Top 10 Clues Job-Searchers
Wish They'd Had Before
Leaving Their Previous Jobs.
Look at your job search as an opportunity to thoughtfully examine career options and find the job for which you are best suited. Be creative. See new ways to use your talents in new settings. What problems need to be solved? What skills do you have that can solve those problems? What roles--other than your present one--can you play? What are the earlier "roads not taken" in your life? How might they be options for the future?
Include your family in your campaign. Work with a career consultant or a professional in your university's career planning office or a colleague who is also looking for a job. If you live far from the school you attended, it may be possible to obtain a reciprocity privilege with a school in your area. Be in charge of every step of your search!
Attend every alumni function held to see your classmates and former professors. Attend professional association meetings. Request the alumni office's most recent list of alumni in your area by specialty.
Professional appearance and etiquette is
critical. Create an impressive communication strategy: an exiting
statement, a position statement, a résumé and cover
letter, learn to cultivate your offers, interview strategically, and
negotiate your package.
Meet in person with professional and personal contacts (even if you've been out of touch for a long time) and ask for ideas and advice on the ways your talents could be used. Since 80% of new jobs come from networking, this is the most important job-search activity.
Use the services of your local public and university library to study trends and gather information about specific industries. Compile data on potential employers. Consult reference directories, the Internet, newspapers, trade publications and the National Business Employment Weekly.
Read and/or consult with a career specialist to obtain the current career- search procedures and techniques. Employers don't necessarily hire the most qualified candidate. More frequently, employers hire the candidate with the best job-search skills. People hire people, not degrees.
With a coach, conduct mock interviews during which you handle the toughest interview situations. Script the most effective and positive response to all possible questions.
Volunteer, temporary, and part-time assignments can often lead to full-time employment. All contacts can lead to new opportunities.
Do everything you can do to maintain your
self-esteem and positive attitude throughout your search. Spend time
with your personal "fan club"--positive people who believe in you.
Keep active socially and have faith the right next job is there, waiting
for you... because it is!
