Thinking Outside The Box!

I received this in an email from my brother-in-law. It’s not mine, and I don’t know who wrote it, but it’s excellent to illustrate how we should always look for the “outside the box” solutions in our job search and in our life!

You are driving along in your car on a wild, stormy night.
You pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The perfect man (or) woman you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only
be one passenger in your car?

Think before you continue reading. This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was
once actually used as part of a job application.

You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first.

Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back.

However, you may never be able to find your perfect dream mate again.

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer.

He simply answered: "I would give the car keys to my old friend, and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the woman of my dreams."

Never forget to "Think Outside of the Box."

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

Twitter For a Job Search... REALLY?!?

Can Twitter really be effective for a Job Search? It’s fun, it’s interesting, but not much really gets accomplished there… does it?

There are millions (?) of people on Twitter that have a desire to tell you that they are getting a cup of coffee; going grocery shopping; tired of a certain commercial; going to a meeting; or any other mundane thing you can think of. Reading all their “tweets” MIGHT be interesting to you, but won’t do much to help you find a job. Adding similar mundane tweets may make you feel like your every action is important for others to know, but will probably hinder your ability to find a job.
So what good is Twitter?

There are a few things you must do to make it worthwhile:

• Create a bio on your profile page that’s professional, makes it clear you’re looking for a job, what kind of job you’re looking for, and is compelling. Choosing great wording and a professional picture are important here.
  
  
• Follow, and get followed by people that can help you (more on that later)
  
  
• Download and use an application that makes it easy to group your tweets by groups so you can keep track better; like TweetDeck
  
  
• Engage with others… professionally!
  
  
• Watch job posting profiles and do searches!

It’s very important who you follow and who follows you! To start, find a couple hundred people that may be of help to you. Most of the time, they will follow back. Then use all the resources available to you:

• www.twellow.com is a terrific directory to help you find people by title, industry, or function. If you’re in IT, follow CTO’s, CIO’s, other IT professionals, and IT recruiters. If you’re an Accountant, follow CFO’s, Controllers, other accountants. Get it? Use the “TwellowHood” function to find people locally
  
  
• Use Twitter Advanced Search to find Tweets that matter
  
  
• Hashtags (#) are used to help you find things easier; for example you can search: #jobs or #jobadvice
  
  
• #splits is used between recruiters to get help filling a job; those are potential jobs you might fit. Search #splits and engage with the recruiter that posted it.
  
  
• Search for titles of jobs you are pursuing
  
  
• Search for company names you’re pursuing; those people are potential contacts; engage.
  
  
• Look at the Home Page Tweets of profiles like @JobAngels and many others that will arise when you search #jobs
  
  
• Everything you tweet creates either a positive, professional impression of you, or a negative one. Engage with others, add value, be generous in passing on leads and ideas to others, and you will get help in response.
  
  
• Send messages directly to people you have a question for rather than to the whole Twitter universe, you’ll be more likely to get a reply.
  
  
• Send messages directly to any recruiters, or others that you find through the #jobs search, and to each of the people you’re following.
  
  
• There is a great wealth of job hunting advice, tips, leads, and links to other resources posted constantly. Find career related tweeters and you’ll be amazed at what you find.
  
  

Now, guess what… even with all this… YOU WON’T GET A JOB ON TWITTER!
You may say “Huh? I thought that’s what this is all about?”

Twitter, just like any online resource is terrific for finding information, ideas, and contacts to help you tremendously. However to get a job… you MUST talk with people; tweets alone won’t do it.

Now go find the contacts, and then pick up the phone!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

What the Heck is an "Elevator Speech"?

A “30-Second Resume”; an “Elevator Speech”; a “Marketing Blurb”… what are they, and do I really need one?

Imagine you walk into an office building for an appointment. You’re looking sharp because you’re on your way to a meeting with a recruiter on the 22nd floor. You step onto the elevator, and you notice someone that you used to live next door to in the past, but haven’t seen in years. You say “Hi” to each other, and they ask what you’re doing there. You say you’re meeting a recruiter. They say “Oh, I didn’t know you’re looking for a job… how can I help? what are you looking for?”

