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Getting frustrated
with your job search because you’re one of thousands
applying for job postings and never even get an
acknowledgement? What
else are you doing in your job search?
·
What companies have you targeted in your
geographic area?
·
Who in your network knows people that can open
doors for you in your target market or other companies?
·
Does your hard copy of your resume look like
your multiple page resume document posted on Monster.com?
(Have you viewed that document?)
·
How focused are you really?
Can you answer questions like:
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What is my objective – stated in job titles?
o
How do I support my objective with my skills
and qualifications?
o
Who’s buying what I’m selling?
Well you need help
– to get on track and stay on track with just a few simple
steps.
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Knowing your message
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Having an Effective Resume
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and Following a process
First, let’s
address your message? What
message are you sending – to prospective employers, hiring
managers, networking contacts, etc.?
Is your objective clearly stated in your mind and are
you able to articulate it verbally?
Are you looking for a job?
Or are you looking for a position as a Marketing
Director of a Consumer Products company or an Office Manager
for a fast growing local company.
Tell me about yourself is the most frequently asked
question. Are
you able to identify a professional direction and include
your strengths and expertise that support your direction?
Focus is a vital aspect of the job search and before
you do anything you have to be focused.
Get focused on your message and ensure that your
message is clear, concise and gets across what you want to
be heard.
Does your resume
need help? Is
it your best selling tool representing your value,
accomplishments and what you bring to the table for the next
employer? Many
resumes leave employers flat. They just tell you a laundry
list of what you’ve done in previous jobs.
Focus on what resulted and how it translates into
value for the next employer.
Your resume is
always a work in progress.
It is the marketing tool that opens doors.
It does not get you’re the job.
But it needs to open doors, especially today when the
market is flooded with so many people looking for jobs.
Funny, though they are not all looking for the same
job you are.
Think about stepping
up to the plate and selling your skills, strengths and
abilities so you become the competition.
Why worry about the thousands of others online with
you. Your hard
copy resume should be no more than 2 pages, show your high
points over the last 10-15 years (demonstrating your value)
and create such an interest that you’re selected to come
in for the interview.
What about your
process? Are
you spending hours on the Internet and not getting
responses? Applying
to the “Big Black Hole” going CyberNowhere?
What else are you doing?
Besides the Internet, and your local classifieds,
have you considered doing any of the following?
·
Creating a target list of approximately 25-50
companies that meet your geographic locale and employer size
requirements?
·
Identified your networking contacts?
Even a list of 5 names can result in 25 contacts or
more. Try to
have a list of at least 25-50 networking contacts for a
start.
·
Can you answer the question: “who would be
your hiring manager?” – who would make the decision to
hire you - their job title not their specific name.
·
Have you approached your targeted hiring
managers to discuss future needs and how you may fill those
needs?
·
Depending on your profession and income level,
have you identified a recruiter or executive search firm
that you’ve worked with in the past or who specializes in
your field?
·
Considered doing a direct mail piece to
approximately 25 targeted companies with a plan for follow
up and scheduled meetings?
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Identified a specific market in a specific
geographic area and walked in to fill out an application.
·
Attended a job fair recently?
A job fair targeting the kinds of companies listed on
your target market list or having the kinds of jobs posted
that your wish to apply for.
·
Listened to a job line of a particular company
of interest?
Your process should
encompass a sampling of these things with a balance more on
getting in front of your market through networking and
hiring managers. Yet
you'll spend more time online posting for jobs that you’ll
never hear back a confirmation.
If you’re ready to
get serious about your job search it’s time to go beyond
the Internet. Regardless
of what you’ve done so far, now it’s time to step back,
focus and aim at your target.
Good Luck!
Summer
Job Search Myths
Many people are
already asking me “should I wait until September to resume
my job search? With world conditions, it seems like such a
hopeless cause.” Despite
the economy, the media comments and consumer spending
habits, companies ARE hiring.
So why wait? You
can continue to job search throughout the summer months
while others are wading by the pool or dipping in the ocean.
Remember, if everyone else believes they should wait
until September, you’ll have less competition.
Pack your business cards, enjoy the
summer and happy job searching!
Warmest Regards,
Rosemary Augustine
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