As a member of a community of resume writers and career coaches called the Career Collective, this post is one of many responses to “How to avoid being tricked by common job search blunders?” (in honor of April Fool's Day!)
I encourage you to visit other members' responses, linked below. Please follow our hashtag on Twitter: #careercollective.
I want to thank Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, MRW, CPRW, CEIP (www.careertrend.net) and Miriam Salpeter (www.keppiecareers.com) for bringing this team of experts together.
Whether you are currently unemployed or plan on changing jobs, right now is the time to get your ducks in a row! It has been said that today's job search is not like it used to be (in the good old days).
These are some things you can cross off your list and avoid:
- Searching Sunday's Help Wanted ads in the newspapers
- Waiting for a response from the company that they received your resume
- Waiting for a response from the company that they would like to interview you, again
- Typing your resume and going to the "copy shop" to have 100's of copies made
- Using the same generic cover letter and mass mailing this stuff everywhere
- Logging onto the "best" job search boards to find your next job
- Waiting until your unemployment is almost over to "really" start looking for a job
Phew, no need to worry about those time commitments. Now you can focus on the really important things!
- Identify several different job titles to pursue
- Develop a list of companies that hire those titles
- Craft your LinkedIn profile
- Draft resumes for each of job titles you are pursuing (you will have to customize each resume whenever you submit it)
- Take steps to find people who work in those target companies (ie. network)
- Nurture relationships before, during and after the search! (Ooops, but it is never too late)
- Gather information, don't ask for jobs
- Be patient. Be giving. Be kind.
If you've been in job search for awhile, this is too basic, I know. For the advanced job seeker (which no-one wants to admit to):
- Focus your communication. Don't send mixed messages
- Evaluate what is working and what isn't getting you results
- Take care of yourself
- Ensure your reputation and brand are on the web...LinkedIn, Facebook, Virtual CV, Google Profile, etc.
- Commit time to volunteer in something that will feel rewarding
- Do something every day that pushes you out of your comfort zone
- Ask for help- financial, emotional, job search
- Do not hide behind your computer
Don't stop reading yet...Visit the expert advice for “How to avoid being tricked by common job search blunders?”
The April, 2010, Career Collective Links
10 Ways to Tell if Your Job Search is a Joke, @careerealism
April Fool’s Day – Who’s Fooling Who?, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes
If It’s Not You and It’s Not True, You’re Fooling Yourself, @GayleHoward
Don’t Kid Yourself! (The Person You See in the Mirror is a Good Hire), @chandlee
Avoiding the Most Common Blunder, @jobhuntorg
Are you fooling yourself? Bored at work? Is it your own fault?, @keppie_careers
Hey, Job Seeker — Don’t Be a Fool!, @resumeservice
Is Your #Career in Recovery or Retreat? (All Joking
Aside), @KCCareerCoach
9 Ways You Might Be Fooling Yourself About Your Job Search, @heatherhuhman
Don’t get tricked by these 3 job search blunders, @LaurieBerenson
Trying to hard to be nobody’s fool?, @WorkWithIllnessIt’s not all about you, @DawnBugni
Mirror ‘their’ needs, not ‘your’ wants in #jobsearch, @ValueIntoWords
Stop Fooling Yourself about your Job Hunt: Things you may be doing to sabotage yourself – @erinkennedycprw
Same as it ever was – @walterakana
Don’t be fooled. Avoid these – @kat_hansen
Job Seekers: You Are Fooling Yourself If...@barbarasafaniFollow us on Twitter with our hashtag #careercollective
Hannah,
Great job comparing the 'good old days' of job search to today's realities. I also like how you listed not only initial steps to take including identifying job titles, researching companies and building your resume, but also steps for the more advanced job seeker.
This is an organic, changing process that must be refocused, reevaluated, adjusted and enhanced throughout. Being proactive, aware and involved in one's career communications processes works!
Appreciate your relevant blog post, once again, Hannah! So glad you are part of the Career Collective!
Posted by: Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter | April 06, 2010 at 08:57 AM
Dawn, Walter, Gayle and Susan:
Thanks for the comments! This is quite a collection of talent Jacqui and Miriam have put together! I am absolutely thrilled to have met you all.
Posted by: Career Sherpa | April 04, 2010 at 06:28 PM
Spot on information Hannah. Job search 2010 is completely different than job searches of the past. Every phase of the search takes effort and tenacity. You've provided a great list to drive significant success.
THANKS!
Posted by: Dawn Bugni | April 04, 2010 at 05:42 PM
Great post, Hannah! I think your new list is great, but I’m especially fond of the advanced job seekers’ list. I think the new reality, in our ever more network driven world, is that we’re all advanced job seekers now. Job security increasingly will to be about our ability to connect, stand out, and get pursued for opportunities to join and contribute to the team!
Posted by: Walter Akana | April 04, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Fantastic article, should be required reading for all job seekers! The amount of people who like Cinderalla, expect Prince Charming is going to arrive with the glass slipper (job) at their doors is scary too. The job application process doesn't start and end with the pressing of a "submit" button on a job board! Nor does the strategy of sending an application, waiting until you're not accepted and then send the next one work either....ut so many people do it! Thanks for your article!
Posted by: Gayle Howard | April 04, 2010 at 02:06 AM