Many job search candidates spend innumerable hours pursuing employment opportunities; yet many do not achieve the desired results. Having worked with thousands of people trying to obtain positions of increased responsibility in their chosen industry or field, I have encountered the following common mistakes, resulting in failure to achieve optimal outcomes:
No organized search strategy: You need a plan. Keep yourself organized with a list of things that you need to do on a daily basis. This list will allow you to focus your efforts in the areas that require your full attention. Would you go to the supermarket without a list of things you need? If you do, I will guarantee that you forget to buy something or purchase things that you don’t need. Your job search works in a similar fashion. The list will allow you to plan for a successful campaign.
No record keeping: It is important to keep a list or spreadsheet of some kind so you can review to whom you have sent your resume or the contacts made. There is no possibility of your being able to recall all of the companies or people that you have contacted – let alone those that may have contacted you. Without a record, you might miss an opportunity, or worse be unprepared when someone does reach out to you. Make sure you keep names, dates, and details of discussions you had. Your records will allow you to follow-up when appropriate and supports your organized approach (see above.)
No use of diverse search methods: You cannot simply apply online and think that the calls are going to roll in. A job search requires far more effort than the use of the Internet. The following must be done to ensure a successful campaign:
• Identifying specific companies where you might be interested in working. Once you have a list, you should do some research to get the name of someone internally to direct your correspondence.
• Conducting research regarding the names of people in senior level positions. Use trade publications and the Internet to uncover names of people. Trade publications can be a great source of information, including providing you with movement within your targeted industry.
• Leveraging your network of friends and family members. Your network should also include people you meet at local networking events. You will not be able to join every group so choose wisely. Engage with people that you meet to establish relationships that can be reciprocal.
• Identifying a few niche job boards where you can post your resume. You should not broadcast it on every board out there. You will look desperate.
• Establishing a relationship with a few key recruiters. Like any relationship, you will need to work at maintaining contact. Recruiters definitely know the market and have contacts within the companies where them make placements. You cannot work with everyone. Make sure you choose wisely; be prepared to conduct a fair amount of follow up to keep communication lines open.
Failure to maintain a positive outlook: One of the best, and most important things you can do for yourself and your search is to develop and maintain a positive approach. Every person you meet or interact with represents an opportunity. Given that people are drawn to those that are positive, a strong finish necessitates that you give positive vibes. Under no circumstances should you complain or be the picture of doom. It will take time; you will work hard – BUT in the end, the person who can remain engaged and willing to embrace a proactive and positive focus will generate results.
Failure to follow-up: Your search requires that you reach out to people on an ongoing basis, including people that you have already spoken with. To remain top of mind, it is imperative that you have a plan to conduct follow-up. This doesn’t mean that you should constantly call or email people. Following-up is a strategy too. If you are keeping your notes and remain organized, you will have the dates that you contacted people and can space your interactions so that you remain memorable without being overbearing.
Failure to prepare for your interviews: Preparing for your interviews is important to ensure you are successful. You should be reviewing information about the company and position, and studying your resume so you are prepared to discuss the information in detail. Do some research on commonly asked interview questions so you can answer appropriately if someone throws you “What is your greatest weakness?” question. Make sure you are able to connect your achievements to how you will make an impact in a new role.
Poor appearance and grooming: You should dress to impress during your job search. This means that you should be dressed in a suit when you interview. Even if the company has a dress down policy, you are not yet part of the group. First impressions are lasting ones. If you go into the interview looking sloppy and unkempt, you are not going to make a positive or lasting impression on your audience – except that you did not look the part.
You have the power to establish a strong job search strategy. With a plan, you can and will achieve your goals. Preparation is half the battle; your winning is entirely predicated on how you establish and implement your program!
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of CareersDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
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Career planning is challenging. It can be very difficult to figure out what you want to do. There are so many choices, and a wrong turn can really set you back. Of course, it can also provide for a very valuable learning experience. When considering what you want to pursue conduct a self assessment to understand your skills, interests, and drivers. Speak to friends and family members to get some ideas. Knowledge is power; and a sure fire way to narrow things down is to engage in discussions with others to understand options. Attending career fairs is a good way to get information from a number of people that are situated in one place. Collect literature and do some research. If an internship is something that you can do, it is probably time well spent to understand the intricacies of an industry.
