Finding a job is its own job!

Yes, you’re absolutely right To be successful in your job search, you need to devote at least three to four hours per day. Okay, so where do we begin? Which step should I take first? Now, you must first settle on a course of action. For work, what exactly are you looking for? For what sort of organisation would you like to work?

Once you do, you’ll be ready to start preparing your job-searching communications, such as a resume, cover letter, thank-you note, and possibly more. These topics will be the subject of their own blog entry.

With your new resume in hand, it’s time to start strategizing your job search. Simply put, your search strategy is your comprehensive plan for finding a new job. Here are a few examples to consider:

Social Networking: The likes of LinkedIn, Twitter, Zoom Info, etc. Establishing your brand is essential (see my post on social networking). You should do a Google search on yourself to learn more about your reputation. Participate actively by joining groups on LinkedIn and Twitter. Show that you know your stuff and aren’t afraid to share it by responding to questions in LinkedIn groups. Maintain a credible online presence by creating a profile on Zoom Info. One essential tip is to assume that any and all content you share on social media will be viewed by the public, including, you guessed it, potential employers. Bear in mind that some of these social networking sites, like tweetmyjob, have sections devoted specifically to job seekers and openings. In addition, there are apps like TweetDeck and job deck that can streamline your social networking activities. You can use these apps to post to and monitor multiple social media platforms at once, including the most popular ones and their myriad sub-sites. Keep in mind that while I have provided a long list of resources, it is by no means exhaustive.

Job boards: We’re talking about sites like Monster, Dice, CareerBuilder, etc. Always keep in mind that you need to do more than just look for work; you also need to put your resume out there. These online resources also make for excellent reading and study material. Find specialised job boards that post positions that interest you.

Companies: Even though job boards and social networking are fantastic, they do not reach everywhere. There is also the option of looking at the company’s website. LinkedIn is a great resource for finding local businesses.

Associations and Alumni groups: Such networking resources, and the job boards hosted by organisations like SHRM, can be extremely useful (Society of Human Resource Management)..

Recruiters, firms, and headhunters: These are also great resources.

Classified Adds: You guessed it; the newspaper’s classified ads section. Newspapers, love them or hate them, continue to serve a purpose, and many of them now feature searchable online job databases..

Career Fairs: However, if you attend one of these events with the intention of doing more than just finding a job, such as establishing professional connections, you may find yourself disappointed.

Internships and Volunteering: Even if you have little experience or are starting a new career, it’s worth your time to explore these possibilities because they may lead to full-time employment.

Job Hunting Support Groups: These are increasingly commonplace. Meetings can take place in person or digitally. The best ones will have and discuss job leads in your field of expertise.

Now that you have a strategy, you can start putting it into action and seeing positive outcomes. Following are some quick tips to help you deal with the results of your job search.

• Keep a spreadsheet with names, companies, numbers, jobs, etc.
• Follow up on resume submittals, with the hiring manager (use LinkedIn and other tools to find out who that is).
• Always follow up on any interview; via phone, email, and in person with a thank you email.
• Find a way to connect with anyone you interview with. If face to face and in the office of the interviewer, look around at the décor, and the pictures, you will find something that you can use to make a connection.
• Do your research, and know as much about the company you are interviewing with as you can.
• Dress for success, do not carry cell phones.
• Be prepared to ask questions as well. Remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

So there you have it, now you have enough to get your job search started properly and be successful.