Job-Search Success Starts by Following A Proven, Time-Tested Job Search Process

     Many job seekers find the job search process to be time-consuming, cumbersome and at times, frustrating. After creating a resume and cover letter, the primary activities many job-seekers conduct are to read ads in the Sunday paper, send out resumes and hope for the best. Know this, these people are missing out on 75% of potential employment opportunities.
     Most people know, at least to some extent, that they must sell themselves to get the job they want. But with little training on how to do this, the job seeker's frustration is compounded.
     It's no wonder so many people experience job search frustration. They don't know how to really make the job search work for them, let alone how to learn a proven, step-by-step process that'll increase their changes of landing a higher paying job by as much as 400%.
     Searching for a new job is a process with defined, specific steps. Following all of these steps and integrating knowledge from individuals who know what works, will significantly increase your chances of landing a higher paying job.
     These steps go above and beyond simply finding available openings, sending a resume, and waiting for the phone to ring. These steps force you to be proactive, allowing you to have full participation each step of the way so you know that you're responsible and in-charge of the process from beginning to end.
     This job search process is time-tested and proven to work for virtually anyone seeking employment. This process will work no matter where you're located or what the current status of the job market is. Following the process allows you to change and adapt as market conditions change.
     This process also allows you to know what you really want in a job, so you'll devote the majority of your time to the job-search process.
     Finally, this process gives you proven ability to sell yourself, which is the most important skill to have when looking for employment.

This process has five simple steps:

1. Conduct your own a self-assessment.

     To know what you should be looking for, you have to know what you want to find. What is the end result you want to achieve?
     It's tempting to take a job, any job, when you're out of work or looking to leave an unsatisfactory job situation, but this will only lead to frustration and disappointment if you don't find a job you really enjoy.
     Many job-seekers start with a job description of something they'd like to do, but this often limits their options and doesn't effectively describe what they truly want or have to offer to a potential employer.
     Ask yourself what your interests, skills, and values are, and write them down on paper. Also, ask yourself how you work best and what is the ideal working environment for you.
     Your interests, values, and self-awareness will help you determine what kind of work you'll be most inclined to do and what you can provide to an employer utilizing your skills and abilities.
     It's important to focus on what you have to offer. What is your value proposition to the employer? Tailor your value proposition to the employer in every form of communication you use.

2. Research the targeted job market.

     Now that you know what you'd like to do, you'll need to find out where you can do it. Looking online via resume posting sites or though an online a search engine can help.
     However, that's not enough to help you accelerate the job search process. Look into companies you've been previously interested in to see if they have jobs matching what you're looking for. Also, ask people who work in the field you're interested in how they got their jobs.
     Once you have a list of companies, you can also conduct informational interviews. These will allow you to ask all of the questions you want about the company and the position(s) you're considering.
     You can also look into internships or job shadowing so that you can get a real feel for the job that you're interested in.

3. Learn how to honestly sell yourself.

     You'll need to prepare the materials that'll help you sell yourself to potential employers. This is more than just a resume. Smart job seekers will also create personalized cover letters, letters of inquiry, and follow-up, acceptance response, rejection response and thank you letters.
     Consider making business or contact cards to give out when you network. Finally, you'll want to compile everything that demonstrates what you've done (regardless of experience) into a career portfolio. This can include work-related references, college transcripts, copies of all awards, honors, degrees, certifications and any media coverage you've received. If you have any samples of your work (for any technical job), be sure to include these in your portfolio.
     Next, you'll want to put your name out there. Whether or not the companies you're interested in have advertised employment opportunities, find out who has the authority to hire you. Send them a letter of intent; you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
     This can serve as a letter of application if offers of employment become available in the future. You can use that initial letter of intent as a front-end piece to inform the employer you've proactively sought out employment with them prior to the employment opportunity being made public. Remember, you're selling yourself, so let the employer know how you can be of value to them before anyone else has a chance. You'll increase your chances of getting the interview by over 400%.

4. Interview for the job and continue the interview process.

     When you receive a call for an interview, you're that much closer to a job, despite not having the job offer. Remember, you still need to sell yourself. Besides being dressed well you'll need to be thoroughly prepared.Conduct a practice interview before the interview and be prepared for trick questions. Also, have your career portfolio ready, as well as a list of questions to ask the interviewer. You may be desperate for a job, but remember, the employer is interested in how you'll benefit the company; answer questions accordingly.
     Also remember that the interview is a two-way communication process. Interviewers are not only determining if you'll be a good fit for their company, but you should determine if their company will be a good fit for you.
     As mentioned earlier, after the interview collect contact information and send out at least one thank you letter the same day following the interview.

5. Follow up.

     Following up on a job interview will demonstrate your sincere interest in the employment opportunity to the employer. Ask smart questions. Find out when you should expect to hear from them. If that time passes without contact, call them and make a polite inquiry as to when they will give you a decision. If no timeframe was given to you, let a week pass, then make the call. You don't want to be pushy, but you do want to be persistent.
     If you find that you were not hired for the job, send them another thank you letter thanking them for considering your application. Express your interest in working for them, and again, highlight your value proposition to them. This simple follow up strategy may get you a job in the future.
     If you need help on how to implement this strategy for maximum effectiveness, please contact us.