Key Actionable Items for Getting Back to Work: The Job Search Process
The job search process can be a mystery for people returning to work after a long absence from the work place or for those who have found themselves in the middle of a stalled search. The following is a quick outline of steps to help guide you if you are wondering where to begin or have gotten off track.
1. Determine which skills you prefer to use, are current, you are good at, and are marketable or competitive, based on current market conditions. (Get guidance for this if you are unsure).
- Set goals with clear objectives and time lines
- Get clear about your financial commitments and develop a budget
2. Expand your network to:
- Learn more information about skills (see #1)
- Learn more about an industry
- Develop leads to learn about companies’ needs and potential new opportunities
3. Create a “Master Resume” (Get help if you need it)
- Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile updated with new training or projects, and make sure they are relevant for what you are pursuing
- Tailor a resume from your “master” to fit each/ every position you pursue
- Research to learn all that you can about a company or position (see #2)
- Write out answers to frequently asked questions (in your field.)
Completing these steps will ensure you will be competing as strongly as you are able. Omitting any of them can inhibit your ability to effectively compete, no matter what you apply for. In addition to the actionable items to pursue, the following are some basic behaviors to employ or change to make sure you can compete in a tough market market.
- Get up and be ready to work before 7:30 AM
- Work evenings or weekends as necessary
- Be flexible
- Exhibit a high level of urgency
- Be willing to face change
- Show your ability to overcome and solve problems
- Possess clear communication skills
- Maintain a positive attitude
The bad economy doesn’t have to paralyze you. Although there isn’t a magic pill that will make you instantly employed, the process isn’t rocket science. Creating a plan and managing your time and attitude are key elements to accomplishing more and succeeding in a competitive market. If you don’t try this recipe, then you won’t know, will you?
I have a Master Resume, I have several versions in fact, ready to send stressing my administrative side and others stressing my HR skills…
you keep referring to “get help” but you don’t offer any direction where so any positive information about that would be great.
Thanks for responding. There is not a “one size fits all” path, since everyone’s goals and circumstances are different. There are many links to “how to’s” about each component of the job search (resumes, interviewing, etc). It is why the blogs/articles I write, or others write, can only help enlighten job seekers to the notion that something different needs to happen.If you are not getting the results you desire, then working with a career coach to determine what might need to change in your approach is the “help” I am referring to. My work as a coach is to evaluate each person’s goals and circumstances carefully and advise them on what will likely get them the best results. This process is tailored to each person’s needs. I also provide cost effective workshops and webinars to supplement the 1:1 coaching offered by helping people dig into each component in a cost effective way. Please review my website for more information about these. I will also send you information about how I get started with clients in a direct email.
Thanks,
Sherri