- Are you overwhelmed with your job search?
- Can't get any traction or call backs from employers?
- Wondering what you're doing wrong and where to begin?
Most job seekers start at the end of their career management cycle and just begin to randomly apply to jobs. Then, they get frustrated with a lack of results and have to start at the beginning. As a job search specialist, I am often called upon to untangle this. I am often asked: what am I doing wrong, is there something missing, why aren't employers calling me back? If you don't build the proper foundation, your job search may collapse or never get off the ground. Let me explain the classic career managment process for you...
Experience has shown that the most successful job seekers are the ones who are most active in planning and managing
their own career. You may be thinking, I am active, I spend hours on the job board and hours applying for jobs online. Though you may be "active" you are not being productive - through no fault of your own. In case you haven't noticed, the traditional job search and job board system is broken! What you need is to develop a strategic approach and determine your goals - before jumping into job applications. You also need to use the best and most productive job search methods - the job boards don't fall into this category. My colleague has coined the phrase "Become Your Own Success Story”. This is a great way to approach your career development.
Job Search Checklist and Sequence of
Events.
Assessment – When to use self assessement and/or formal career testing? For
individuals who are unsure about career function and industry; Have little to
no understanding of possible career paths, company cultures, reward values etc.
A professional with an MA in Counseling Psychology - typically has credentialed
access to many psychometric and career tests. They can purchase, administer and
help you interpret your test results. Most formal tests are not available to the general public as it
takes a trained person to administer and interpret the test results.
Exploration,
Focus & Goal-setting - Examine
your Test results in depth (as required); Gain more focus to set realistic and
attainable career goal(s); Determine
status within the career development process; Explore potential career paths;
Establish short and long term career goals.
Brand
Description - Review career management assessment
results; Identify and understandindividual Values, Talents and Interests;
Incorporate lifestyle considerations into career plans;Develop brand
differentiation and positioning statement.
Job Search
Strategy - Develop Career Marketing Plan (CMP);
Target industries, companies and functions; Identify network contacts; Utilize blogs, workshops, panel
discussions, and coaching sessions; Develop professional communication tools;
Resume, cover letter, mock interviews, and elevator pitch; Social networking,
business cards, references, thank you letters.
Job Search Execution -
Most job seekers jump into a search and have completely omitted or skipped the
first few steps. In fact, less than 5% of job seekers ever receive formal
traning in job search, so they don't even know what they are doing wrong. If
they are lucky enough to secure an interview, they may have great difficulty
articulating their value proposition. i.e: why did you apply to our company,
what do you have to offere which is unique?
Instead, a well planned job search will help you each step
of the way. At this phase you wouldc ontact professionals to initiate
informational interviews; Apply for jobs and internships withfirms; Conduct
employer research prior to interview; Interview; Job offer evaluation
Keep up the good work!
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© 2012 All Rights Reserved. Blog post by Sharon B. Cohen Global Career Consultant
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