Do Your Homework

Job seekers need to pay more attention to the company they may be joining and less attention to their particular role. Given the frequency with which companies reorganize these days, the particular role is always subject to change. Instead, the focus should be on finding an organization with the right cultural fit.

Job seekers should also do their homework on the various search firms to determine which agencies work in their particular industry and/or functional area. They should then send an e-mail to the appropriate agencies, including their resume and a short, concise statement of the type of position they are seeking (include geographic limitations, compensation level, ideal role, ideal company, etc). “Even listing examples of their target companies is often helpful.”

Preparing for a Successful Job Search

As anyone who has engaged in a job search can tell you, being prepared is a crucial part of finding the right job in a reasonable amount of time. Of course, preparation does you little good without the experience and skills needed to secure the next position, but no job search can proceed effectively without some well-laid groundwork. Just how you conduct your search will depend on your needs and expectations, but there are a few basic steps that any job candidate should take before launching a search. Below are some pointers on what to do before you begin and as your search proceeds:

Start thinking in sound bites. It is important that you are able to describe your desired position in two minutes. An interviewer appreciates that you know yourself well enough to know what interests you. Of course, your answer will be even better received if it matches up to the opportunity the interviewer is considering you for. Before you interview, prepare several sound bites to relay critical information, such as what you’re looking for in a job, your key skills, and a quick rundown of your most recent employment experience.

Get your network in working order. If you haven’t already, prepare a list of contacts that targets 200 individuals (if this is beyond your resources, 100 is still a good achievement).

Next, prioritize your list from A to C:

A.    List: Those of high influence. People you know who could really be of assistance (human resource staff members, friends who work in companies that are hiring corporate leaders, etc.).

B.    List: People who know you well and have some influence (clergy, professionals, neighbors, etc.).

C.   List: Individuals of influence who may not know you well but who could be helpful (people you may have met through trade associations, cocktail parties, etc.).

Evaluate and, if necessary, rework your resume. Remember that most resumes — except for those whose author has unusual circumstances to deal with — should be chronological and all should be concise. Brevity is in order when describing where you’ve worked and your responsibilities at each post. Two pages is an ideal length, unless you have numerous accomplishments. It is also imperative that you be honest and never fabricate experience. Finally, write a career summary, instead of an objective, that allows the reader to see the connection between the job opening and your skill set. If your resume already follows these rules, you’re in good shape to begin. However, it may be worth having a professional resume writer or qualified friend evaluate your resume and offer suggestions for improvements.

Stay Tuned..........Next week Interview tips!!!