You now have approximately 30 seconds to tell them what you’re looking for, and give them some ideas of how they can help before the elevator door opens and either you, or they, have to step off and they’re gone!

Are you ready?
What will you say?
Will you say it in a way that they’ll get it?
Do you know how they might help?
Can you say it before your time is up?
ARRRGGGHH!!! PANIC!!!! Stutter & Sputter, then Ramble, and… and… they’re gone!

It dawns on you that they are probably one of the most “Connected” people you know! They seem to know everyone, and probably know a number of people that you’d love to be able to get introduced to. That conversation, done right, might have taken months off of your job search!

That same scenario can happen on the street, at your kids ballgame, at the grocery store, at your church, or anywhere else. A great “Elevator Speech” is one of the most important tools in your job search. It needs to be prepared, be polished, and come naturally to you… meaning it has to be practiced!

So what should your “30 Second Resume” say?
I don’t know! It will be different depending on your field, your experience, your interests, and your style.

Here are some points to consider when you’re putting it together:

• Name 2 or 3 things you’ve done that qualify you for the type of position you’re looking for
• It should NOT be a full recital of your career history – no time, and not effective
• You MUST be able to give specific types of jobs you are seeking
• They can’t help you if they’re not clear on what you want
• Have 2 versions! One for someone who “gets” your field, and one for a “layman”
  (Almost no one outside of IT has any idea what a “UNIX Systems Engineer” does)
• It should NEVER include griping about how you got laid off / had a bad boss / hated your job / etc.
• Words must be chosen carefully to convey what they need to know in the fewest words you can
• IT SHOULD SOUND NATURAL! - A robotically recited speech gets you no where
• Never use someone else's speech. If it's not words in your speaking style, it will never sound natural
• Write it out! - The process of writing it will help you crystallize it better in your mind
• Be prepared with ways people can help you…
  - Do they have any contacts at a particular company you're pursuing?
  - Do they know other companies in your field?
  - Who else do they know that would be worthwhile for you to connect with?
  - Do they know good recruiters for your field?
  - If they were looking for a position, who would they talk to?
• DON’T ask them if they know of a job! - It's assumed, and it’s too easy for them to just say ‘No’- end of conversation.
• ALWAYS be upbeat and professional! Even a good friend will be reluctant to refer you to a business contact if they think you might complain or show up in jeans. Present your best.
• ALWAYS GIVE THEM A BUSINESS CARD! They may have an idea 5 minutes later and need to know how to get back in touch with you. No email or phone number = lost lead!

Write it out. Know it. Practice it. Use it. Use it again. Improve it. Practice it. Use it. Use it again, Improve it. Practice it. Use it. Use it again. Use it again… Get it?

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

Standing Out In The Crowd!

In your job search it’s critical to stand out from the sea of other applicants, but how do you do that in a way that attracts an employer rather than putting them off? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts!

Do:

• Actually call and talk to someone in the organization (puts you ahead of 90% of applicants)
  
• Dig for possible contacts you have that might make an introduction for you
  
• Present a resume showing previous accomplishments and specifics of what you can do
  
• Present a resume tailored for the position, emphasizing the most relevant skills and experience
  
• Send your resume directly to an actual person rather than a general email or online system
  
• Send your resume by FedEx Letter directly to the hiring manager
  
• Be professional, respectful, cheerful, concise and well-prepared in every contact
  
• Send a Thank You email / note after EVERY contact
  
• Make it easy for them to see how your experience clearly fills their need
  
• Connect with multiple contacts in the same company, especially outside of HR
  
• Prepare and use scripts for each call to be better prepared
  
• Know about the company before any contact and have insightful questions prepared
  
• Pursue companies that interest you whether they have an opening posted or not
  
• Be confident, but humble about your experience
  
• Be Pleasantly Persistent (sales are rarely made on a first call)
  
  

Don’t:

• Send in your resume, or apply on-line and wait for a call
  
• Use self-descriptives in your resume (i.e. hard working, dynamic, articulate)
  
