1. Update your mental and verbal image of what you have to offer. This is a critical step regardless of whether you’ve been out of work five weeks or two years. Really look at how your experiences, accomplishments, and passions align with what businesses are looking for today.
Sometimes when individuals are working in an organization it’s so hard to dissect what is being accomplished – it’s just viewed as "work." But it’s important to be crystal clear of your view of yourself - see yourself as a subject matter expert. Having that clarity will help you talk about how you use that knowledge and experience to solve problems. If you’ve been out of work for a period of time, it may be time to again take stock of what you are a subject matter expert in, and how those experiences are still relevant in the market today. As time goes by and your "demonstrated" experience is further in the past, it’s a good idea to look for ways to volunteer your time in order to maintain a successful track record of relevant and updated work skills. Yes, even if you aren’t getting paid for them.
The updating of your mental image should broaden your ideas of where you can successfully be the subject matter expert. Perhaps you’ve always worked in the banking industry as an auditor. Spend time considering how those experiences transition into the financial controls and auditing requirements of the healthcare or construction industries. Look for ways you can "see" yourself in a different industry setting and then work on how to help others see how your knowledge, skills and abilities transfer to their industry.
Updating your verbal image- your 30-second commercial- will take time and creativity. Most important is that you believe you can be successful. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect someone else to? Your overview of what you are looking for should demonstrate a solid link from past experiences to the future where your talents and innovative ideas will boost efficiencies and improve cost savings.
2. Reconnect and continue to build your network. Jobs are being added in our economy, but at a slow pace and most economists agree this will be the trend throughout 2012. That being the case, employers will continue to be discreet about how they identify qualified candidates. They don’t want to get slammed with hundreds, or even thousands of resumes for a few openings, so they are less likely to post openings on job boards. More than likely they will work with recruiters or current employees to reach out to potential hires.
That being the case, it’s important to update your existing network on your 2012 job search goals and your updated 30-second commercial. Remind them that you are actively seeking employment and share a few of the specific actions you are taking. Engage them in discussing how transferring your talents from one industry to another will be beneficial to an employer. Ask permission to check in with them periodically, and then do just that. Maybe it’s through a call, or forwarding an article you read that you think they’ll find interesting. Just stay in touch.
In addition to the network of contacts you have cultivated up to this point, you need to continue to reach out to individuals in order to introduce them to your talents, skills and job search goals. There is turnover within organizations, so be sure to reach out to new mangers in organizations you are targeting. Make it a point to be active in the community, or within professional associations aligned with the field or industry you are interested in. Volunteer for projects in order to meet others while demonstrating your capabilities.
I know I sound like a broken record, and I’m not saying there won’t be some "real" job openings posted, it’s just that the preferred way to get in the door in this economy remains through a contact. You will also want to make sure that your LinkedIn profile is refreshed to match your updated message. As always, be diligent about monitoring and managing "posted" messages, pictures, or links that a future employer could view when they conduct their social media background check.
3. Use your time wisely. Navigating from one job to another is time consuming. Be sure to hold yourself accountable for where you are spending your time and what you’re getting back from that encounter.
This is also a good time to keep up-to-date on what’s going on in the world, as well as emerging trends in the specific industry and profession you are targeting. Expanding your knowledge and skills through workshops, on-line trainings, and college courses is a good use of your time as you have the opportunity to meet new individuals to add to your network while exposing yourself to new knowledge and experience you can add to your resume.
Using your time wisely also encompasses taking care of yourself. Job search can be stressful; rejection can be very frustrating and depressing and can lead to self-doubt. This is a time to make sure you are exercising, eating well, and surrounding yourself with positive people and positive energy.
I hope these tips motivate you to re-ignite your 2012 efforts to get organized and focused in a way that quickly leads to fulfilling your wishes for a job that is personally satisfying, financially rewarding, and adds to your career growth and advancement capabilities.
I’d love to hear from you if you have other suggestions for ways to kick-off or restart a successful 2012 job search. Please click on the comment box below and share your thoughts.
And one other thought - if you know someone in job search that might benefit from these tips, please forward this email to them and ask them to subscribe for future posts.
Q&A
It’s been a while since I’ve interviewed for a job. Should I have a few questions ready to ask when the interviewer is finished?DeLois
Check out Dear Jobseeker for my answer to DeLois' question.
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