As regular readers of "Your Career Advocate" know, I sometimes feature the writing of others in this space. I thought this piece by Amy Dinning would be an ideal selection, because many clients have recently been asking, "What, exactly, should I be doing to maximize my job search efforts?" Amy has offered so many excellent strategies, that we needed to divide her article into two parts. Below, please see Part Two of "Tips for a Successful Job Search."
– Ford R. Myers
* When you are asking to have informational meetings, ask about the other person's career and solicit their guidance. People love to give advice and to talk about themselves.
* For your Target Company List, research the companies that you'd like to have interviews with. A good resource is http://www.referenceusa.com.
* Use time management techniques to maximize your efficiency and maintain your productivity.
* Attend webinars and teleseminars – there are MANY free programs you can access on job search and career management.
* Set-up Google Alerts on companies you are interested in, so you can stay informed and e-mail relevant information to contacts in those companies.
* Check-out your college alumni association and career service offices, to see how they can help.
* State and municipal agencies (ex., PA CareerLink) have county offices, and offer free employment services, job leads, etc.
* Look into your local Chamber of Commerce and the Public Library to see what events and resources they have that might benefit you.
* Believe in yourself – remind yourself of your value by reviewing your accomplishments on a daily basis.
* Send thank-you letters to everyone with whom you have substantive contact throughout your search.
* Stay on top of your paperwork and all the details. Use helpful organizational systems to make the process easier.
* Think of yourself as your own "Director of Job Development" and the President of "You, Inc."
* Attend job fairs that are appropriate to your industry and level, to see who is hiring in your region.
* Mix-up the networking events you attend, to ensure that you're meeting different kinds of people.
* Read top career books, and do all the exercises in them. bullet Be highly-focused and never lose sight of your career goals. bullet Look for and attend events that attract professionals from your desired industry or niche.
* Look at your networking campaign as "people search," not just a job search.
* Make use of personal interactions in your "normal, daily life." Don't ignore or avoid anyone – you never know who might be able to help you most.
* Prepare for difficult interview questions and address the interviewer's real concerns.
* At the interview, demonstrate how you are qualified for the position by relating your answers to the company's needs, problems and challenges.
* If you're working as a "temp" or contractor, try to set-up information meetings with people inside the company to see if there are other areas where you might find a position.
* Have your Positioning Statement, work samples, Linked-In recommendations, Letters of Recommendation and all your other supporting documents in a "job-search binder."
* Start the interview by asking, "How may I help you?" or "How may I be of service?"
* Consider working with a professional Career Coach, who can help you take your job search to a whole new level.
* Use a chronological resume whenever possible, and try to avoid the functional resume. Employers and Human Resource Managers tend to NOT like functional resumes.
* Tailor your cover letter to the specific requirements of each job for which you apply.
* When responding to posted opportunities, try to apply directly on the company's website – not through Monster or CareerBuilder, etc.
* Try to get a contact name inside the company to which you are applying, so you can send your information to a "real person."
* Refresh your resume periodically on employment and job-related websites.
* Explore, ask questions, read – and ALWAYS be learning about the job search, career management and your industry.
* Write in a journal to record your progress, your "small successes," and what you're thankful for.
* Focus on what's REALLY important in your life and pursue your "work mission."
* Maintain a positive attitude and remain hopeful, with "positive expectation."
* Take a break from your search to maintain balance in your life and restore your energy. Go to the beach, see a movie, take a long walk, work-out at the gym, read a novel – whatever gives you "temporary escape."
* Be patient, but persistent, throughout your entire search process.
Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Reprinted by permission of Ford R. Myers, a nationally-known Career Expert and author of “Get The Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring.” For information about career services and products, visit www.careerpotential.com and www.fordmyers.com.
Ford R. Myers is President of Career Potential, LLC. Since 1992, he has been providing professional services in career consulting and executive coaching. His firm helps executives and professionals to take charge of their careers, create the work they love, and earn what they deserve! Career Potential also offers a leading training and certification opportunity called “Ultimate Career Consultants” (www.UltimateCareerConsultants.com).