Starting a job search is full of emotions: fear, doubt, confusion and uncertainty. For many, this is the first time they have had to look for a job and the distinct lack of control over one’s future can be overwhelming.
What do I do now? Will I ever find a new job? Why me? All questions that cross the mind of the newly unemployed. Updating the resume and responding to job postings on the Internet seems like a worthwhile plan, until you acknowledge that fewer than 10% of all jobs are filled through the Internet. The activity usually results only in stress and frustration.
You need a plan to make your job search focused, aggressive, structured and ultimately successful follow these guidelines. Treat your job search like a project you need to complete for your new boss, YOU.
Your search is your full time job. Set objectives for the number of hours per week you will invest in your search. Think how many hours you worked at your last job and make sure you invest at least as much time in your search. Set objectives for the number of phones calls per day you will make and the number of networking meetings per day you will have. Track your actual efforts to see trends in your performance.
Have a clear message. Make it easy for people to assist you by being prepared to share what you have to offer in terms of transferable skills and work style. Craft accomplishment stories that demonstrate successes and be specific on the type of position you are looking for. Identify potential employers and the people in those organizations you want to meet.
Finish your resume. The ultimate test for your resume is whether it can pass the 30-second thumb test. When someone is reviewing your resume you have no more than 30 seconds or until they get to their thumb holding the page to get their attention.
Take the first page of your resume and fold it in half. Cover up your name and ask yourself, and a respected colleague, can anyone else put his or her name on this resume? If the answer is no, you have passed. If the answer is yes, rework your resume so that it’s unique to only you.
Network for success. Networking is not asking people you meet if they have a job that your qualifications fit. When networking, you should never ask for a job. Your networking should focus on meeting people, sharing your message, gaining advice on where to find your next opportunity, and obtaining additional referrals to get you one step closer to the job you are looking for. Utilize open-ended questions to generate a dialogue with people rather than closed ended questions that end up being a dead end.
Join a networking group to provide support, learn the skill of networking and expand your network. As an example, Executive Connections – St. Louis is a business-networking group of highly talented professionals in all disciplines. Members in a job search meet every other week to share their successes, obtain advice from trusted colleagues and assist each other networking. The alumni, members that have landed, assist members with networking, support and advice. Joining a group like Executive Connections is a great way of expanding your network exponentially in one step.
Over 75% of all jobs are filled by referrals. Use these guidelines as a plan to keep you moving forward in your networking efforts. Because, who you know, who knows you and how well you know each other is critical to the success of your job search.
Frank Danzo is the president of Career Networking Pro in St. Louis, Missouri and the author of “People Hire People, Not Resumes” available at www.careernetworkingpro.com.
