I’m pissed.
You see, what I won’t stand for is smart, brilliant people not getting the job that they deserve.
And it’s not their fault. It makes me so mad that I’m shaking.
So, I’m going to cut to the chase. I’m going to look you straight in the eye and tell you how it is. If you want a sugar coated Yes BossLady, keep walking.
Job searching is NOT just something you do.
Job searching is a process – a series of steps.
It’s hard. Let’s be honest. We can’t help but feel sorry when we hear someone is job searching. At the back of our heads, we subconsciously think how did it happen that your friend, your family, your spouse lost their job? Did they resign? Did they get laid off or got hired? Whatever it is, something BAD must have happened that they’re now unemployed.
Then there’s the drama of unemployment:
The money issues, marital strain when finances are tight, questions about self-worth if things don’t go your way, “feeling like a loser”-ness and much more…
It’s already hard enough as it is. And it doesn’t get easier when you don’t know where to start with the whole job searching thing.
The thing is, though, it’s not a thing that you do.
Job searching is a system. And with systems, there is a right way to do it.
PREPARATION
Whether you’ve lost a job, are just looking casually, or you’re just keeping your ducks in a row (you know, just in case), it’s a good, no – great – idea to prepare all your job hunting tools and gear BEFORE you even submit your resume to your first job application.
When you’ve set a solid foundation for your job search, this foundation will serve as the solid ground that helps you rocket-launch and zoom through your job search process.
When you work with me, we’ll set up this solid foundation at the beginning of our relationship. Here’s a sneak peek to how I set up my clients for inevitable success….
Get that pen and paper ready. I’m sharing my own system for FREE because I truly want you to succeed!
1. The WHAT
What are you looking for? If you’re too vague about the WHAT, it’s unlikely anyone will hire you because hiring managers are specific about what they want. Find job positions that interest you. Think about the lifestyle each position will likely bring you and the salary and perks you’ll probably receive. Research, research.
Because you need to know the *what* in order to look for *it*.
2. CAN I AFFORD IT?
Especially if you’re unemployed, how much cash do you need to have in the bank to pull off this thing called job searching? The average time you’ll spend looking for a job is 4 months. Do you have sufficient finances to keep you afloat? If not, your next step is NOT to start your job search but rather revisit your budget or even look for a bridge job. There’s no harm in honest work!
3. CAN I PULL IT OFF?
Well, from a technical perspective, I mean. Do you have the expertise and skills for the career path you’re looking into? Most of the time, this would be a yes. However, if you’re thinking about getting into IT and you’re currently in cosmetology, job searching in IT might not be the best idea right now. What do you need in order to get your foot in the door?
4. The WHO
Who do you know that may be able to help you to get into the positions or companies you desire? It’s to your advantage to create a great network of connections before you start job searching. Your network will give you insights and good information on whatever you might need for your possible career path. Also, this is a surefire way of penetrating the “hidden job market” when you do start to look.
5. YOUR STORIES
Some people call them STAR statements. Before you write your resume, dig into your job history and look for accomplishments, achievements and praises and collect them as stories. These stories are proof that is uniquely yours on how you contributed to your former employers. Hiring managers know the best way to predict your future with them is by seeing how you did well in the past. And there’s no better way of explaining that than by your stories.
6. YOUR BRAND
Whether we like the sound of it or not, in job searching we are marketing and selling ourselves. Your resume, your LinkedIn profile, your cover letter. They’re all marketing materials that showcase you, your experience and your expertise. It’s important to create marketing materials that will convince the right readers to pick up the phone and call you.
When you’ve followed the above steps, your job search will be more efficient because you don’t have to stop and figure out what you might have missed.
Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. ~Bobby Unser
I’m only telling you this because I love you. Seriously.
Don’t waste any more energy. Start your job search right and make it fast and even fun for yourself.
What do you do before you start looking for a job? Share your best tips below.
Let's get you hired,
