I wrote a resume for a recent college graduate last week and gave him a few helpful hints for his job search. Just wanted to share those with you.
1. Follow-up - this includes following up when you haven't heard anything back from a possible employer, as well as following up with a thank you card after your interview. Don't think that after you sent your resume, you're done. Work hard to get the interview, then work hard after you've already had it. Keep your name in front of that person and ensure they know you are passionate about that job and you are more than capable of doing it.
2. Network, network, network - In our current economy, it is believed that 90% of all jobs come from within the company or through a referral by an employee already working there. Only 10% of the jobs will ever be realized by answering job search engines and the classifieds. Therefore, spend 90% of your time making connections and networking, and 10% of the time answering those ads.
3. Prepare your elevator speech - This is a 30 second pitch that tells who you are, what you want, and what you can provide. It should not be a formal, memorized speech, but should always be in the back of your head, ready for recollection. You never know when you'll meet the employer of your dreams and you don't want to blow it by stuttering and stumbling over yourself because you weren't prepared.
4. Market yourself - Going hand in hand with netorking, you need to meet people and then be ready to tell them what you can offer. If you can't tell someone why you are needed, then you won't be needed.
5. Prepare for the interview - Don't just put your nice clothes on and practice answering a few questions. Research the company, know their strengths and weaknesses, know if they've recently been in the news, and if possible, know about the people who will be interviewing you.
For anyone out there in the midst of a job search, I hope these few tips help.
1. Follow-up - this includes following up when you haven't heard anything back from a possible employer, as well as following up with a thank you card after your interview. Don't think that after you sent your resume, you're done. Work hard to get the interview, then work hard after you've already had it. Keep your name in front of that person and ensure they know you are passionate about that job and you are more than capable of doing it.
2. Network, network, network - In our current economy, it is believed that 90% of all jobs come from within the company or through a referral by an employee already working there. Only 10% of the jobs will ever be realized by answering job search engines and the classifieds. Therefore, spend 90% of your time making connections and networking, and 10% of the time answering those ads.
3. Prepare your elevator speech - This is a 30 second pitch that tells who you are, what you want, and what you can provide. It should not be a formal, memorized speech, but should always be in the back of your head, ready for recollection. You never know when you'll meet the employer of your dreams and you don't want to blow it by stuttering and stumbling over yourself because you weren't prepared.
4. Market yourself - Going hand in hand with netorking, you need to meet people and then be ready to tell them what you can offer. If you can't tell someone why you are needed, then you won't be needed.
5. Prepare for the interview - Don't just put your nice clothes on and practice answering a few questions. Research the company, know their strengths and weaknesses, know if they've recently been in the news, and if possible, know about the people who will be interviewing you.
For anyone out there in the midst of a job search, I hope these few tips help.
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