Is your job search sluggish, sputtering? Here’s a basic “points and plugs” checklist to help you catch a spark and get moving at full speed again.
Make sure:
- You are a power user of these job boards and search aggregators: Monster, CareerBuilder(job boards) Indeed, RealMatch.com, SimplyHired.com (job posting aggregators). You have found the best niche job board(s) for your line of work. These are often better than Monster and CareerBuilder.
- You have sought professional guidance to help you write your own world class resume, or you have had a professional resume writer produce one for you. Either way, you have received unbiased opinions confirming that you have a GREAT resume. You have no doubt that your resume can be continually modified and improved as appropriate throughout your search process.
- You have a powerful profile on LinkedIn. You consistently use LinkedIn to make connections, expand your professional network and discover new job leads.
- You are an avid researcher. You leverage the value of available job search resources. You are making critical career decisions and exploring opportunities based on accurate information.
- You are reading books within your field of expertise, keeping up to date with industry news and trends.
- You have taken time to assess your performance in phone screens and personal interviews to date. You recognize some key areas to work on that may include: concise impact answers, eye contact, persuasive communication, energy, personability, etc.
- You have read at least one book on job search, like Get the Job You Want Even When No One’s Hiring.
- You realize that networking is the most powerful part of your job search effort.
- You are taking good care of yourself: exercising, eating right, maintaining high energy, keeping sharp, managing stress and staying vital.
- You view the job search and interview process as a competitive challenge and you are preparing in every way to compete at your highest level. You are willing to work harder than your competition.
- You are focused on networking your way into and applying for specific jobs you can win. You are not wasting time carpet-bombing random job postings with your resume.
- You have made professional recruiters in your space aware of your interests. You have learned how to make contact with headhunters.
- You have come to grips with the fact that job search can be a difficult and painful process. You press on with an organized, on-purpose and high activity regimen.
- You have refined and practiced a sharp introduction and elevator pitch so that people you connect with know immediately who you are and what you do. You make a strong, favorable and memorable impression with everyone you come in contact with.
- You understand that if you do not have a full-time paying job, your job search is your full-time job. Job search is networking. Ergo your full-time job is networking.
