“It’s a job to get a job”, the common phrase that most diligent job seekers will hear time and time again. It is tough job searching and it can be a relentless and thankless task.
So, how can you make your job hunting not only effective but successful?
Preparation is the best method for a job seeker.
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Diary or Journal
It’s critical to keep track of what you are aiming for, what you need to do and how you are going to achieve your goals. Either an online tracker or a written journal will help you monitor what you want to accomplish over a set period of time. My planning monthly, weekly and daily you can set your actions and to-do lists in a format that keeps you focused. At the same time, committing your goals to paper or online tracker will keep your motivation higher and ensure you do not miss your deadlines. Keeping track of your appointments and activity is essential for the efficiency of your job search.
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Collateral
As a committed job seeker, you are going to need a selection of documents, cards and prepared speeches and answers to interview questions along with an updated master CV/Resume. One of the files you will want to consider is ‘pain stories’ which are stories about how you resolve problems that cause businesses pain. Besides the pain stories, you will have PAR stories, examples of actions you have taken to resolve a problem and showing what the result was. Your social media profiles need to be updated too and you can use this for job hunting as well as positioning yourself as an expert in your field without necessarily discoloing you are a job seeker. Using LinkedIn for job searching, networking and attracting recruiters by being open for business. Part of the job search will entail talking on the phone to interested parties, whether it is networking or an actual job interview. If you have a prepared script with responses, you will be more fluent during the call. And talking of interviews, you will need to have a couple of interview outfits and a portfolio case with notepads and pen that you can take with you on the interview day. Having a bespoke area in your home will mean you are fully prepared to invest the time to look for that job.
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Resources
At the same time, it is also important for the job seeker to have not only have your tools for job searching, namely a PC or laptop and an appropriate phone but also an office space where you can work efficiently in your job search. You will need good internet connections for online meetings and up-to-date software for listing target companies, submitted applications and tracking progress.
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Connections
Finally, your network connections will be invaluable as you set about job searching. Whether it is on or offline, you need to network professionally and keep your contacts informed of your target and progress. Using your prepared collateral, they can network on your behalf if they are clear about what you are looking for; whether it is a contact in a specific company or some knowledge about a potential employer. At the same time, you can share with them your experiences and be encouraged by their support.
