A Simple Strategy for Identifying the Right Opportunities
Many job seekers spend most of their time searching job boards and submitting applications.
A marketing plan helps you take a more strategic approach.
Instead of chasing every opportunity, you identify the organizations, roles, and environments where your experience, strengths, and interests are most likely to align.
A marketing plan becomes the foundation for your networking conversations, job search strategy, and career transition plan.
Watch the workshop
Before completing your marketing plan, watch the workshop video below.
Why create a Marketing Plan?
Successful businesses don't market to everyone.
They identify their target audience, understand the value they provide, and focus their efforts where they can create the greatest impact.
Your job search should be no different.
A Job Search Marketing Plan helps you:
- Clarify what you are seeking
- Identify organizations that fit your goals
- Focus your networking efforts
- Communicate your value more effectively
- Create a more intentional job search
Step 1: Define Your Target
Before you begin networking or applying for jobs, identify what you are truly pursuing.
Consider:
- What roles interest you?
- What industries fit your experience and interests?
- What type of company culture helps you thrive?
- What geographic limitations do you have?
- What compensation range do you need?
The more clearly you define your target, the easier it becomes for others to help you.
Step 2: Define Your Value
Employers hire people because they solve problems, create results, and help organizations achieve their goals.
Ask yourself:
- What are my greatest strengths?
- What skills do I enjoy using?
- What accomplishments am I most proud of?
- What challenges have I helped organizations overcome?
- What value do I consistently bring to a team or organization?
Simple Formula:
I help _______________________________
achieve ___________________________
through ______________________________
Need Help Defining Your Value?
Many job seekers find it difficult to clearly articulate their value.
The following resources can help:
Personal Brand Statement
Learn how to summarize who you are, what you do, and the value you bring.
CAR Statements (Challenge, Action, Result)
Learn how to tell accomplishment stories that demonstrate your impact and results.
Step 3: Build Your Target Company List
One of the most effective job search strategies is identifying organizations before they have an opening posted.
Rather than searching for jobs first, search for companies first.
Ask yourself:
- Which organizations align with my values?
- Where would I genuinely enjoy working?
- Which companies need my skills and experience?
- Which organizations have cultures where I would thrive?
Start building a list of target organizations that fit your goals.
Step 4: Prepare for Networking
Your marketing plan should become a networking tool.
For each target company, identify:
- Who do I know?
- Who works there?
- Who might introduce me?
- What would I like to learn?
- How might I add value?
Networking often opens doors long before positions are posted publicly.
Download the Marketing Plan Worksheet
Use the worksheet below to create your personal marketing plan.
A Faith Perspective
A marketing plan is not about selling yourself.
It is about understanding how God has uniquely designed you and identifying organizations where your gifts, experience, and calling can create value and make an impact.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. -Proverbs 16:3
Need More Help?
Attend a Job Seekers Network meeting and connect with coaches, guides, and other job seekers who can help you refine your marketing plan and move your search forward.
