10 Tips for Conducting an Effective Job Search
When you are in the midst of conducting a job search you have to be sure that you have all your bases covered. It's not uncommon to lose focus on all the key aspects when one consumes the majority of that focus. For instance, it's easy to get wrapped up sending out resumes or posting them online. Sometimes, we forget to make sure that everything we do is professional, focused, and appropriate. It's important that you always conduct your job search with these three aspects as your priorities. Here are 10 tips to help you conduct an effective job search.
Tip #1 - First impressions can make you or break you. Remember that the potential employer makes 10-12 value judgments about you based on your appearance within the first 10-20 seconds that they lay eyes on you. Acting, looking, and speaking professionally is critical when conducting a job search.
Tip #2 - Follow up on a regular basis. Never be afraid to pop in and check on your application. Potential employers make notes and they definitely remember who "bugs" them on a regular basis.
Tip #3 - Be on time for your interview. Being on time for the interview means already being there when they call you in. If you show up at the appointed time, you're late --- pure and simple. Make sure that you are there at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled interview.
Tip #4 - Attend your local job fairs. Sometimes these events can prove to be invaluable as far as developing leads during a job search. Additionally, attending a job fair even if you're not conducting a job search may open up opportunities that you weren't aware of.
Tip #5 - Track your activities. It's always a good idea to keep track of your job search activities --- where you applied, who you talked to, and when to follow up. You can make a simple chart for this by using Excel.
Tip #6 - Search for meaningful work. There are three aspects that you should stay focused on when conducting a job search --- 1) explore what you're passionate about, 2) identify the direction that you want to go in, and then 3) take action.
Tip #7 - Remember to say "thank you." - Here's a new twist on scoring a few points and making an impression after the fact. Send a "thank you" note to your interviewer, and do it within 24-48 hours of that interview. You can either hand write it (if you have decent penmanship) or you can e-mail a thank you.
Tip #8 - Be aware of local business news. Keeping an eye on what's going on in your business community will only help you in your job search. Reviewing the business section in your newspaper is always a good idea anyway, but it helps identify who the "hot" employers are.
Tip #9 - Create a powerful resume. This is another critical facet of a job search. A one page resume is by far the most powerful of all. Write it and rewrite it, then rewrite it again. It can always look better.
Tip #10 - Never give up. It's so easy to get discouraged when conducting a job search. Stay persistent. Make yourself get up and out of the house everyday, and keep doing your follow-ups. It will eventually pay off.