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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