Running an effective job search in
this challenging economic environment can be like a roller coaster
ride. One day things look promising the next you get a rejection on a
job you were ideally suited for. Perhaps by taking a closer look at
various aspects of job hunting you’ll be able to develop a different and more positive outlook.
A job search is a journey into the unknown. There is much that you cannot control. Sometimes it seems there is no logic to the process. All of this can cause stress and conjure up thoughts there is an unseen conspiracy working against your job hunting efforts.
If you dread starting the job hunting process or you heard from a friend all the job hunting negatives or you pay attention to the media what are you likely to do? Yes, that’s right you
procrastinate. The twin of procrastination is to do less than your
best. Both attitudes will not get you the right job and in a reasonable
period of time.
Just as we physically prepare and warm up before we do some physical
activity so must you prepare mentally for an effective job search.
Employers want to hire positive up-beat people. Whatever you need to do;
begin each day in your job search with enthusiasm and an attitude that
you are working on a problem you can solve. Remember, for every “No,”
you receive you are one step closer to a “Yes.”
So let’s take a look at three critical things that must be done right for a job search to be successful:
1. Document planning and preparation are the foundation to a successful job search. Get the resume and cover letter
right and everything else falls into place. Before you start writing
spend some time researching the latest in resume and cover letter writing.
Keep the focus of the resume and cover letter on the needs of the
prospective employer. It surprises some job hunters that a one size
resume does not fit all possible job openings. Tailor the listing of
accomplishments in the resume to match the employer’s needs is critical
for the employer to notice you.
In writing your cover letters,
remember its function is not to rehash what is in the resume, but to
introduce the resume. As in writing the resume each cover letter should be written to show how your skills match the needs of the specific job opening.
2. An effective job interview requires preparation and then some more
preparation. You know at some point you’ll be scheduled for a telephone
and then a face-to-face job interview. Getting comfortable in this
setting, with the ability to communicate your agenda requires some
planning and preparation.
As you start your job search, plan on doing some activity every day
to help you prepare for the job interview. Build a plan for what you’ll
do and say in a telephone interview. There are some critical dos and
don’ts so this is a step you should not overlook.
Begin pulling together 50 to 100 tough interview questions. Write them out on a card with your well thought out answer on the Other side. This list will change over time as you uncover more interviewing information, and refine your answers...
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