BUSTING THE NO JOBS MYTH
BUSTING THE NO JOBS MYTH
December 2008
By Naomi Kinert, M.A., MCDP
“California’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.4 percent in November, up 0.2 percentage point from October, and up 2.7 percentage points from one year ago. In comparison, the U.S. unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in November, up 1.2 percentage point from October, and up 2.0 percentage points from one year ago.”
So says the most recent missive from the California Labor Market Information e-newsletter. While these numbers are not encouraging, the media runs with this type of information and paints a bleak picture of no jobs to be had which can be discouraging for some job seekers and cloud their outlook on their chances of getting a job. In contrast to this, three laid-off candidates I recently worked with landed excellent positions this past week, one of which was in the construction industry, a segment that has been particularly hard hit in the recent economic downturn. In addition to this, their landings occurred in December, a time when many job seekers scale back their searches thinking “no one’s hiring in December” – another job search myth that I’ve seen “busted” on many occasions in the years I’ve been coaching and counseling job search clients.
While there are no silver bullets for guaranteeing a successful job search, there are proven, practical steps, that if implemented correctly, will result in a more productive search, even in a difficult economy.
STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH
1. Know who you are and what you want, review values, skills, personality, interests, work environment criteria.
2. Get organized: set up a tracking system for resumes sent, calls made, dates to follow up. Purchase a 3 ring binder with A-Z dividers for filing all job postings you respond to. Create a weekly goals sheet. Create a plan and work your plan.
3. Understand the main methods of job search: ads (online and print), networking, recruiters/agencies, job fairs, direct contact to employers.
4. Get your marketing materials ready
a. Resume, Word and Text versions
b. Cover letter
c. Reference page
d. Letters of recommendation (3)
e. Business cards
f. Generic application pre-filled out
g. Thank you letter
h. Letters for contacting employers directly
5. Develop a target list of organizations.
6. Create a networking list of contacts. Networking is still the number one best method of finding a job. Spend most of your job search time (70%-80%) networking!
a. Set-up online networking venues such as LinkedIn and Plaxo
b. Research and set dates set for attending upcoming professional association meetings and events
c. Have your 30 second introduction written and rehearsed
7. Know how to find and use resources for researching companies
a. Business journals
b. Book of Lists (published by local business journals)
c. Chamber of commerce directories
d. Newspapers
e. People
f. Business magazines
g. Trade journals
8. Know how to respond to the most commonly asked interview questions
a. Know what to do before, during and after an interview
9. Understand how and when to negotiate.
10. Understand the importance of follow-up; don’t “spray and pray” the Internet with a “one size fits all” resume. Customize each resume to speak directly to the job requirements listed in the posting, make sure your resume is accomplishment based, rather than a listing of duties and call to make sure your resume was received. Use the call to politely ask when they might be setting up interviews or to verify the position is still open. If it’s filled, you may be the first to find out another position you may be qualified for is about to be posted.
11. Be politely persistent! With every contact you make, ask if it’s o.k. for you to check back in the following week or in a few days. This shows you’re serious about the position – the old adage, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease” applies to job search. You may have been the only applicant to have made a follow up call. This sets you apart from the crowd and may give you information your competition doesn’t have.
12. Take time to evaluate the offer.
Job seekers who keep a positive outlook and use good job search strategies are ahead of the game even when there are fewer open positions. Also, being flexible about the type of work, considering contract work for example, will increase your chances of gaining employment. In spite of a difficult economy, jobs are still out there and well prepared candidates who follow good job search practices will be successful!
For information about career counseling services by Naomi Kinert see www.careerfocus4u.com
www.careerfocus4u.com
Resource Link: http://www.careers4u.net
