I need a job!

In recent weeks, several colleagues have asked my help to find a new job.  Finding a job is pretty hard, but with some skill it can be made easier.  Most people just shot gun resumes until one sticks.   That does work, but it is a lot more painful.

How Long Will it Take
The first rule of thumb that people need to understand is that as a non-scientific rule of thumb, it takes about one month per $10,000 of salary to find that new job.   If you do a quick calculation, that means it would take about 6 months of job searching, sending resumes, and interviewing to find a $60,000 job.   That is pretty long, so it is important that you are organized.

Your Job Search is a Full-time Job
Second, depending on your current job status, looking for a job can be a full time job.   If you are currently employed, you can look part-time by searching job boards, answering, ads, and networking.  You can work a couple of recruiters in your industy, but don’t work with more than two or three.   If you are out of work, then work your job search for eight hours a day.

- Call and email all of your friends.

- Apply to every job that is even close to what you want, and go on interviews. You can practice interviewing by going on interviews for jobs you don’t want.

- Networking is the best way to find a job.   I wrote an earlier post about that which you should read, but basically it means telling people you know that might be able to help you that you are looking for work. Often a guy that knows a guy that knows a girl that’s hiring can get you an interview where a recruiter cannot. (Look for a future post on recruiters).

Stop and Smell the Roses
Keep your resume current.  Don’t wait until the last minute to throw it together. You will also be surprised how quickly your responsibilities change every six months.  For example, have you learned a new computer system, did you participate in training, were you part of a committee that designed a new process?  Stop and smell the roses to see what you have accomplished since you last updated your resume.  Also, read my post on formatting your resume for tips on that.

Job Boards
Work those job boards and forums.  They are fantastic for find opportunities.   Keep track of who you sent resumes to and follow up.   Use the free boards first like monster.com, but don’t be afraid to pay for one or two sites like theladders.com.  They are not that expensive and are full of great advice as well.

Shout from the Rooftops!
Don’t be afraid to tell your friends you are looking for work. Not co-workers, but outside friends. We all want to help you, but can’t if you don’t tell us what you are going through.

Ok, let me know what you think.

Leave me a comment or send me an email at mike.anderson@directyourcareer.com

Make it a great day!!