Top 10 Strategies for Launching a Successful Job Search Campaign
#1) Know what you want to do and "who" you
want to be. You wouldn't believe the number of people who start
their job search and begin sending out resumes when they have no
idea what they want to do for a living. If you don't know, then
how is anyone else to know? You must be clear about your objectives
- type of position, type of company, geographic preference - before
you ever begin your search. If you're uncertain about your career
goals and job objectives, consider taking a few career assessments
that will help you identify your top skills, motivators and career
preferences.
#2) Write a powerful, accomplishment-oriented
resume. No fluff, no grandiose statements, just the facts - written
in a hard-hitting presentation that sells your skills, qualifications,
contributions and success. If you're ever going to toot your horn
own, this is the time! Whether one page or two, it's make no difference
as long as your resume is dynamic and focuses on the value you
bring to an organization.
#3) Write a general cover letter for each type
of position that you are seeking. Then, remember to customize your
letter each and every time you use it so that you are responding
to the specific needs, qualifications and expectations of each
company and/or recruiter you contact. If you use the same cover
letter to respond to a sales rep position and a sales management
position, then you're not paying attention to each company's needs
and not hitting their "hot
buttons."
#4) Network, network and then network some more.
You've heard it said over and over - there is no better way to
find a new position then to contact everyone you know. More than
80% of all positions are filled with networking contacts. Are you
working your network to your best advantage? And, are you reciprocating?
Remember, networking is a two-way street. You do for them and they'll
do for you!
#5) Post your resume on a few Internet resume
posting sites selecting those that specialize in your industry
or profession.
#6) Prepare an email campaign (resume and cover
letter) to send to recruiters that specialize in your industry
and profession. It is imperative that you select recruiters who
work with candidates like yourself. A sales recruiter is probably
not going to place a finance professional. Stay in your "community" of
recruiters for the best results.
#7) Respond to help-wanted advertisements in
newspapers, trade journals and other publications. The whole world
of job search is not dependent on the Internet and online job postings.
All too often job seekers forget about the "tried-and-true" strategy
of help-wanted ads. Don't you forget!
#8) Practice your interviewing skills. Your ability
to interview well can "make or break" you in your job
search. As such, be sure that you are well-practiced, able to
answer tough questions, and effective in communicating your skills
and accomplishments. No matter how talented you are or how well
written your resume, if you don't interview well, you won't get
offers. If need be, hire an interview coach to be sure that you
can nail each and every interview; phone screening, in-person,
panel, group or teleconference.
#9) Know what salary you want. Inevitably, the
discussion of your salary requirements will come up during your
interviews, hopefully not during your first interview, but closer
to when a company is prepared to make you an offer. It is your
responsibility to know what salary you can comfortably live with
and what salary you will not consider. Of course, there should
be some flexibility, but know what you're looking for so that you're
not wasting your time or anyone else's.
#10) Build your own job search support network.
This may include your family, friends, colleagues, mentors and
others. Or, you may consider joining a formal job search group
in your local area. Most important, don't go it alone. Job search
can often be a frustrating experience. If you can build a strong
support network, these people will help keep your spirits lifted
during the tough times, help you feel and act more confidently,
and help move your entire job search along faster and more successfully.
Source: Wendy S. Enelow, CCM, MRW, JCTC, CPRW
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