New Tools for Job Seekers
Anyone looking for a job or contemplating changing jobs knows it’s tough out there and they are right: the national unemployment rate is at 10 percent and the administration forecasts only marginal improvement to 9.8 percent by the end of this year.
That means this is not the time to sit back and wait for better times. It is up to you to take action but the good news is there are an infinite number of creative and effective ways to find a new job. Get ready! It’s important, even if you’re in panic mode, to take some time to get organized before starting a job search.
5 Things to Do Before You Start Job Hunting
- Create a resume with impact - make it professional and polished.
- Create or update your profile on LinkedIn. That’s what you use to connect with people. And, your profile is how you get found on LinkedIn by potential employers.
- Showcase your credentials on VisualCV. It’s quick and easy to create this online resume that includes add-ons like video, images, and links to your accomplishments.
- Write an awesome cover letter you can use as the base for customizing when applying for jobs.
- Create a personal business card. Include your contact information and your career area such as Computer Programmer, Administrative Assistant or Marketing Professional.
When you need a job and nothing is working, don’t get discouraged! When you’re having a tough time finding a job, or even finding jobs to apply for, it’s important to expand your job search.
Make a target list of companies. Create a wish list of companies for which you want to work and target these in your job search. Find information on the web and on the companies’ websites.
Reach out to the companies. Once you have the list, reach out to contacts at the company. Use LinkedIn’s companies section as a tool to find company information.
Work your company list actively. Work those contacts to help you get a foot in the door. Have a plan for each day.
Create a contact action plan. Send an email or LinkedIn message to the individual you would potentially be reporting to. Mention how your background/experience can help them.
Follow up on your action plan. Follow up by phone with three companies that you have already emailed. Call the person you emailed the previous week and restate how your background can add value.
Meet with “Connectors.” Meet with one person each week who can connect you to others. Call or email the person you met with the previous week and thank/remind them.
Meet with others. Meet with people who are also out of work and exchange ideas on what is working and not working in your job search.
Job Searching
- Use local job search resources like the Chamber of Commerce and your local Workforce development agency. Check the classifieds in your local newspaper
- Read the news in the newspaper business section for leads
- Find new companies through the Yellow Pages.
- Use online job sites such as LinkedIn, HotJobs.com and Monster.com
Job Searching: Using social media
- Browse Flickr for great resume format ideas.
- Create an online resume on LinkedIn and put the URL on your resume and business cards.
- Join industry groups and pages on Facebook such as JobMob Facebook Page.
- Twitter about your job search so that your friends can find you jobs.
- Post a video resume and respond to YouTube job contests.
- Brand yourself with a MySpace page related to your expertise and have your page show you job alerts.
Job Searching: How to Network
- Call everyone you know and tell them you’re looking for a job.
- Can they help? Do they know if their company is hiring? Will they keep their eyes open for you?
- Join clubs, groups, and associations related to your field and meet people.
Make arrangements to get together later. - Ask people to “connect” you to others.
Job Searching: Networking Event Tips
- Be prepared. Take a notebook, pens, and business cards.
- Arrive 1/2 hour early; it’s the best time to network.
- Take the first step and introduce yourself to everyone.
- Make it a goal to collect as many business cards as possible at each event.
The current job market is very competitive. It’s crucial to maintain an edge over other prospective job seekers. Motivation will lead you down the right path, procrastination will lead you to the road of no return.