• Use colored, scented, or oddly shaped paper, or artistic fonts for your resume (except for artistic positions)
  
• Send your resume by singing telegram
  
• Do anything involving sky-writers, billboards, or animals
  
• ‘Wing It’ in calls, interviews, and follow ups
  
• Be cute or comical to get attention (and don’t tell jokes)
  
• Rely only on the HR person to handle your exposure in the organization
  
• Call anyone without an agenda
  
• Be arrogant or cocky about your experience (“I’m a perfect fit”)
  
• Be pushy, or a ‘Stalker’

Most people don’t go beyond submitting a resume online or by mail. By taking further steps than most people you will stand out and have far greater success!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

Effective Networking? or Blowing It?!?

When you’re networking, how do you know if you’re blowing it?

• If you ask everyone you talk to if they know of a job for you… you’re probably blowing it!
  – Instead ask: “Who do you know that would be good for me to network with?” They may not like being put on the spot about a job, but may be willing to refer you to others. You want to keep that networking chain going!

• If you don’t bother to contact people that have been referred to you… you’re probably blowing it!
  – Often people will tell their referrals that they gave you their name. If you don’t bother following up with what they gave you the first time, there won’t be a second time. A referral may look like a dead end on the surface but often turns into another lead.

• If you wait several days or weeks to follow up on a referral… you’re probably blowing it!
  - If it doesn’t look like you have a sense of urgency, they won’t either

• If you don’t provide people you talk to with a way to easily contact you again… you’re probably blowing it!
  – Give them your business card and e-mail with contact info; they may think of a lead a week from now and not know how to reach you.

• If you don’t follow up every conversation with a Thank You note or email… you’re probably blowing it!
  – Send a Thank You Note or e-mail within 24 hours of EVERY conversation; while you (and they) still remember the discussion. It builds goodwill that leads to more referrals, and remember to give include your contact information every time.

• If you don’t keep track of who you’ve connected with or you contact the same person again forgetting previous conversations… you’re probably blowing it!
  - Put processes into place to keep from looking foolish. Use a spreadsheet or contact management system; note who referred you, with dates and topic of conversations.

• If you don’t continue to update your networking contacts with your status… you’re probably blowing it!
  - They may think you're not looking anymore 3 weeks later. Send periodic updates in an e-mail to your networking contacts every few weeks. This reminds them you are still looking and might prompt their memories of new contacts or ideas.

• If you act dismissive or ungrateful for ideas or referrals you don’t think are helpful… you’re probably blowing it!
  - They won’t bother offering up any more if they feel you don’t value what they give.

• If you talk negatively or have a negative attitude about your previous job, company, or manager… you’re probably blowing it!
  – You should always only give a brief synopsis of your last role that is no way bitter or negative.

• If you talk about problems in your job search, or bad interview experiences… you’re probably blowing it!
  - People won’t want to refer you to a friend if you are negative, unprofessional, or appear to be failing.

• If you talk about problems in your personal life… you’re probably blowing it!
  – A positive attitude is the single most important factor in your networking! People are much more willing to give leads and contacts to someone that’s upbeat, professional, and will represent them well.

• If you show up to a networking meeting in jeans and a T-shirt because you figure ‘it’s not an interview’… you’re probably blowing it!
  - People (even good friends) are much more willing to give leads and contacts to someone that looks professional, and many networking meeting can become real interviews!

These are the most common errors I see consistantly in Job Seekers.

Networking is a critical part of a successful job hunt! Always present yourself the best way you can, and show appreciation for any and all information gained!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

When Interviews Don't Go Well...

How do you know when it's not going well?

If you’re doing 70% of the talking… it’s not going well!

If your interviewer is doing 70% of the talking… it’s not going well!

If you don’t have ANY questions… it’s not going well!

If you have a great outside interest in common, and that’s all you talk about… it’s not going well!

If you misstate what the company does… it’s not going well!

If you ask a question about what the company does… it’s not going well!

If you’re answering a question that you misunderstood… it’s not going well!

If your answer is taking 5 minutes… it’s not going well!

If you have no examples of work situations… it’s not going well!