Consider the following:
1. What do you enjoy spending your time doing? Keep a list of these things to allow you to incorporate these interests in your career pursuits.
2. What motivates you? If you understand what your motivations are, you are more likely to remain happy and engaged.
3. What skills would you like to develop? Consider taking a class to improve in an area where you know you need some help.
4. Do you know yourself? If you recognize that you really enjoy working in a team environment, you will likely want to pursue an opportunity that will have a strong component of interaction with others.
5. What are your goals? You will need to make decisions that result in actions to meet short- and long-term objectives. Establishing your goals will allow you to understand and identify the training you will need for success.
Once you have determined a career path through exploring your options, and gaining awareness of industries and opportunities you will need to prepare for your job search.
Skills and tools for an effective job search are the following:
1. A compelling and results oriented résumé and cover letter to help you stand out from the crowd.
2. Leveraging social networking to gain exposure to people and situations where ongoing communication can help you.
3. Training in effective interviewing to ensure you deliver and maintain a positive personal brand throughout the job search process.
4. Conducting effective salary negotiations to ensure that you are properly compensated for your professional efforts.
The career planning process is one that continues through the entire career lifecycle. Exploring and understanding your options, communicating your value, and applying the tools and skills to navigate a successful career path will help you realize your goals. Explore your options, research industries and potential positions to facilitate a successful search and selection process.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of CareersDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
Connect to me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter
It is a well known fact that using job boards exclusively as you conduct a job search will leave you confounded and frustrated. Sure you might be qualified for the positions for which you are applying – but posting your résumé online is like trying to find a needle in a haystack – a really, really big haystack.
So what exactly is this thing called ‘the hidden job market’? The hidden job market consists of openings that are not directly advertised. More and more companies are relying on their employees and specialized, niche sites to identify qualified candidates. What is the reason for this? With the big job boards, there are a lot of unqualified candidates positing résumés and applying for positions for which they are not qualified. In an effort to cut to the chase, as it were, employers are trying to create a system whereby they can identify a pool of qualified and viable candidates more quickly. It’s very time consuming to sort through hundreds of résumés to find one or two candidates that might be suitable for an opening.
According to recent data from the Labor Department, there are approximately 14 million people unemployed with over five job seekers per available position. The result is people applying for things that they are over qualified for, under qualified for, or not qualified for at all.
Here are some tips to help you tap into the hidden job market:
Networking should be an integral part of any job search. Also consider searching smaller job boards, including those that might be specific to a city or region. Look at sites that are supported by networking groups or associations. As I have mentioned in previous posts, LinkedIn is a great resource that will enable you to identify relevant connections and facilitate your job search. There are also associations on Facebook that you can join that will give you additional access to people and positions.
Writing to the Right Person: I know it can be difficult to obtain the name of a person that is responsible for hiring. You can begin by calling the company and asking for the name of the head of a particular department or the head of human resources. At least when you send your letter, it won’t be to “To whom it may concern.” Once you send your written correspondence, you can then call and ask for the person by name. You will be more likely to reach someone before 9:00am or after 5:00pm when other staff who might answer the phone is gone.
Recruiters: Recruiters can be a great source of information – especially now. Do some research regarding recruiters that specialize in your field. Establish and nurture those relationships. Recruiters have their fingers on the pulse of what is going on within the hiring community. Let them help you uncover the right opportunities.
Volunteer your Time: Volunteering can do a couple of things for you. Aside from making you feel good by giving back to a good cause, volunteering will allow you access to new people. Those people know people too! You can create an entirely new network for yourself. You never know what you might uncover.
It boils down to your continued diligence; contact people, establish relationships, and knock on as many doors as you can to generate interest in your background. You never know where a conversation (online or otherwise) might lead!
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of CareersDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
Debra can be reached at -
DWheatman@ResumesDoneWrite.com
ResumesDoneWrite.Blogspot.com
WWW.CareersDoneWrite.com
Connect to me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter
