How Do I Target My Messages?

TIP 3:  Develop “targeted” messages to organizations for which you’d like to work.
According to the Department of Labor, this is the most popular, cost-effective, and
efficient method of searching for employment. As we point out in our book, “Knock
3 Times,” it requires a dedicated effort – again, it’s a full-time job – as well as hard
work to develop well-focused cover letters and resumes, manage one’s time, and
oversee detailed record-keeping and follow-up activities.

Your job search actually begins with developing a realistic timetable (our approach
can be implemented in less than a month), and a list of possible employers for whom
you would enjoy working. You can develop and prioritize this list at your local library,
Employment Security Office, on the Internet, through various business journals,
newspapers, and trade publications, and even by using the Yellow Pages.

It’s important that you establish milestones for your activities, and ensure you stay
on schedule and accomplish your tasks.

Your primary goal will be to locate The Person with hiring authority for the type
of position in which you’re interested. Even if you respond to classified ads, take
the time to call the organization placing the ad (if they’re listed) and find out who
that person is. As a last resort, you may locate and write to the Director of Human
Resources at your targeted organization – however, keep in mind that HR managers
typically hire “support,” not “operational” personnel.

When you implement the three-step system we introduce in our book, make
certain you follow up according to the milestones you set. Typically, it will take
you four weeks to perform research, develop materials, and arrange interviews.

Whatever you do, remain positive. Done well, even our approach requires
patience, skill, and, sometimes, luck.

Where Do I Begin My Job Search?

TIP 2:  When you begin looking into the “job market,” bear in mind that
85% of job vacancies are not available through traditional resources like
newspaper ads, the Internet, civil service notices, federal or state
employment agencies, private agencies, headhunters, or search firms.

There are millions of jobs available, but the bulk (between 65% and
75%) are not advertised, have not been created, or are filled “from
within.” A recent study by the National Federation of Independent
Business reveals that small businesses alone account for a million
available positions.

In the meantime, millions of job hunters shop local classifieds every
day, not realizing that each ad for a professional or executive opening
draws 200 to 500 applicants. Jobs advertised in classified ads – as
well as posted on the Internet – account for about 3% of those
available.

Additionally, headhunters, recruiters, and employment agencies only
account for about 15% of jobs filled at any one time.

How do I begin my job search?

TIP 1: When you begin your job search – especially if you currently are unemployed – consider
it a full-time job. Dedicate 35 to 40 hours weekly – just as you would in an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
position. To succeed, follow our three-step system to the letter. If you’re still employed, you
probably can arrange to discreetly place and receive calls from your office. If you’re unemployed,
you need to purchase an answering machine or arrange for an answering service through a private
firm or your local telephone company. If you don’t want family members to know you’re job
hunting, consider renting a mail box (usually as a suite number) and use that address and your
telephone service on your resume. If your family knows you’re job-hunting – and you’re using
your home address and telephone – make sure everyone knows how to handle telephone calls.
Also, set up an efficient and private office somewhere in your home to plan, budget, prepare
job-search materials, and place and receive those all-important telephone calls.

Time-Tested Job Search Tips - Part II:

Begin collecting the data you need by uncovering all there is about employers
in your field. Get current on issues and developments in your industry. Read
trade journals, professional publications, and local newspapers. Most major
cities have “Business Journals” that publish invaluable rosters of companies
and organizations, so find the nearest to the location where you want to work.
It’s extremely impressive during an interview if you know about the latest
merger or coup in the industry.

Also, research your target organization’s culture. Does it appear employee-
and family-friendly? (For example, child care.) What’s the average age of
employees, racial mix, and predominant gender? You can uncover data like
these from Annual Reports, newsletters, local publicity, and talking with
employees.

Create a contact data base. Write down the employers you contact, the
date you sent your resume, contacts made, people talked to, and notes
about those contacts. Keep a notepad with you at all times, and make
entries as soon as you hear about an opportunity or when you leave an
interview. Make certain to update your data base daily.

Follow-up with leads immediately. If you learn about a position late
in the day, call as soon as you’re organized. Don't wait until the next day.
“Cold call” target organizations and set up “information visits.” This way,
you’ll meet the people who work in the areas or departments where you’d
like to be employed. You need to take the initiative and meet prospective
employers face to face. Information visits let you do this without the stress
and stigma of the typical interview situation. In this more conversational
setting, it’s common for your “host” to reveal job openings or names of
contact persons about whom he or she knows.

Target your Resume. Make sure your resume is geared to the employers
who receive it. Be sure your resume is easy to read, and the most important
details stand out. Create more than one resume if you’re applying to more
than one industry. You might also expand the areas where you list skills.
For example, if you’re in marketing, you’re probably also involved in sales,
advertising, public relations, and promotion. Figure out what makes you
good at what you enjoy doing, and market those accomplishments and
skills in your resume.

Prepare an “elevator speech.” Develop and memorize a three- or four-
minute synopsis of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. You
never know who you'll meet, or when. Be ready! Know your abilities
and how to communicate them. You must be prepared to tell prospective
employers and others you meet about the benefits you can provide. You
must be able to discuss your skills, and relate these to the industries that
interest you.

Learn how to talk about yourself. Throughout your job search, you will
speak with many people at different levels. You need to be comfortable
discussing yourself and your talents with other people. Keep in mind that
you never know who may end up being useful to your job hunt.
Practice for each interview. Rehearsing is key to performing well during
interviews. Ask friends, relatives, or career services counselors to help
you formulate strong answers to questions you might not anticipate. Our
“Effective Interview Techniques” CDs at http://stores.lulu.com/propman01
will help you prepare.

Above all, stay confident. Job hunting takes time and energy. Remain
positive, and get ready for the challenges ahead. Don’t be disgruntled
if you just graduated and are still seeking work. Most students do find
jobs after graduation. And, you will, too, by conducting your job search
in a professional, disciplined, and timely manner.

Time-Tested Job Search Tips Part I:

First off, allow enough time to do the job right. Our three-step approach requires
about a month. According to the bulk of employment services “experts,” at least
half your time job hunting should be devoted to researching job leads and rehearsing
for interviews.

Commit your time, effort, and adequate finances. To be successful, your search
should reflect quality, professional approaches, and sound thinking. Employ various
approaches to see what works: Direct mail (such as our three-step approach),
networking, responding to classified ads, and searching the Internet. Keep track
of your mailings, interviews, and other activities so you know what works and why.
That way, you can tailor your job-hunting campaign and make it more powerful
and cost-effective

Be persistent – not aggressive – and don’t let laconic secretaries buffalo you.
As long as you maintain your cool and manners, you’ll get the information you
require. Of course, you always can try calling early in the morning or later in the
day and try to reach your intended target directly.

Visit your local Department Of Labor (DOL) office. DOL has myriad job postings
for you to review once you’ve signed up for the benefits you are due, as well as
veteran services, job counseling, equipment, and facilities you can employ in your
job search.

Get organized. You also need to remember to whom you have talked and when,
and the results of that meeting. Maintain a “Lessons Learned” file that will help you
prepare for the next interviews.

Create a "To Do" list every day. This helps you organize priorities, record
accomplishments, and stay focused on finding a job. It also keeps you from
overlooking important activities, deadlines, or follow-up responsibilities.

At all times, be prepared. Carry copies of your resume at all times. It’s also
a smart idea to have fresh copies of your resume “on hand,” in case you’re
called to an interview at the last minute. And, don’t forget your list of references
(whom you’ve already contacted and received permission to use) which you’ll
only provide when asked to do so.