If you can’t tell them what’s different about you… it’s not going well!

If you’re not sure of something they refer to on your resume… it’s not going well!

If you can’t remember what an acronym on your resume stands for… it’s not going well!

If they are sitting straight up in their chair and you’re slouching… it’s not going well!

If they are taking more than one call during your interview… it’s not going well!

If your cell phone rings in the interview, and you look to see who it is… it’s not going well!

If your 1 hour interview ends in 20 minutes… it’s not going well!

If they ask about your weaknesses and you give one that’s critical to the job… it’s not going well!

If they ask about your weaknesses and you say “I work too hard”… it’s not going well!

If they ask about your greatest accomplishment and you don’t know… it’s not going well!

If you’re asking about salary, benefits, and vacation in the first 30 minutes… it’s not going well!

If you put your feet on their desk and belch (it’s happened)… it’s not going well!

If you arrive in a T-Shirt and Khaki’s when they all wear suits (it’s happened)… it’s not going well!

If you’re wearing a nice suit and tie, with hiking boots (it’s happened)… it’s not going well!

If you’re telling stories about what a jerk your previous boss was (it’s happened)… it’s not going well!

There are many, many more… add yours in the comment section!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

Why Isn't My Resume Working???

You’ve created the “perfect” resume! In 5 pages it lays out every great thing you’ve done in your career in terrific detail. It’s a work of art! It’s a literary masterpiece and shows ALL the reasons any company should want to hire you! So why aren’t you getting called with job offers?!?

A “masterpiece” is often very different from an effective resume.

First, it’s important to understand what happens in the selection process when you send your resume to a company.


If you applied through an online system, your resume goes into a database. The recruiter, HR person, or hiring manager periodically does a search of the database to see if anyone with the right skills has recently applied. Typically they do a keyword search. If, for example, they are looking for an accountant with a CPA, QuickBooks, and supervisory experience; they may enter the keywords as (CPA QuickBooks Supervisor). If your resume said “Manager” or “Leader” but not “Supervisor” they may never see your resume at all because it didn’t come up when they ran their keyword search. Frustrating, isn’t it?

If you mailed or emailed your resume to a main HR address, to a hiring manager, or to a main company address… Congratulations! You are likely one of 50, or 100, or 500 people that did the same thing! The person picking candidates to interview looks at the pile of resumes on their desk, or the long list of emailed resumes they received and starts the ELIMINATION process. You'd like to believe they will read your resume with a mindset of finding reasons to interview you. However, the reality is that they are looking at each resume for a grand total of 15 to 30 seconds each to find reasons to eliminate you. They are scanning each one looking for a few key things that may qualify you, and looking for any reason they can to put you into the “No” pile. They hope to eliminate enough to leave a small handful in the “maybe” pile to bring in for interviews. Pleasant thought again, huh?

So… How in the world do you make sure your resume gets found in the database or makes it through the elimination process??? What really is a “perfect” resume?

I’ll be posting more about resumes, but here are some points to consider:

• Make your resume Keyword rich!
  ----- Somewhere in your resume make sure to use every possible term they might search
• Read your resume from a defensive viewpoint
  ----- Fix anything that may knock you out (i.e. spelling errors or no chronology)
• Modify your resume for every job you apply to
  ----- Use keywords used in their job description, and emphasize relevant experience
• A resume doesn’t get you a job, it might get you an interview
  ----- You can give more detail in the interview, it doesn’t have to all be in your resume
• Your resume can be as long as you like, as long as it’s 2 pages or less!
  ----- If you can’t say it effectively in 2 pages, you can’t say it effectively in 5, AND
  ----- They won’t look past your second page anyway
• Make sure it’s easy to see your relevant experience in a quick scan of your resume
  ----- If why you’re a fit doesn’t jump out in their 15 second scan, you won’t get a call
• Write in short, but substantive, sound bites
  ----- In a scan, “sound bites” get read, paragraphs do not
• Always try to get it directly to the hiring manager vs. HR
  ----- They have the greatest sense of urgency to fill the role
  

Now, take another look at your resume from the hiring manager’s, or recruiter’s point of view and start the process of tweaking it for success!

