Most
job searchers believe that looking for a job is frustrating. Unfortunately, it
can also be expensive – especially when it drags out too long because the
job seeker is not properly prepared or doesn't have the right tools.
If
you're starting a job search or find yourself in a "stalled" search,
use the tips below to speed up your efforts, stretch your budget, and maximize
your success.
Intelligence
Gathering
The
biggest (and most expensive) mistake job seekers make is not defining their
goals before they start. For many, this lack of focus adds untold weeks or
months to the job search process.
To
determine resume-writing strategy and the most cost-effective distribution method,
you need to know who your target is and what you are aiming for.
Using a targeted strategy can get you a job more quickly – saving time and
money. Here are some suggestions:
Define
Your Job Target(s)
What are the typical
keywords used in job postings for your profession? Keywords can be titles, functional
"hard" skills, transferable "soft" skills, personality traits,
locations, training topics, technologies, products, types of software, etc. Find
out which keywords are used most often and make sure they're included in your
resume whenever applicable. How
to research your job target.
Research
Your Industry
Researching
your industry will not only help you make decisions about your job target, but
it can provide great insights into the job market: What the trends are, who's
downsizing, which keywords are most important, etc.
Get
up-to-date Salary Info
Researching
salary ranges within your targeted industry won't save you money, but can make
all the difference later when you negotiate your compensation package. If your
negotiation skills are rusty, there are several good books on salary negotiation.
To research salary trends and issues, check out the links here: Research
Center
ords
to the Wise Doing
your research
NOW can help
you avoid spinning
your wheels later.
For additional
resources, check
out Jumpstart's
Research Center
Capitalize
on Internet Resources
Since
most employers (80%) use the Internet for recruiting these days, you'd be foolish
not to capitalize on Web-based job search methods. Listed below are some of the
ways you can use the Net to reduce costs and expedite your search.
Cut
Printing and Postage Costs
When
you send your resume via e-mail, you'll save money on printing, paper, postage,
and faxing. In addition, most employers prefer e-mailed ASCII resumes over
hard copies or fax copies –
but always
send the format requested by the employer. More
on Electronic Resumes
Gather
Intelligence: Conduct Research
Conducting
research is no longer the pits! Online resources for job searching abound and
make "intelligence gathering" easy and fun. You can use Net-based resources
to learn about: – Keywords (to optimize your resume) – Industry
trends (to determine strategy) – Potential employers (research a company
prior to job interview)
New
online technologies make searching easier and can expedite the search process.
Many sites (like Flipdog and Monster.com) offer search agents that automatically
send you new jobs that match your keyword criteria... You don't have to lift a
finger – just check
your e-mail!
Sending
your resume electronically will get it into employers' hands more quickly than
traditional mail. In addition, e-mail transmission is more accurate than fax transmission.
In many cases, the early bird really DOES
get the worm!
Set
up an Online
Resume or Web Portfolio
Creating
a Web-based resume / portfolio not only makes your resume more accessible (24/7
with 100% compatibility), but can project a more professional image –
and
for some job seekers, can reduce or even eliminate postage, faxing/long distance,
and printing costs.
Creative types, marketing/sales professionals, and
executives can "expand" their resumes by developing multi-page portfolios
with links to projects, work examples, flow charts, other Web sites, and so on.
In addition, online portfolios cost substantially less to produce and distribute
than traditional portfolios.
If
your resume contains errors, is poorly-written, or improperly formatted, it can
be a liability, not an asset. Even worse, a bad resume can stall your search efforts
for months!
If
you cannot say "yes" to most of the questions below, a resume overhaul
is probably in order.
Do
you know which keywords are most important for your profession?
Have
you positioned these keywords in the resume so that
employers can see what you're qualified to do in 15 seconds or less?
Is
your hard copy resume scannable?
Are
your job descriptions written in active voice? Are job target keywords introduced
early in your job descriptions?
Have
you included relevant accomplishments and special projects?
Are
accomplishments and special projects formatted so they "stand apart"
from the job descriptions?
Is
your resume strategically aimed toward a particular target (as opposed to being
generic)?
For
those who qualify, many job search expenses are tax-deductible, so keep a log
of all expenditures – e.g., mileage, phone calls, printing costs, paper,
professional services, etc. Be sure to check with your tax accountant (or a
tax specialist) to determine your eligibility for job search tax deductions.
And
finally, don't be a spendthrift!
If you invest wisely in career services, your expenditures can easily pay for
themselves and expedite the job-finding process. But don't forget to do your research!
These
guidelines were developed with input from Vivian Belen, Nick Marino, Sally
McIntosh, Linda Matias, and Jackie Connelly.
Qualifications
and Certifications:
What Do They Really Mean?
There
are thousands of resume writers, job search coaches,
and career professionals on the Net – and unfortunately
(as is common online), there are those whose "qualifications"
consist of a slick Web site, a compelling sales
pitch, and professional credentials that don't hold
up under scrutiny.
In some cases, credentials are "made-up" (membership in a nonexistent
association) or "faked" (false certification / licensing claims). Unqualified
practitioners of all kinds thrive on the Net – many with no real experience
or credentials.
Since
spending money on career services is an investment, be sure to take a close look
at who you're hiring and take the time to determine whether their credentials
and claims are valid. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau and
find out if any complaints have been filed against a practitioner.
Perhaps it's my own prejudice. but I have always been leery of firms who claim
they can generate results, interviews, or job offers in a specified time period.
Others promise "total satisfaction or your money back" or promise to
rewrite the resume for free if it doesn't work.
Regardless
of how these guarantees are presented, these kinds
of claims are a marketing ploy. Career services
use guarantees and success stories as a way to establish
credibility, gain your trust, and make you feel
comfortable about giving them money.Bottom-line:
Look beyond the sales pitch.
The
best resume writers get the majority of their
business from referrals and repeat customers.
In general, good resume writers don't need to resort
to marketing ploys and guarantees to win customers.
In addition, most reputable professionals don't
have to spend a fortune on advertising and marketing
– for exactly the same reason.
In
short, if you feel like you're being sold to,
you are probably are. If a professional service
makes promises and claims and then uses these claims
(subtly or overtly) to "justify" their
price quote – think twice before parting with
your hard-earned cash.
eep
your mind open to change all the time. Welcome it. Court it. It is only by
examining and reexamining
your opinions and ideas that you can progress.
ords
iring
a Career Professional
eep
your mind open to change
