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Job-Search Basics
- by Nimish Thakkar, MS, MBA, CPRW
Director and Certified Professional Résumé Writer for ResumeCorner.com
Whether you are new to the job-market or a returning bee, the most
challenging question that you will face is: Where do I start? The
job-search strategies outlined in this guide will serve as a roadmap, if
not a complete solution, for this all-important process. The guide is a
result of days of research and serves as a comprehensive resource for
all candidates seeking employment. Most of the resources outlined here
are free (to the exception of a few).
Finding a new job should be considered a full-time job in itself. The
search demands the same degree of professionalism and dedication as a
regular job. Our strategies will give you a head-start while embarking
on this demanding process. Get your coffee mug as we walk you through
the essentials of a successful job-search campaign.
CREATE A GAME PLAN
Staying focused is the most essential element of a successful job search
campaign. Think of your job-search campaign as a marketing project--you
are the product/service that needs to be marketed. You need to convince
potential employers that you are absolutely indispensable. As with any
marketing project, you will begin with a game plan. Plan what you want
to achieve and how you intend to get there. A plan that is well-thought,
but not written will never be implemented. It is critical to put your
"Plan of Action" in writing.
An ideal game plan would involve the following steps:
Define Your Target
Market:
Analyze yourself. The analysis will help you in determining your target
market. On determining your strengths, weaknesses, skills,
qualifications, and achievements; write on a piece of paper your career
aspirations and goals. You may focus on two (or even three) target jobs.
If needed, you can get professional help to determine your aptitude;
there are several career planning and assessment services available in
the market. If you want a greater insight into different occupations,
the following resources explore a variety of occupations:
http://www.acinet.org/acinet/default.asp - This site is a part of
America’s Job Bank Network and provides information on hundreds of
occupations.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ - The site provides a wide range of
information on different occupations
You Are The Best:
Convince yourself about your suitability for a particular job. Make a
list of reasons that convince you about your competitiveness. Be
persuasive! This is not the time to be humble. You will perform much
better in an interview if you are prepared in advance. If you’ve just
been laid off – be optimistic! Always think of it as the company’s loss.
The organization’s management couldn’t handle the strains of a
competitive economy. As an easy measure, they let go of an amazing
talent like you. When you create a strong self-confidence, you will
easily handle any challenge or strenuous situation. Always keep in touch
with your past employers; they may be able to provide you with some very
good contacts. If not, they could serve as an excellent reference. You
may explore the following resources post-layoff:
http://www.labor.state.ny.us/working_ny/finding_a_job/whatnext/toc.htm
- a site by New York State Department of labor, provides information on
survival after a layoff.
http://www.layofflounge.com/ - career portal and information on
innovative career networking events
Research background
information:
You must thoroughly acquaint yourself with your industry. Before going
for an interview, research all the details about your company. Find out
the current salary norms and standards for the position. However, do not
mention your salary requirements on a resume/cover letter. Knowing the
salary range will give you a better understanding and the ability to
answer challenging questions at a nerve-wracking interview.
Chart your roadmap:
Clearly define how you will get to your goal of finding a great job.
When you drive from one place to another, you have a map to follow,
don’t you? In the same way, you must create a map for your job search.
Your map, in this case is not driving directions, but strategies (and
their plan of implementation) that will get you to your destination. You
must clearly outline the resources that need to be explored to reach
your goals. These resources could include traditional (networking,
newspaper ads, library, career center, newsletters/industry
publications, government resources, recruitment firms, career fairs,
cold calling) and online resources (online job boards, online
newspapers, career resources, company websites, online job postings).
Maintain a schedule:
It is essential to be organized and maintain a schedule. Set aside times
and days for specific tasks, such as resume maintenance, responding to
newspaper ads, interviews, etc. While it is important to follow a
schedule, be flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen tasks or
emergencies, such as a long distance interviews, follow-up meetings,
telephone interviews, career fairs, etc. Do not set unrealistic goals.
Finding a job could be stressful; make sure you have enough time to
play.
Implement:
What is the use of a plan that never goes into action? A lack of
implementation may render the best strategies or resources – as a wasted
effort. Remember to implement your plans accurately and efficiently.
© ResumeCorner 2000 -
2004, All Rights Reserved
Nimish Thakkar is the
Founder/Director of ResumeCorner.com. ResumeCorner.com provides expert
résumé-writing and career management solutions to job-seekers.
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