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A Job Hunt is SALES! YIKES!!!

Not only is looking for a job, a full time job in itself… it’s a SALES position!

Now, if your profession is in Sales anyway, this is not earth shattering news to you and you’re likely to be approaching it that way.

If, however, you’re not a Sales person, this may be very bad news to you… you may be saying:

• I’m not a Sales Person type
• I don’t like Sales
• I’m not pushy enough
• I’m not aggressive enough
• I’m too honest
• I don’t have a plaid jacket / I’m not “Herb Tarlek"
  -------- (you may need to be over 35 to get that one)

Most of the time these perceptions of sales are because of stereotypes or bad experiences. Those are characteristics of a poor Sales person.

First check out what sales actually is:
Sales is the process of presenting the VALUE of an item or service to fill a want or need.

Sales is not making someone buy something they don’t want or need. No one will hire you if you don’t fit their wants or needs for a position or the company.

What are their wants and needs?
• Expertise / Knowledge / Skill / Competence
• Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism, Reliability
• Passion and Enthusiasm
• Someone that WANTS the job
• Likeability
• Good Communication Skills

Your job as a job seeker is to present your fit and value to as many people as you can that have an appropriate need or want for your experience, skills, and abilities.

In order to do that, you have to:

• Prospect (network, check ads, dig for appropriate leads)
• Market (get introductions, send information, make phone calls, build relationships)
• Do a “demo” (phone screens, interviews, company visits)
• Close the sale (show interest and enthusiasm, ask for next steps, ask for the job)
• Service the client (DO YOUR JOB WELL!)

A few points:

• A resume won’t get you a job, it helps get you an interview
• A resume alone won’t get you an interview
  ---------- in most cases you have to proactively call and talk to someone
• If you’re not actually talking to people, you will not get a job
• If you only do the same thing all other job hunters do, you will not stand out or get noticed
• Use scripts for your phone calls
• Be “Pleasantly Persistent”
• Sales are rarely closed on the 1st call
  ----------- if you didn’t get an interview the first time, try and try again
• Be prepared for your “demo”
  ---------- Practice interview questions to show your value for THEIR requirements
• Be passionate and enthusiastic about what you offer
• Don’t forget, it’s about them… not about you. Show how you can fill their needs

For most job seekers, gaining a sales mindset is the best thing you can do to speed up your job search!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

I've Got a Contact Name! NOW WHAT?!?

So, you were…
Networking, or Searching on LinkedIn, or Running a Google Search, or some other way you got a contact name at a company that you are interested in pursuing!

Terrific! But NOW WHAT? What do you do with that name?
Call them? Email them? Send “Snail Mail”? What do you say?

As an introduction, a well planned phone call is ALWAYS more effective than an email or Snail Mail.

When making the introduction… remember to help them see the fit by THEIR criteria, not yours!

Job hunting is a sales process. Treat it that way.
Selling is not being pushy, deceptive, or somehow getting someone to buy something they don’t want or need.

Rather it is the process of presenting the VALUE of an item or service to fill a need or want. You’re never going to get someone to hire you if they don’t see how you’re what they need or want in that role. Your objective is to help them connect the dots.

So… when you call… HAVE A SCRIPT!!!

A couple of points about a script:
- Never use someone else’s script. Take ideas that you like and put them in your own words. You’re never going to sound natural using someone else’s words.

- It’s not recommended that you actually read or memorize a script word for word. However, the process of writing one out will help make you much more focused and articulate than “winging” it.

- NO ONE, not even the most articulate, are as good making stuff up on the fly as they are when they are prepared!

So here are a couple of examples:

If your contact is NOT the hiring manager:

Hi, _____. My name is ____________, I got your name and am hoping you might you might be able to help me navigate within “company name”. I realize it’s the middle of the morning, do you have just a minute, or did I catch you at a bad time?

(Bad Time):
I can appreciate that, when would be a better time to catch you? (THEN CALL WHEN THEY SAY!)

