It’s about who you know, NOT what you know! But what if you don’t know anyone? So what are you supposed to do? You’re supposed to go hunting and make contacts. When finding any job, the first rule is to make the job search your JOB.
Finding a job is your job
If you are unemployed, you should set aside at least 6-8 hours out of each business day to apply for jobs, network, interview, and stay on top of your industry. This strategy will always get you a job in less time. Your goal should be to apply for a minimum of 3 jobs per day. You must manage a contact list of everyone you contact directly or indirectly.
If you already have a job, then you shouldn’t be looking for a job. But, if it is imperative that you find a new job, then it will be more difficult to find adequate time to search for work, therefore you should set aside the time for your job search as it becomes available.
Analyze your craft
You should know your craft. Know your skill and the level at which you perform best. Rate yourself fairly, don’t underestimate your talent. Know your value, but better know the minimum (salary) that you are willing to accept.
It is important to know your skill set. Knowing this information will help you better evaluate the position you are seeking. Getting a job isn’t just about the employer finding the perfect fit, it’s also about you finding the perfect fit. Research the salary for your position, such as Salary.com, SalaryExpert.com, and PayScale.com. Once you are familiar with the salary, you should stay at least $ 5,000 within that range (for example, if the salary for the job is expected to be $ 45,000, then you should look for opportunities within the $ 40,000- $ 45,000 range or $ 45,000- $ 50,000, depending on your skill level for the position).
Prepare your resume
You must update your current resume or create a new one. Your original resume should be generic, but keyword-rich. The generic version should NOT contain formal greetings to any particular party. Basically, you should be able to apply to any job with the generic version without any editing. It should be available for quick access and quick application. The generic version will be used for posting to job boards, for employers to see when searching the database. Editing your resume to receive a formal greeting should be done when applying for a job.
You want your resume to be keyword rich because when employers / recruiters search databases for resumes, they usually use keywords to find employees. If your resume has the right keyword density and strategy, then your resume is more likely to return within search results (for example, if the job you are looking for is ‘customer service’, then your resume should focus on the keyword ‘customer service’).
Many argue that a one page resume is the best resume, but in my experience, a one page resume does not provide enough information for those with extensive experience. In this case, I suggest not to exceed 2 pages, unless the job you are applying for is related to information technology or is based on extended details within the industry, then (sometimes) it is better to list or add each product , program, service and technology. that has touched, worked or has knowledge. Still, don’t go over 3 pages at this point, and that may be too much. However, I must admit that I have seen 5 page resumes that are very detailed and keyword rich receiving a very high response rate.
Never brag or brag on your resume. Be honest and list your goal, skills, professional experience, education, and knowledge.
If you don’t have the ability or time to create an award-winning resume, it may be worth investing in a professional resume writing service.
Build your contacts
The best way to network is by calling the employer or recruiter directly. Usually this information is available when applying for a job online. If you are on a job board site like: Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, or a niche-based job board like: DataCenterLife.com, the contact information is most likely on the offers page of work. If you are applying through an employer site, the contact information will most likely be found on the “Contact Us” page which is usually found in the navigation bar of sites. Respect the wishes of employers and recruiters who state NOT to contact by phone.
You must create a contact for any job you apply for.
Manage your contact list
Every employer or recruiter that you contact directly or indirectly should be added to your contact list. Your contact list should include the company name, contact name, email address, phone number, and title. You should also have a field or method that indicates the last time you spoke or contacted each contact. This is important so that you don’t make the mistake of contacting someone you spoke to days before and this helps you manage your time between each contact. You should follow up on your contacts at least once a week or every 7 business days.
Jobless. Out of the loop.
Just because you’re unemployed doesn’t mean you should be left behind in your industry. You still need to be familiar with your industry and spend your time wisely. Study the market in your industry and learn about new technologies that are used within your work industry. Stay afloat, use your resources such as: Internet, newspapers, media, friends and former co-workers to find out what is happening in your work industry. If you have been out of work for months and have no idea of a new app being used by all the professionals in your industry, then you will look bad in an interview when you have no idea what they are talking about and you are claiming to be a qualified professional in the industry. Be on the lookout for the prize and know your stuff. Even if you are not an expert on it, at least you have the basic knowledge.
Don’t answer that phone
You only get one chance to make a good impression, don’t spoil it! Do not answer the phone if you are too busy to talk; If you see a number you do not recognize, assume you are an employer or recruiter and should not answer the call if you are too busy. There is nothing worse than a baby crying in the background, a large excavator from a nearby construction site, the sound of a flushing toilet, a conversation with a third party in the background, or being in a call drop zone when an employer or calls from recruiters. You should be focused, relaxed, calm, and ready to answer all questions quickly without interruption when the phone rings; otherwise, let your voicemail service take the call and return the call later, when the time is most convenient.
Give yourself a break
I also suggest taking off on Friday, do not look for work or interview this day, have fun. Take a 3 day weekend. The only reason you should schedule the interview for Friday is if the employer or recruiter schedules it, never make your interviewer uncomfortable unless it is life threatening or extremely important. Also, you still have to answer your phone on Friday when you have time, if you are too busy or cannot answer your phone, make sure you have a voicemail service set up.
Interviewing
Getting an interview is what you worked hard for. Having a successful interview is just as important as getting the job. This determines everything. Preparation for your interview should begin the moment you are scheduled for your interview. You must study the background of the company. You must be familiar with what the company does and its procedures. Most of this information is usually found on the company’s website (sometimes buried within the site, so you may need to do a bit of research). You should prepare any questions you may have for the interviewer about the company and / or the position. You should familiarize yourself or refresh yourself with the requirements / qualifications of the position. And most importantly, you need to get a good night’s sleep before the interview, at least 8-10 hours of rest.
You must have at least 2 business / attractive outfits for the interview. If you have a second interview, you should be able to change into a different outfit. Your suits should only be all three colors: black, navy, or gray. Make sure you are well groomed for the interview.
You should arrive for the interview 10-15 minutes early. You should never come to an interview empty-handed. You should have at least a business folder with notepad paper, a pen, and a hard copy of your resume.
When interviewing, you need to relax and be yourself. You must focus, articulate well, and be enthusiastic. Make non-offensive eye contact with your interviewer. Ask questions about the company and the position. Ask the interviewer about his position and how long he has been with the company. Ask the interviewer why the position is available and why the last person left the company. Ask the interviewer how soon they expect to fill the available position. Ask the interviewer for a business card or a way to contact him if you have any questions later.
Just remember to be yourself and remember that the interviewer is just a human being like you. If you don’t get the job, try and try again, until you get a job. Many times an interview is a display of your personality and character. If you have accurately and appropriately represented your skill set on your resume, then the interviewer already knows that you are capable of handling the job.
You are hired!