Original source : http://blog.resumebear.com
Posted : 2011
Author : Debra Wheatman
While unemployment for white collar workers still hovers at
approximately 6%, many job seekers have been able to conduct productive searches
that have yielded new and exciting roles. Some are even landing pay increases;
but what about you? If you have been searching for a new opportunity for some
time and are still coming up empty, it makes sense to review those things that
are within your control and improve your job seeking methodology.
Are You Getting Enough Interviews?
Job seeking is a lot like dating. You have to kiss
quite a few toads in order to find your prince (or princess). It is a
numbers game. If you are relying solely on the Internet to identify new
opportunities, you are missing the boat. To conduct a proactive search you
must first get your résumé and LinkedIn profile in tip top shape, then identify
target companies, and pursue them with vigor. Reach out to your network and
beyond to identify hiring managers. Introduce yourself.
Is Your Story All Wrong?
I often coach candidates who are extremely talented and have
many accomplishments, but fail to convey this information in a concise way.
Instead they drone on and on. Recruiters and hiring managers don’t really
want to know the nitty-gritty details of your day to day work history. They
would rather get information surrounding what you achieved. By focusing on
the specifics of how you added value to the bottom line, you can paint a more
compelling picture of yourself.
Are You Following Up?
When seeking opportunities, it is particularly important to
follow up. Hiring managers get busy and if there isn’t a current opening, they
may forget about you altogether when the time comes. This is why it is so
important to conduct your job search methodically. Create a spreadsheet to
track your activity. When you do have an interview, be sure to send a thank you
note. Reach out periodically to those who responded to you, but said they didn’t
have any current openings. You never know what tomorrow will bring. If
possible, try to send them some information that would be of interest. By
showing you are willing to give; you will make a positive impression and set
the stage for future interaction.
Do You Lack the Right Skills?
If you are repeatedly being turned down because you lack a
certain skill or credential, don’t delay another minute. Enroll in a training
program, do some volunteer work that will be a pathway to more experience, take
an online course. You may even need to consider changing careers
altogether. It won’t be easy, but in the end, if you lack the requirements
necessary to advance in your career, you really have no choice.
By taking a look at what you can do differently, you will gain
control over your situation. Too many people blame the economy for their
inability to move forward. You can either stay stuck or remove the glue and
transform yourself in order to make positive strides with your career.
~Blog Admin~
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