Here’s the traditional way of finding a job:
1) Search online job boards for any job that seems somewhat appealing to you
2) Click “Apply” button
3) Write a short message (some people don’t even do this!) and attach your resume
4) Repeat process
5) Wait (fingers crossed) you get a response
6) Wonder whether your email got lost or something. Maybe the hiring manager has been out sick?? Server was probably down.
7) Put it aside for a few weeks then repeat the whole process again – fingers crossed.
This HAS to be the LEAST effective way of finding job, don’t you think? I get a lot of these types of candidates, who apply for every job under the sun, with no way of making themselves stand out, and who end up sending me a generic cover letter (if any – and often addressed to someone else), showing no thought or effort at all in presenting themselves as superior candidates for the job they applied for. Their resume is poor, with unexplained gaps or missing details and specific examples of accomplishments, and no proofreading. In the end, if you are finding a job the traditional way, THIS is the ONLY THING that represents YOU as a candidate to the hiring manager/recruiter. A poor resume that gives me more questions than answers, no cover letter, and nothing else, goes straight to the Dear John bin.
If you really want to get ahead, get a job that you REALLY want (not just any job that’s currently advertised), here’s a BETTER, more PROACTIVE way of finding a job:
1) Do your research first. Make an assessment of your strengths, skills and goals. With those in mind, what kind of skills/technology would you be using? What exact position(s) do you want to do? What kind of environment do you thrive in? What are your career and personal goals?
2) Once you’ve identified your strengths, goals, and objectives, research the companies you’d want to work for. Do these companies hire the kind of positions you are qualified to do? Consider all the factors that are important to you: industry, product/service, size, culture, location, brand recognition, etc.
3) Prepare to MARKET YOURSELF. Yup. That’s right. You’ve got a product to sell – Yourself. Answer these questions:
a. Why would a company invest their time and money on hiring YOU over someone else? Be honest with yourself. Don’t claim things that you can’t deliver.
b. How can you benefit them? See the situation through the company’s eyes.
4) Write down your answers. These are your KEY SELLING POINTS on how you can benefit them. Provide SPECIFIC EXAMPLES of your accomplishments that show these selling points. For example, are you innovative and creative in designing technology solutions? Then describe a problem/project that you previously faced, the detailed solution you came up with, and the positive results after applying that creative solution. Even better, include measured results, like percentage gains or any kind of number. You need to be armed with several of these examples for all your selling points.
5) Get out there! Either in person or on the phone. VISIT or CALL those companies, asking the hiring manager for a few minutes of their time – request to set up an appointment (for either telephone or in-person) to discuss any opportunities they may have. Many companies don’t always advertise for positions they need. Many companies are often on the lookout for just GOOD PEOPLE. So introduce yourself as a GOOD CANDIDATE. If they don’t have a job at the moment, they may keep you in mind for when they are hiring.
6) Be prepared to talk about your selling points. When you’ve got your scheduled appointment (which could be on the spot when you first approach) clearly explain the benefits you can provide for the company. Clearly provide specific examples of your ability to deliver those benefits.
7) Follow-up with a thank you email and
attach your resume (if you talked on the phone). Take a look at this helpful
article on 25 Words That Hurt Your Resume on CNN.com.
8) Do the same things when applying for a job advertised by a recruiter. Set yourself apart from those other email applicants by doing the following:
a. CALL the recruiter to talk about the job advertised. Present yourself as you would do to a company’s hiring manager.
b. Follow up with emailing a STRONG, well thought out, and proofread
resume that answers questions rather than creates more confusion. That
is, it provides clear and specific information about your work experience,
including responsibilities, duties, and accomplishments. If you have gaps in
your work history – explain it. If there’s something particular or unique about
your situation – explain it.
I can guarantee that if you go about your job searches more PROACTIVELY, you will get great results. If for some reason no job offer results soon after, think of it this way: You’ve NETWORKED with some key people in an industry that you’re interested in. Your resume now has a face or a voice to it. If you maintain those relationships, like sending an email or calling in once in a while to let the recruiter or hiring manager know where you are in your career or that you’re still open to opportunities – they will most definitely remember you and most likely go to you first when an opportunity does come up.
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