Nine Ideas That Can Help Jump Start Your Search

Here are some more suggestions to help jump start your job search...

Use Multiple Methods To Identify Openings. One of the biggest mistakes people make is limiting themselves to just one, two or three job search methods. Too often, people think that simply posting résumés on job boards is all it takes. Others rely almost exclusively on networking. Job boards don’t have every job from employers listed. The people you network with usually are not in a position to know about all the positions in your field. Use every way you can think of to track down job leads. It takes time and effort but by casting a wide net you are increasing your likelihood of success.

Ask Hiring Authorities Who Don’t Hire You For Referrals. You’ve had a good interview (or two) but “aren’t the right fit” for the position. Call (don’t email) the interviewer, tell they you appreciated their time and that you understand about not being hired. Then, ask if they can give you some advice on where you might apply. This strategy has paid big dividends for scores of people.

Stop Hiding Behind The Keyboard. Pick up the telephone every chance you get and call department managers in prospective companies before you send a résumé. This approach can turn into an informal interview to establish mutual interests.

Don’t Assume That Online Applications Actually Get Reviewed. Computerized systems are designed to handle high volume and screen people out. When you apply online using a company website be sure to call and get the department manager’s name and send a hardcopy résumé/cover letter to him/her. In the cover letter tell them you also applied online.

Reapply For Positions You Didn’t Get. The position could still be open. Maybe the person they hired didn’t work out. Perhaps they decided to hire additional people for the department. Just because your “résumé is on file” does not mean they will go through the file. Hiring Managers are people, and people tend to work on what is on top of their desk.

Use Weaknesses As A Springboard To Your Strengths. Think about how you will answer the “What is your greatest weakness” question. Don’t try to convince the interviewer that you don’t have any! Here’s a simple formula to help you turn your weakness into a positive reason that you can do the job: A) State your weakness conversationally, not defensively B) Explain how you have learned/grown from it, and C) State how this has improved your performance, etc.

Develop Compelling True Stories About Your Achievements. People love a good story and interviewers are people. Stories humanize us, they reveal how we process information, react to problems and implement solutions. They provide a believable platform to present quantifiable outcomes. Stories hold people’s attention and are usually remembered long after the facts and figures from the interview are forgotten. How does one organize their examples? The most effective format for a story follows the tried and true Problem, Cause, Solution, Result formula taught in speech classes.

Stop Being So Picky About Where You Apply! Job seekers fail to apply for some positions simply because they have heard “bad things” about the company. So what if Joe had a bad experience at XYZ Company! Did everyone like working at your last job? Plus, things change and you probably won’t have the same manager Joe had. Just as there are no perfect candidates, there are no perfect jobs or companies. If you have a good job and a company is courting you, then you can afford to be selective. If you are under-employed or unemployed apply everywhere you can. Even if the job you land isn’t the perfect fit, it is always easier to find another job when you’ve got a job.

Don’t Hide Your “Sizzle” Behind Your Recipe. I review résumés almost everyday and if I have to wade through a lot of “recipe” before I hit the “sizzle” it ends up in my shredder. I cut interviews short when someone keeps going back to the “recipe” and never starts to “sizzle” for me! Of course, your education is important—but more important is what you’ve accomplished because of your education! It’s nice that you are a “Self-motivated professional” but it is more important to tell potential employers what that will mean for them. Stress accomplishments over academics. Emphasize what you can do to increase revenue, save money, enhance productivity, etc based on what you have done at your last job. The “recipe” is simply foundational!