(How did you get my name? or This is a good time):
I’m very interested in working at “company name”, so I’ve been networking and doing research online to find someone that might be able to help me.

I’m qualified and very interested in the “Accounting” position that’s currently open. I’m assuming you’re not directly involved in that area. However, I’d be very appreciative if you can help me find the best person to talk to about it so I don’t get lost in the process.

(I’m not sure who the best person is; or talk to HR):
I can appreciate that, however, since you know the organization better than I do, Is there anything else you would recommend as the best way to get my qualifications noticed from all the other resumes that come in? (LISTEN)

---------------------------

If your contact IS the hiring manager:

Hi, _______. My name is ______________, I calling regarding the open “Accounting” position. I realize it’s the middle of the morning, do you have just a minute, or did I catch you at a bad time?

(Bad Time):
I can appreciate that, when would be a better time to catch you? (THEN CALL WHEN THEY SAY!)

(How did you get my name? or This is a good time):
I’m very interested in working at “company name”, so I’ve been networking and doing research online to find the best person to reach.

I believe I’m well qualified for the position due to my success in (relevant experience A and B). I’m sending my resume, however, I’d appreciate getting the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss my qualifications further. Would tomorrow afternoon or Thursday morning work for you?


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So how do you know what their RELEVANT requirements are?

What business are they in? What does the job description say? What experience do others in the same job there have? What tools or software do they use? Some of those questions may take further research and networking, but you can get great clues from each of those answers.

Also critical are these phone tips:

- Stand, Smile, be upbeat! Your expression comes across on the phone.

- Be direct and to the point. Don’t ramble!

- Speak clearly and at an appropriate volume. Too quiet sounds like a lack of confidence, too loud sounds like nerves.

- NEVER speak ill of a previous boss, company, co-worker, or job.

- Always respect their time. You may be interrupting a meeting; give them an out.


Want more help on that call?

Stay Tuned!


Read more!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?!?

How long will it take for you to find a new job?

I don’t know!

How’s that for an answer?

There are a lot of factors:

• What’s the unemployment rate where you live?
  
• Are you willing / able to relocate?
  
• Are you willing to take a job that requires travel or odd hours?
• How much demand is there for what you do?
  
• What’s your job history like?
  
• Are you realistic in your salary expectations?
  
• What’s your attitude like?
  
• Are you using effective means to do your search?
  
• How much time and effort do you put into your search?
  

Consider that last question.


Let’s hypothetically say it takes 200 hours to land a new job in your field at your level.
That’s 200 hours of actual concerted effort and job search related activity.
(I just made up a number for the purposes of the example, I have no idea if that’s realistic for you or not)

If you truly WORK 40 hours per week at your job search…
It will take you 5 weeks.

If you paint your bedroom, plant new trees in your backyard, play solitaire on your computer, and work on your job search an average of 5 hours per day; or 25 hours per week…
It will take you 8 weeks.

If you sleep till noon, watch Oprah, make an awesome dinner for the family, and take a couple (2) hours per day to search the job boards and email some resumes; or 10 hours per week…
It will take you 20 weeks.

Get it?

Depending on what you do, and what level you’re seeking…
your actual hours needed to land a new job MAY be 300, 400, or 500 hours of activity.

The time it will take for you to land a new job, is largely dependent on you!
It may be a cliché to say that “Searching for a job is a full-time job.”
But I can tell you from my experience watching many, many job seekers I meet through networking and job search classes I lead, that VERY few people treat it like a full-time job.

Projects around the house, time with kids, friends, online, etc. can swallow up huge amounts of time without even realizing it.

When we’re in a job, most of us have schedules and routines that keep us productive and we find a way to get to our home projects around our work schedule.

When you’re not in a job, it’s critical to “protect” your job search time just as you would your work schedule when you’re in a job!

So… Use a planner and schedule your time!

• Block out time for phone calls, research time, meetings, online time, etc.
  
• Set goals for the number of people you will talk to and how many people you will meet each week.
  
• Keep track of your activity and schedule your times to follow up with people.
  
• Learn which activities have been most productive and hone your schedule each week.
  

Make sure you put in the effort and you’ll get to the goal faster!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!

