November 27, 2006 - 10:19 pm
9.8% unemployment is the national average. For many states, it is even higher than 9.8%. I live in California and the number has hit double digits. This is true for many other states as well. Regardless of the rate, anyone actively in a job search knows these are difficult times. There is hope, and I believe opportunity, for many of those looking.
rn
We have a very active job search coaching practice. The problem with many candidates we work with is, they come to us too late. They are usually out of work for an average of 4-6 months. They then expect us to be able to help them find work quickly. Sorry, we are good, but can’t work miracles, and nobody (not even us) can get you employed.
rn
ONLY YOU CAN DO THAT.
rn
But we can help you learn from your mistakes. The biggest problem we find with candidates is that they really don’t have a targeted, very focused approach to their search. Their fear of possibly missing an opportunity is so powerful that they often don’t see the forest for the trees. Our biggest challenge is to help get the candidates focused like a laser beam on a target and then drive to that target. In many cases this is a monumental task.
rn
As the employment numbers get worse, successful candidates must become more and more focused. Companies today aren’t looking for a jack of all trades. They want the king or queen. If you aren’t targeted and highly focused, then it is difficult to land a position.
rn
You have to have a bull’s-eye on the target so you have something to aim at. What is your bull’s-eye?
rn
Here are some suggestions to help you get focused.
rnrn
Take a step back and think if you were a specialist at something what would it be?
rn
Write out a complete and very thorough job description. Most of the candidates we talk with can’t do this.
rn
Make sure your Linkedin and other public profiles are focused on you as a specialist. Most profiles are generic, vague and cover every possible job function within the person’s discipline.
rn
Identify a specific target list of companies, people, recruiters and service providers that can lead you to your target.
rn
Identify those connectors that can put you in touch with those in number 4.
rn
Identify three or four networking groups that align with your industry, functional expertise, career level, and become very active in those groups. Serve on or chair a committee, get on the board, take a leadership position and become well know in those groups.
rn
Consider serving on non-profit boards. These boards will not only make you feel good, but they often have great contacts and you can demonstrate your leadership skills.
rn
Build a network of 100 people that know you and your background so well that they can refer you with confidence. I use the 5 call rule. If a recruiter from 2,000 miles away is conducting a search in your geographical area you will be referred within 5 calls.
rn
Don’t ignore your unemployed peers. They are out looking for positions 8 hours a day. The employed aren’t spending any time doing this. Who do you think is more likely to come across a position that is right for you first?
rn
Have the right networking tools to do the job. This includes a bio and networking business cards. Not a resume and business type business cards.
rn
Finally, network with a purpose. Don’t try to meet everyone on the planet. You will only get burned out networking with little to show for it. Meet only those that can advance you toward your target. Be polite and help others when necessary but pre-screen people before spending time with them.
rn
Use Linkedin to find people and the connectors you need. This is why it is so critical to build your contacts beyond 500.
rnrn
I don’t mean to imply that doing these things will guarantee you find a position right away. I do believe if you don’t do them you will be in-transition a lot longer than if you do. Having a general, shot gun approach will definitely extend your job search.
rn
Be sure and join our Linkedin Job Search Networking group. This is important. CLICK HERE to join.
rn
Posted Resume |
February 9th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
You have been quite helpful.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:52 am
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March 9th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
I agree with most of that.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Where could a guy like me go for more information?
March 9th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
I have been looking high and low for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
That’s one way of looking at it.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
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March 9th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
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March 9th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
What are your credentials?
March 9th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
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March 9th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
If you say so :-p
March 9th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
I appreciate the information.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Something doesn’t fit.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
March 9th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Are there any differing opinions?
March 9th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I agree with most of that.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
I’ve searched all over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
I have been looking high and low for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Truer words were never spoken.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
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March 9th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Something doesn’t fit.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
I guess I’m slower on some things than others.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Wow, this is over my head.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
I can dig it.
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March 9th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Sounds like solid information.
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March 9th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Seems simple enough.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Very helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Bravo! Thank you.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
How did you come by this information?
March 9th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Point taken.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:11 am
I have searched the world over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:11 am
I’ve been looking all over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Very enlightening.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:19 am
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March 10th, 2010 at 12:32 am
I’ll think more on it. Thanks for the info.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:56 am
I have searched so many places for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:57 am
Point taken.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:57 am
I have looked high and low for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Truer words were never spoken.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Could you put that in more simple terms?
March 10th, 2010 at 1:02 am
I’ve been looking the world over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:05 am
Very informative.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:30 am
I guess I’m slower on some things than others.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:31 am
Seems simple enough.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:38 am
You have been really helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:41 am
I’ve been looking all over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:42 am
My findings differ slightly, but overall I have to agree.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:03 am
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March 10th, 2010 at 2:10 am
I have been looking high and low for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:10 am
Cool. Thanks.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:10 am
I’ve searched everywhere for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:12 am
You’ve been really helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:39 am
Thank you for making it so I could understand.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:39 am
I guess I’m slower on some things than others.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:41 am
I have searched so many places for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 2:43 am
You’ve been really helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:04 am
Thank you for making it so I could understand.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:10 am
I have been looking everywhere for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:18 am
You have been very helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:59 am
March 10th, 2010 at 4:21 am
Wow, this is over my head.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:27 am
Where did your information come from?
March 10th, 2010 at 4:46 am
Point taken.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:46 am
I have looked so many places for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:14 am
Something about what you said doesn’t quite fit.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:15 am
Further study is needed.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:45 am
I have searched all over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:01 am
Cool. Thanks.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:09 am
I have been looking so many places for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:37 am
I think there is more to the story.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Seems simple enough.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:18 am
That was very informative.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:26 am
I have been looking the world over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:56 am
I guess I’m slower on some things than others.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:38 am
My findings differ slightly, but overall I have to agree.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Very enlightening.