21 tips to speed your job search even in a recession
Are you worried about the economy? Concerned about rising unemployment figures?
In recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive, and yes, all the indicators are that it will become even more so. But even as the economy slows, there are many who are incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. Even in a recession--even in the midst of rising unemployment--you CAN build your career and secure a job that is personally, professionally, and financially rewarding. Here are 21 tips that you can put into action today to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.
1. Set weekly goals for your job search - To keep your job search moving forward I recommend you set manageable and motivating weekly goals. Your goals should be: Attainable while providing a challenge; Written; Specific; Stated in a positive way; Manageable; Measurable and trackable; Timed with a deadline
2. Be clear about your focus - Knowing what YOU want, what YOU are passionate about, and what YOU bring to the table will provide you with a confidence that simply can't and won't be matched by many of your competitors in the job market.
3. Create and follow a multi-pronged job search plan - An effective job search campaign is one that includes the strategic, planned, methodical use of a variety of job search approaches.
4. Approach your job search as if it were a job itself - Get organized and create a system for managing your job search. At the very least, you need a calendaring system, a system of logging inter-related and follow-up activities, a contact management system, and a filing system.
5. Assemble a support team - You should build a support team around you of people who can help you stay motivated and on track while giving you honest feedback and helping you stay accountable to your goals.
6. Develop and promote your personal brand - Personal branding differentiates you from your peers and helps to position you as a leader in your field. By knowing and promoting your brand, you achieve instant, precision-like focus that positions you as the ideal candidate for the specific type of opportunity that interests you.
7. Prepare your CAR success stories - Take the time to think about and document CAR Success Stories (Challenge-Action-Result Success Stories). What are some of your greatest accomplishments that illustrate the strengths you want to highlight in your interview? What were the challenges you faced related to these accomplishments? What actions did you take to meet the challenge? What were the results—quantified results when possible—of the actions that you took? You will use these in your resume, during networking meetings, and in interviews.
8. Perfect your resume - Your resume is your first introduction to most employers, and your only chance to make a good first impression. Keep your resume up-to-date at all times. Rewrite your resume to convey and illustrate your unique value proposition complete with accomplishments and "CAR success stories" that differentiate you from your competitors in the job market.
9. Cultivate your network - There is no more effective job search technique than networking. Make networking a part of your daily routine and plan to spend the majority of your job search time on networking activities.
10. Create and practice your elevator pitch - You will hear the "what do you do?" or "tell me about yourself?" questions over and over. Preparation is the key to confidence and the key to making a lasting, positive, and memorable first impression. Be ready with a 30-60 second pitch that confidently conveys to the listener who you are as a professional and what your value proposition is.
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