7 Essentials for a successful Job Search
The following are the 7 absolute fundamentals you will need for a successful job search.
1. Number is TIME. You've heard it all before I'm sure but it's somewhat true. Job hunting first of all is a very time consuming activity which deserves your full commitment. In fact you will more than likely fail notably if you do not allocate the time and effort required. Best practice would be to approach the task seriously, set up a schedule and stick to it. Allocate specific blocks of time in your diary and set them aside for job-seeking activities. Start with something small, for example, 30 minutes a day and build from there.
2. One BIG LIST. This can be broad. You don't really have many restrictions here. List things like the ideal companies you'd like to work for, internships you have the opportunity to apply for, people you want to talk to, or blogs to follow. Really it's up to the individual. Once again start small. Keep a pen and notebook or add to the notes section of your phone, jot down a few points as they come into your head. In time you will realize that this list will become very important. The list will basically provide you with the assignments to carry out in your job search sessions that you have already allocated previously.
3. FRIENDS. This may seem a little strange to you but the idea is that the word "friends" sounds a little less intimidating than "a network". This is essentially what your friends are, a network. I really can't stress how critical the network you develop will be in finding you a new job. Your friends are the very first people you should tell about your job search for a number of reasons. Firstly, they can offer you advice, spread the word and also allow you to make further connections with their friends. Some people are of the opinion that a job search is about reaching out to a range of different people who are essentially strangers. This is the wrong method of approach in my opinion. I feel you will be more successful in your approach to job seeking if you firstly reach out to your friends and then grow your network organically from those relationships.
4. BUSINESS CARDS. Some people may be of the opinion that this is a little over the top but it does reflect a level of maturity and eagerness to progress in my opinion. Many people, especially students just out of college or university feel it is a little weird having a business card without a company name etc. but they are the currency of the professional world so you really should have them to engage in a successful job hunt. Anyway, they are relatively easy to create and fairly affordable now too. A simple card will do with a simple font, include your name, email, contact number and if you like you can also include extra details such as your university, qualifications and website etc if you have one.
5. The BEST RESUME/C.V possible. This is also a critical factor when applying for jobs. Even though the current economic climate is improving gradually, it is still an incredibly competitive market which means there is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for a substandard C.V. or resume. My advice would be, if you can afford it, get it done professionally. If you are in college you should have access to a career center, get them to have a look at it. One thing for sure that you should NOT do is wing it. If you don't have access to either of the 2 options above (ideally you should) then ask your smartest, most successful friend for some assistance. Bottom line - I guarantee you that the time, money and investment spent on improving your C.V. or resume will be repaid in full and some more.
6. Create a LINKEDIN PROFILE. Once you have completed that perfect C.V. or resume. Where better to show it off than to 135 million members and counting on LinkedIn. It is now what had previously been the yellow pages. Regardless of your area of expertise, your level of expertise or your location etc. you simply must have a LinkedIn presence to be found by employers and taken seriously by networking contacts. If you need a little assistance in the setting up of an account no need to panic. There are numerous videos outlining the process on YouTube.
7. Two PROFESSIONAL OUTFITS. You can successfully make it through the job search by having a couple of key sets of clothes. Firstly - you need a professional suit. If in doubt usually a black suit is ideal accompanied by a pair of black shoes. Ensure that the suit is dry cleaned and that your shoes are always polished. This is the easier of the 2 outfits to organize. Secondly you need a business-casual outfit. Not as easy as it sounds. This usually depends on your industry and you may need to do a little research to see what is suitable for your circumstances.
1. Number is TIME. You've heard it all before I'm sure but it's somewhat true. Job hunting first of all is a very time consuming activity which deserves your full commitment. In fact you will more than likely fail notably if you do not allocate the time and effort required. Best practice would be to approach the task seriously, set up a schedule and stick to it. Allocate specific blocks of time in your diary and set them aside for job-seeking activities. Start with something small, for example, 30 minutes a day and build from there.
2. One BIG LIST. This can be broad. You don't really have many restrictions here. List things like the ideal companies you'd like to work for, internships you have the opportunity to apply for, people you want to talk to, or blogs to follow. Really it's up to the individual. Once again start small. Keep a pen and notebook or add to the notes section of your phone, jot down a few points as they come into your head. In time you will realize that this list will become very important. The list will basically provide you with the assignments to carry out in your job search sessions that you have already allocated previously.
3. FRIENDS. This may seem a little strange to you but the idea is that the word "friends" sounds a little less intimidating than "a network". This is essentially what your friends are, a network. I really can't stress how critical the network you develop will be in finding you a new job. Your friends are the very first people you should tell about your job search for a number of reasons. Firstly, they can offer you advice, spread the word and also allow you to make further connections with their friends. Some people are of the opinion that a job search is about reaching out to a range of different people who are essentially strangers. This is the wrong method of approach in my opinion. I feel you will be more successful in your approach to job seeking if you firstly reach out to your friends and then grow your network organically from those relationships.
4. BUSINESS CARDS. Some people may be of the opinion that this is a little over the top but it does reflect a level of maturity and eagerness to progress in my opinion. Many people, especially students just out of college or university feel it is a little weird having a business card without a company name etc. but they are the currency of the professional world so you really should have them to engage in a successful job hunt. Anyway, they are relatively easy to create and fairly affordable now too. A simple card will do with a simple font, include your name, email, contact number and if you like you can also include extra details such as your university, qualifications and website etc if you have one.
5. The BEST RESUME/C.V possible. This is also a critical factor when applying for jobs. Even though the current economic climate is improving gradually, it is still an incredibly competitive market which means there is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for a substandard C.V. or resume. My advice would be, if you can afford it, get it done professionally. If you are in college you should have access to a career center, get them to have a look at it. One thing for sure that you should NOT do is wing it. If you don't have access to either of the 2 options above (ideally you should) then ask your smartest, most successful friend for some assistance. Bottom line - I guarantee you that the time, money and investment spent on improving your C.V. or resume will be repaid in full and some more.
6. Create a LINKEDIN PROFILE. Once you have completed that perfect C.V. or resume. Where better to show it off than to 135 million members and counting on LinkedIn. It is now what had previously been the yellow pages. Regardless of your area of expertise, your level of expertise or your location etc. you simply must have a LinkedIn presence to be found by employers and taken seriously by networking contacts. If you need a little assistance in the setting up of an account no need to panic. There are numerous videos outlining the process on YouTube.
7. Two PROFESSIONAL OUTFITS. You can successfully make it through the job search by having a couple of key sets of clothes. Firstly - you need a professional suit. If in doubt usually a black suit is ideal accompanied by a pair of black shoes. Ensure that the suit is dry cleaned and that your shoes are always polished. This is the easier of the 2 outfits to organize. Secondly you need a business-casual outfit. Not as easy as it sounds. This usually depends on your industry and you may need to do a little research to see what is suitable for your circumstances.
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