Do You Have an Organized Job Search Process?

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

A recent article in Harvard Business Review by Melissa Raffoni called “Three Keys to Effective Execution” caught my eye. I was looking for the newest and best job search information for job seekers like you.

Sometimes the best information is found in new places. Consider taking the same principles that you used or use on the job and apply them to your job search.

For instance, in this article Melissa quotes Gordon Woodfall, former president and general  manager of Thermo KeyTek, now Thermo Fisher Scientific, based in Waltham, Massachusetts. He says “When things haven’t gone as planned, it’s often because the process wasn’t well defined, we missed a step, or we didn’t follow a specific sequence.”

Bingo, yes, that makes sense and you can apply that to your job search. Do you have a specific plan, and full time daily sequence and steps you take daily as you look for your new position? Use the following checklist, brainstorm your own ideas for a daily routine, and go land the job of your dreams.

• Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents look as good as you do.

• Create a notebook with the following categories:

o   To Do List

§  Daily – Weekly - Monthly

o   Create a Calendar to make and set appointments

§  Mark dates when to send resumes/cover letters, follow up and thank you letters

§  Arrange and note follow up meetings

§  Set daily goals- Check off daily goals achieved - Reward yourself with a well deserved pat on the back - add to your inner bank - feel like a million bucks

o   Companies

§  Note and Record name and address of company

§  Notate names of hiring executives and anyone you meet

§  Research on company

§  Notate dates you interviewed and notes of conversations and   names of people

§  Record questions you have about the company

§  Record potential problems or issues you think the company may be facing - Write about your possible solutions, utilizing your strengths -Notate how you have solved these problems in the past - Notate what the past problem was and the specifics of how you solved the issue

           o   Create a list of detail
           o   Create your answer in story telling form

§  Post pictures of company

§  Create your job duty wish list for this company

§  Notate the average salary for your positions in this company and compared with other companies - Benefits etc. - Do not discuss salary, benefits, bonuses etc early on in your interviewing process

• Interviewing strategy

o   Brainstorm your background, talents, abilities and skills. Know yourself inside and out.

o   Research and study possible interviewing questions

o   Write out your answers

o   Take notes from latest interviewing and job search strategy books

§  Check out the library or go to Barnes and Noble

o   Practice interviewing with your spouse or trusted friend

§  Note things you want to work on

§  Note your strengths

• Keep handy your current, up-to-date, polished and well written Resume, Cover Letter, Follow Up Letter, Thank You Letter (one copy – keep other copies in a folder)

• Ideas

• Brainstorm ideas for you new position and your ideal job environment, including creating a job search profile based on your strengths

•  References and Networking Possibilities (Correct spelling and addresses)

These are some ideas to start you moving forward in organizing your job search.

Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents shine and make you stand out from the crowd. There has never been a more important time than now to look and be your personal best. Land your best position yet.

Knowledge, with a well-defined plan and process will help you take the necessary steps to help you land your next position. May you find your best job yet.

Bob and I wish you the best in your job search. If you have any questions about your resume, cover letter or other job search documents, feel free to call Bob.

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters Degree in Education – Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com