plays a crucial role in career empowerment by opening doors to new opportunities, providing industry insights, and offering support during job transitions. It emphasizes the value of building and maintaining relationships, being active in professional communities, and leveraging social platforms to enhance visibility and connect with potential employers or collaborators.