Sometimes even the most carefully planned out job search doesn’t take off with great success. If you are in the midst of your search and you are not getting the results you expected, you should take a quick inventory of the elements of your search and adjust things where necessary. Here are some things to investigate and improve to get your job search off the ground.
1. Do you have a defined type of job you are looking for?
Knowing the type of job you are pursuing allows you to focus on the correct companies and openings that fit only your criteria. This makes your search more effective so you are not wasting time and energy on jobs that you are not qualified for or that you do not want.
2. Have you joined a group that fits in with your professional interests?
Professional associations and job search groups offer support and resources for job hunters, including introducing you to people who are more likely to add value to your network. Different groups will have different personalities and strengths, so check out more than one and join the ones that resonate with you.
3. Have you researched and taken notes on 15 companies that are potential employers?
This list of potential employers is a valuable tool throughout your search. It helps you to focus when you are tempted to start pursuing random openings that are likely not a good use of your time. Share your list of potential employers with members of your network so they know who to keep an eye out for.
4. Do you get called to interview for at least 10% of the positions you apply for?
This is a good number by which to assess the success of your resume, cover letter, and other communications that you use when you apply to the job. If you are not getting at least one interview per 10 resumes sent out, first you might need to tweak your search a bit. Are you focusing on jobs you are qualified for at companies where you want to work? Also, your resume or cover letter might need a bit of work. Ask a friend or professional colleague to review your communication materials.
5. Do you regularly review job postings online and in newspapers?
To get to new opportunities as soon as they are posted, you must review newspapers and online postings regularly. With online postings, this means more than once a day. Keeping up on the jobs available gives you more time to prepare your application or to do research about the company. Many jobs will have deadlines attached to the collecting resumes phase and the last thing you want to do is miss a cutoff date for your perfect job!
Visit the Education Jobsite to help you get that dream job!
1. Do you have a defined type of job you are looking for?
Knowing the type of job you are pursuing allows you to focus on the correct companies and openings that fit only your criteria. This makes your search more effective so you are not wasting time and energy on jobs that you are not qualified for or that you do not want.
2. Have you joined a group that fits in with your professional interests?
Professional associations and job search groups offer support and resources for job hunters, including introducing you to people who are more likely to add value to your network. Different groups will have different personalities and strengths, so check out more than one and join the ones that resonate with you.
3. Have you researched and taken notes on 15 companies that are potential employers?
This list of potential employers is a valuable tool throughout your search. It helps you to focus when you are tempted to start pursuing random openings that are likely not a good use of your time. Share your list of potential employers with members of your network so they know who to keep an eye out for.
4. Do you get called to interview for at least 10% of the positions you apply for?
This is a good number by which to assess the success of your resume, cover letter, and other communications that you use when you apply to the job. If you are not getting at least one interview per 10 resumes sent out, first you might need to tweak your search a bit. Are you focusing on jobs you are qualified for at companies where you want to work? Also, your resume or cover letter might need a bit of work. Ask a friend or professional colleague to review your communication materials.
5. Do you regularly review job postings online and in newspapers?
To get to new opportunities as soon as they are posted, you must review newspapers and online postings regularly. With online postings, this means more than once a day. Keeping up on the jobs available gives you more time to prepare your application or to do research about the company. Many jobs will have deadlines attached to the collecting resumes phase and the last thing you want to do is miss a cutoff date for your perfect job!
Visit the Education Jobsite to help you get that dream job!
Becky Papp has been a professional writer for 20 years, working for newspapers, magazines and corporate communications. She currently contracts for clients all over the world, writing online and print articles, newsletters, blogs, and e-books. She resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
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