Monday, November 7, 2011

Improving Job Search Results



I have talked with many job seekers who have sent out hundreds of resumes without ever getting results. In fact, they don’t even know if their resume is seen by a manager within the company. This is a tough job market but looking for work is a job in itself and especially in today’s market, we have to step back to analyze our results and the process we are using.

Many of you have told me that you have sent out hundreds of resume, without results so it is time to do something different. If you aren't getting results from your resume, stop sending it out en masse and review it. Have a trusted friend or colleague check it for errors and presentation.

Then, change how you look for a job: Even in good times, it's probably still twice as hard to get a job by limiting your search to job boards like Monster, Career Builder etc. Instead, try job hunting through friends, at church, and making connections through social media, (especially Linked In) , Twitter or Face book, applying directly through company websites, or even the old-fashioned walk-in application. I believe the key in this market is networking.

Target organizations you want to work for find a friend or linked in contact work works there and learn more about the company. Find out key managers with influence you could talk to. You might want to consider approaching them even if they don't have openings. Join civic clubs where you can meet and have access to key people in the business community.

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