DON’T LIMIT YOUR JOB SEARCH
September 18th, 2006
When beginning a job search it is important to have a PLAN! When taking a vacation or even going on a simple road trip, would you leave without a map? Conducting a successful job search should also have a detailed plan! There is a lot of preparation required in order to have an organized job search. The work you do at the beginning of your search will save you countless hours once you are involved in the interviewing process.
The key to a successful job search is to stay focused and dedicated to your PLAN. However, it is JUST as important that you remain FLEXIBLE throughout your process!
Before your search it is important to do the following:
1. Write down your skills and work experience
2. Write down your professional Accomplishments
3. Make 2 lists – One should be the responsibilities that you enjoy
The second should be the responsibilities that you dislike
4. Brainstorm what your “dream job” might be
5. Search for openings in the newspaper, on-line, and other sources –cut out/print the opportunities that appeal to you (it is important here to be realistic….only take the openings that you are qualified to fill)
6. Have an “Accomplishment – Oriented” Resume – (have someone else review your resume in order to catch any overlooked errors.)
7. Have your references ready and aware that they may be called
8. Make a list of Corporations/Companies/Firms that you would like to work for – have your Target list (These are your first choice places.)
9. ***You also need to have a Second and Third List
10. Once you have your “Lists” completed, be open to the realization that your next job may not be on ANY of the Lists that you have put together!
YOU MUST REMAIN FLEXIBLE!
When you initially begin your job search your demands and hopes are usually high! As your search continues, you realize that the more flexible you become, the more opportunities will be open to you!
So often, job seekers search for their “ideal” job! There is no such thing as the perfect position. If you begin your search knowing that you will need to make changes to your original plan, then you will be able to adjust quickly.
You may need to reconsider your “ideals” if your search is taking longer than you had planned. It may be necessary to become more flexible in some of the following areas:
1. Be open to the size of Corporations/Companies/Firms
2. Be flexible on the location & commute time
3. Be more flexible to working hours – Overtime
4. Be more flexible on your Benefit Plan requirements (don’t flex if it will cause you additional hardship)
5. Reconsider your Salary requirements (what can you afford to live on?)
6. Be more open to Titles (they vary within each company)
7. Read more job descriptions and accept interviews even if you are not sure of the opportunity
8. Be open minded – finish all interviewing processes (sometimes the opportunity gets better as you go through their entire process)
9. If an opportunity seems “below” your abilities, go on the interview. There may be room for advancement/promotions in the near future.
10. Go on as many interviews as you can set up! Each interview may not end up as your next career move but, it IS excellent practice for your interviewing skills!
The idea is to STAY FLEXIBLE, BE REALISTIC & CHANGE YOUR PLAN as you need to throughout your job search! If you do, you will be happily employed much SOONER THAN LATER!
Nancy J. Phillips, CPC