I need a new job
I need a new job!!! Job hunting in today's market. by Mike
Edwards
In recent weeks, several of my clients have asked my help in
finding them a new job. They each have different reasons for
wanting to change jobs. Some just want more money. A few are
not comfortable with the financial health of their current
employer. And, I have one entry level client and one
recently "outplaced" client that just need help getting
started. Finding a job is not necessarily that hard, but
finding the right job does take a plan. There was a time in
the recent past when people would just shotgun resumes or
respond to every job ad they saw. That method does work, but
it is a lot more painful in terms of time, and success. If
you think about it, you need to hit the right company at the
right time looking for your credentials. Odds seem a little
against you. So, it is best to create a plan of attack, and
to work your plan.
The first rule of thumb that people need to know in the job
search is that, as non-scientific it may be, you should
expect to spend about one month per $10,000 of salary
hunting for that new job. If you do a quick calculation,
that means it would take about 6 months of job searching,
sending resumes, and interviewing to find a $60,000 job.
That is pretty long, so it is important that you are
organized. The reason is that there is more competition for
those jobs, and like sales, you need to fill the job search
pipe line. It takes a while for companies and recruiters to
know that you are on the job market and for them to receive
and filter the hundreds, if not thousands of resumes they
receive.
Second, depending upon your current job status, looking for
a job can be a full time job. If you are currently employed,
you can look part-time by searching job boards, answering
ads, and networking, etc. You can work with a couple of
recruiters in your industy, but don't work with more than
two or three. Since you are employed, you can take the time
to find a specific job by targeting your industry, certain
companies and certain geographic areas. If you are out of
work, then you need to treat your job search as a full-time
job. Each day you need to get up early enough to start your
job search at 8:30 in the morning. You need to have
showered, shaved (if you are male), and dress in clothes,
not sweats or pajamas. You need to work your job search for
eight hours a day. You should create an work schedule. For
example from 8:30 to 9:30, work the jobs boards. From 9:30
to 10:30 you should check all of the HR sites of your
targeted companies. From 10:30 to noon should be your time
to follow-up on all of your prospects. After lunch, call and
email all of your friends to follow-up on any leads they may
have. Ask them to contact their colleagues and their HR
department. Many times a company may not have an opening,
but may know of an opening at another company.
Apply to every job that is even close to what you want, and
go on interviews. You can practice interviewing by going on
interviews for jobs you don't necessarily want. You need to
keep you mind active, your attitude healthy and positive,
and stay connected to the market. Make sure you are upbeat
with everyone you speak with. No one wants to hear how bad
it is or your calls will go unanswered and not returned.
Networking is probably the best way to find a job. Basically
that means telling every single person that might be able to
help you that you are looking for work. Often a guy that
knows a guy that knows a girl that's hiring, can get you an
interview where a recruiter cannot. I cannot emphasize
enough the value of networking. Working people know where
the opportunities are and hear about them first, so make
sure your network of friends and colleagues know that you
need their help.
Keep your resume current. Don't wait until the last minute
to throw it together. You will also be surprised how quickly
your responsibilities change every six months. For example,
have you learned a new computer system, did you participate
in training, were you part of a committee that designed a
new process? Stop and smell the roses to see what you have
accomplished since you last updated your resume. Also, read
my other articles on formatting your resume for tips. And
don't be afraid to use a professional to write it. I have
links to several, reasonably priced well known professionals
on my web site.
Work those job boards and forums. They are fantastic for
finding opportunities. Keep track of who you sent resumes to
and follow up. Use the free boards first like monster.com,
but don't be afraid to pay for one or two sites like
TheLadders.com. They are not that expensive and are full of
great advice as well.
And don't be afraid to tell your friends you are looking for
work. Not co-workers, but outside friends. We all want to
help you, but can't if you don't tell us what you are going
through. Ok, let me know what you think.
If you would like to read more of my musings, I write a post
everyday on my 100% free blog. See my address below, and
feel free to email me. I love emails and I just want to help
you no matter where you are in our career!!
Make it a great day!!
About the Author
Mike Edwards is a careeer coach, chief executive of several,
well known billion dollar American companies, author and
internet entrepreneur with more than twenty five years of
experience. You can read his blog at
http://www.directyourcareer.com and email him at
mike@directyourcareer.com.
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