Three Essential Job Search Strategies

The 3 “P”s = Planning + Preparation + Proactive Participation!

While these three steps may sound simplistic enough, unfortunately they are not always all carried out! I can give you some clear examples…

1. Plan: Get focused, target your job search strategy, and access the hidden job market by developing contacts. (There's nothing worse for planning then saying, "I'll take any job. I'll do anything!” which scatters efforts all over the place!)

2. Prepare: Perhaps the most important strategy here is to develop a positive mental attitude, self-esteem and emotions, which may have had a downturn during job loss and transition. Any negative baggage will follow you through your job search process, whether you know it or not. This step must also include physical preparation, which includes everything from your appearance, to task oriented things such as: customizing EVERY marketing document for EVERY job (resume, cover letter, references, portfolio, etc.), prioritization of relevant qualifications and achievements on those documents, researching companies, positions and the industry, as well as practicing interview questions with someone. Dare to be video taped to see how you present yourself! Setup an online presence in the name of free websites, social media sites and so on. 

3. Proactively Participate: The main concentration here is networking...network, network, network! You can conduct informational interviews, volunteer  attend relevant networking groups and job fairs - network in person and online! And really concentrate on accessing your hidden job market contacts primarily (over 80% of your job search time) and the superfluous over-accessed methods, like the internet and newspaper ads, secondarily. In other words, the easiest is not always the best OR where employers necessarily prefer to look!Keep an activity and contact log during your job search. Also, follow-up - this is so important! Remember to give thank you cards or emails to not only interviewers, but your references (who are often forgotten) and everyone involved in your job search process. And ENJOY the process...your journey. Have fun with it!

Article written by: Brenda Blackburn http://www.brendablackburn.com