THE INTERNET JOB SEARCH SUPER TOOL!!!

Currently there is no other tool online as effective in a job search as LinkedIn!

Flat out.

Period. (OK... I'm open to some debate, but I'm convinced it's HUGE)

Here's how to make it work for your Job Search

• Create a Dynamite Profile!
  
  - Have more detailed information on LinkedIn than your resume
  
  - Keep it professional!
  
  - Be meticulous in your spelling, grammar, etc.
  
  - Include as many relevant keywords as possible. BE FOUND!
  
  - Include your email address in your summary. BE EASY TO CONTACT!
  
  - Add relevant LinkedIn Apps (keep them professional and relevant)
  
  - Put a link to your profile in your email signatures. Point people to your background!
  
  - Add a professional looking picture of yourself (makes it more personal)
  
  
  
• Write recommendations for people you’ve worked with and for.
  
  Often they will return the favor.
  
  
  
• Connect. Connect. Connect.
  
  - Use Outlook uploader
  
  - Find old colleagues and connect without needing an email address
  
  - Join relevant “Groups” and connect without needing an email address
  
  - Connect to a few TopLinked people to expand your reach quickly
  
  - Connect with EVERYONE you know that you can find on LinkedIn
  
  - The more connections, the greater your reach!
  
  
  
• Use the power of Groups!
  
  - Join LinkedIn Groups related to your field and/or region
  
  - See who's there; potential hiring managers?
  
  - Engage in conversations; contribute positively; get known (DON'T COMPLAIN or trash anyone or anything!)
  
  - Connect to more people, extending your reach to others in the same field
  
  - Let them know you're looking!
  
  - Provide leads for others; GIVE BEFORE YOU GET
  
  
  
• Add regular "What are you working on" updates like:
  
  - “Seeking my next opportunity to make a difference” or
  
  - “Seeking to add value somewhere new” or
  
  - “Exploring new opportunities” or
  
  - “Looking for a new challenge”
  
  - Each time you change your update, it appears on all your connections Home Page reminding them you're still interested in leads!
  
  
  
• SEARCH!
  
  - Always select 100 miles from zip code (you don’t know where they live)
  
  - Make sure you select “present” or “past or present” depending on what you are looking for
  
  - Start with broad generic search terms, and get more specific if you get too many results
  
  - Find hiring managers (i.e. Title: Controller; Company: ABC Textiles)
  
  - Find alumni contacts that can make an intro for you (i.e. Company: General Mills; School: Carlton)
  
  - Find old colleagues from previous jobs; where are they now? Which companies have hired your peers?
  
  - Find potential peers that can direct you to the right hiring manager
  
  - Find more companies that have same positions (i.e. Title: Electrical Engineer)
  
  - Find all contacts at a smaller company
  
  - Find recruiters in your field (i.e. Keywords: Recruiter AND Engineering)
  
  - Look at recommendations for hiring managers
  
  - Look at who your results are connected to for other potential contacts
  
  - Use the Job Search function to find opportunities and link directly to related contacts in your network
  
  
  
• Contact them directly
  
  - Look through their entire profile, sometimes they list their email for you
  
  - Learn and use JigSaw.com
  
  - Google their name in quotes with the email domain of their company (i.e. “Harry Urschel” AND "@eexecutives.net”)
  
  - Try standard email formats (i.e. firstname.lastname@company.com or FLastname@company.com)
  
  - Call main company number and ask for them
  
  
  
• Prepare for your interviews
  
  - Look up the people you will be meeting with and learn about them:
  
  > What has their career path been
  
  > Where did they go to school
  
  > Who do you know in common
  
  > What else do they share about themselves
  
  
  
• Consider $19.95 / month for a premium membership
  (No. I don't get a commission)
  
  - Lets you see profiles not in your network (no names given, but can often be found through Google)
  
  - Allows you to send “InMails” to people you’re not directly connected to
  
  - Gives you nearly unlimited search results
  
  

I know... you still have questions.
Like "What do I say when I contact a hiring manager directly?"

Stay Tuned!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!

Read more!