In trying to stay true to the industry I represent, I decided to try something different with the BLOG.
I’m going to run a series for Job Seekers. I will lay out a step by step plan for you. The objective, as always, is to get you to think about who you are and what you want to do.
Many of you know, my tag line is, ‘who I am begins with who I was’. Who you are begins right here and now!
As The Job Search Therapist, I offer guidance and counseling for such a diverse group with a wide variety of employment issues. Some need a job. Some want to make a change. Some need to make a change.
My job is to help you through that process.
During this 5 step treatment, I am offering a short phone consultation for free. Maybe I can help you get started. Call me: 917-952-5868 or em [email protected]
There are 5 basic steps.
1) Research/Plan
2) Resume/Cover Letters
3) Network/Contacts
4) Interview
5) Follow Up
Today we’ll tackle the 1st step – Research and Plan.
The best resource any of us have is ourselves. At the end of the day – who can you count on the most? The answer better be you!
If you are in need of a job or have the desire to make a change, you need to know your market. What’s your sweet spot? What’s your comfort zone? Ask yourself these questions and make sure you can answer them before you start to look for a job. This is not a matter of throwing the stuff against the wall with the hope that some will stick. On the contrary, this is a process that requires time, conviction, purpose and practical thinking.
Remember – you are not the only one out there. Competition is deep.
Before you enter this hunt, have a plan. Know what you want. Know where you fit. Understand your skill sets, your strengths and equally important – your weaknesses.
Do the work. Invest time. Research the market. After all, how can you penetrate the job market if you don’t understand it? Hunting (See ‘Special of the Day’ Blog July 12, 2013) is, simply put, having a target. You track, look for the signs, aim and shoot. Target your opportunities.
Be organized. Planning and executing the plan is the best way to go. You will encounter lots of information. It’s essential that you log it. I call it a Job Search Portfolio. It becomes a valuable tool. It becomes your reference guide.
Next week, we’ll talk about phase 2 – Resumes and Cover Letters.