Planning For A Job Search

You know the feeling, bored to tears and frustrated with your current job. You hate getting up in the morning and facing a repeat of the monotony but you can't face the thought of looking for a new job either. It's a catch 22 situation.

Like everything else, the hardest part of anything is getting started and it's no different with looking for a job. If you have made a half-hearted attempt to scan some online jobsites or read the wanted ads, you are all too aware of the positions that are available for serious candidates.

Granted competition for these positions has grown increasingly intensive. It's for that reason alone that you must plan for a job search and by plan, we mean, form a strategic approach to seeking your new job.

A professional resume is the first place to start. We urge you to have your resume written by professional resume writers who can effectively and methodically chart your professional background, expertise and skills. Your resume is a powerful marketing tool that should be used to promote your candidacy and secure you the interviews you have longed for.

We have covered the merits of cover letters in a previous article so you will be all too familiar with the importance of creating professional and personalized cover letters that target specific employers.

Distributing your resume and following up are only one part of the process. Yes, you have placed yourself in the job market but it is now up to you to close the sale. Small things count. Use a professional email rather than something like groovychick@hotmail.com or rocky11@hotmail.com

Re-record the message on your answering machine and cell phone to ensure that it is clear and professional. In the event that an employer calls you to arrange an interview, you don't want your answer message to be the reason there is no follow up call. Turn off all background noise including the TV and music and record a simple professional message that will demonstrate your professionalism.

If you are called for interview, there are certain aesthetics that must be looked at. Dressing for interview is obviously very important and we have an article that deals specifically with the look you must strive for if you wish to be taken seriously. In brief, a suit is the preferred option in navy, black or grey. Clothes should be pristine and impeccably pressed. They should fit well and shoes should be polished to a high shine with matching socks. The overall impression is of someone who takes care of their appearance, who is confident in their own skin and who will be an asset to the company.

Interviews can be intimidating environments and for this reason practice is a must. There are hundreds of potential interview questions but employers generally use the same 20/30 repeatedly. As outlined in one of our articles, take the list of potential questions and prepare concise, intelligent answers. Practice answering them in front of a friend or colleague who will offer unbiased, constructive criticism.

Eye contact is vitally important. If you keep shifting your eyes away from the interviewer you give the impression of dishonesty which is a conversation killer. Practice your handshake and ensure that you can shake the interviewers hand firmly and confidently. A limp, halfhearted handshake has the same effect as poor eye contact.

Additionally, practice your networking skills and develop a consistent approach to potential networking situations. You cannot just sit at home and wait for a call; you must make your experience work for you. Aggressive prospecting is the order of the day if you want to secure a job that will offer you professional fulfilment and personal happiness.

 

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