1. Focus 90% of your job search on networking
Do you know how to network effectively? To be successful at networking you must reach out to your network in a way that makes people want to recommend or hire you. One way to do this is to be positive. Even if you are losing heart in your job search. Instead of complaining how frustrating your job search has been, talk about what types of positions are appealing to you and what kinds of challenges you are eager to take on.
2. Don’t limit your search to only “available” positions
Spend time researching companies and make connections with people who work there. Get the name of the person who has the authority to hire you and write him or her a detailed letter explaining why you want to work for that company. Describe what your unique contributions would be. Be proactive and send along your list of references and resume.
3. Send an email to all of your close business contacts and friends about your job search
Be sure to include a short description of the types of positions you are interested in pursuing. Keep this short, positive, and professional. When executed properly, this is a very effective method to learn about companies in your city that are hiring.
4. Attend events hosted by professional organizations and alumni associations
If you do not currently belong to any… join some. It is important to your long term career success to stay relevant in your field and/or industry.
5. Learn how to differentiate between jobs posted by placement firms and jobs listed by actual companies
This is especially important for entry level workers who waste a lot of time on wild goose chases by simply sending a resume to every job posting they find. Be on the lookout for:
- The same contact phone number attached to several job listings
- Multiple listings for the same position listed by the same firm
6. Be easy to find
Update your online alumni profile. If you use social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter make sure your information is up to date and consistent. Avoid MySpace. It doesn’t have a reputation for being the most professional of online social networking sites.
7. Be Friendly and Meet New People
You never know who is looking to fill a position that you would be perfect for. Better yet, your pleasant demeanor may motivate someone to create a position especially for you. It’s surprising how many people get offers for interviews at the coffee shop or at the gym.
8. Appreciate Informational Interviews
Too many job seekers blow informational interviews off as a waste of time, but they can be an invaluable resource. The person you talk to just might think of the perfect position for you in a week or two, or recommend you to a friend.
9. Keep Your Online Image Clean
If you wouldn’t want your mother to see it, keep it off the Internet. Employers are researching job applicants online in increasing numbers according to a survey administered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in 2007. Ten percent of employers who responded to the survey said they would review social networking site profiles before making a hiring decision. Out of that ten percent, over half said the information they find online will impact whether or not that candidate is offered a position. The remaining employers surveyed said they are unsure how their online findings should influence their hiring decisions. (Update: in 2009 almost 50% of employers say they will do an online search for their job candidates)
If you have a blog, podcast, web site—or you regularly participate on someone else’s—what you put out there may be reviewed by a potential employer. Maintain a professional image both on and off the Internet and you won’t have anything to worry about.
10. Always Have an Updated Resume
Keeping a well written, updated resume handy is critical during your job search. This allows you take advantage of opportunities as soon as you learn about them. For someone who wants to help you find a job there is nothing more frustrating than waiting until you finish your resume. The job will probably be filled by the time your resume is ready. Even when you aren’t looking for a job it is important to keep your resume updated. Revisit your resume at the end of each month to add new achievements and information.
