Searching for a new job can be complex, especially if it has been awhile since you last searched for a job. A job search plan is a must. Keep an open mind and beware of rules you might place on yourself. For instance, is driving a few extra miles for your dream job really that big of a deal?
Job Search Plan: Get Started
1. Target Job
By targeting your job search, you will only be focusing on jobs and opportunities you are qualified for. Targeting your job search also makes it easier to optimize your resume.
Read: How Long Does it Take to Find a New Job?
2. Resume + Keywords
As part of your plan, you need to optimize your resume. An optimized resume is going to give you optimal visibility. By optimizing your resume for your target job, you are also viewed as a relevant job seeker to hiring managers and non-technical HR people.
Here is a good start: How to Build a Winning Resume
Use my template: IT Resume Template
3. Exposure
Job search is hunting for leads. The more leads you have, the more interviews you will get. The more interviews you get, the better chance you will have of narrowing down the right opportunity. Getting your optimized resume submitted to Monster, Careerbuilder and Dice.com will expose you to potential opportunities. But only if your resume is optimized.
If you are not on LinkedIn, go to linkedin.com and sign up. LinkedIn is another great resource for hunting down job leads. Send me an invite.
4. Followup
Follow-up after your interview. Interviews are great because you have an opportunity to meet key people and learn about opportunities. A quick followup e-mail after each interview is a must. Even if you are not interested in an opportunity. If you interviewed, you need to follow-up.
Read: How do I Get a Second Job Interview?
5. Never Give Up
It’s not worth it. It can be de-motivating to feel like you are not making progress in your job search. Keep going. If you are not finding leads or getting many interviews, take another look at your plan and start again.
Comment on this post if you are struggling with finding a job and have a question.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr o5com
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