Hard work does not guarantee success in your job search, but a lack of hard work will guarantee failure. A job search can be most frustrating when you are not getting the results you had anticipated. The following five Techniques work in today’s competitive job market.
TECHNIQUE ONEÂ – Select the best targets
- Conduct research
- Reach out to your professional and personal networks
- Identify where you have the best chance of success
TECHNIQUE TWOÂ – Identify the right person
- Contact at least two levels above the position you are targeting
- Research the correct names, titles and their LinkedIn Profile
TECHNIQUE THREEÂ – Set minimum daily result standards
- Your full-time job is your job search
- Spend no more than 10% on job boards or website postings
- Submit resumes, make calls and identify new targets daily
- Add to your network daily
- Identify the 20% that is providing you with 80% of your results
- Stop doing things that are a waste of your time
TECHNIQUE FOURÂ – Customize your resume and cover letters
- The key to schedule interviews are effective keywords
- Refrain from mass mailing your resume
- Follow-up every email with a mailed hard copy of your resume
- Limit your resume to two pages
- Ensure your resume and LinkedIn Profile match
TECHNIQUE FIVEÂ – Master your interviewing skills
- Practice interviewing
- Ask questions that reveal the priorities of everyone in the interview process
- Master the ability to overcome objections
- Set up your follow-up contact with each conversation
- Follow-up stronger than your competition
Implement these techniques and you will enjoy a greater level of success in your job search.
Rick Christensen: Director, Career Transition Practice