Finding a job effectively in this challenging economic environment can be like a roller coaster ride. One day it looks promising, the next day you get rejected from a job you were ideally suited for. Maybe if you take a closer look at different aspects of the job search, you’ll be able to create a different and more positive perspective.
Job search is a journey into the unknown. There’s a lot you can’t control. Sometimes this process seems to have no logic. All of this can cause stress and lead to thoughts that there is an unseen conspiracy against your job search efforts.
If you’re dreading starting the job search process, or you’ve heard all the negatives about job hunting from a friend, or you’ve been paying attention to the media, what are you likely to do? Yes, you are procrastinating correctly. The twin of procrastination is doing less than your best. Both attitudes will not get you the right job and in a reasonable amount of time.
Just as we physically prepare and warm up before any physical activity, you also need to prepare yourself mentally for an effective job search. Employers want to hire positive people. Whatever you have to do; start each day of your job search with enthusiasm and the attitude that you are working on a problem you can solve. Remember that with every “No” you receive, you are one step closer to a “Yes”.
So let’s take a look at three essential things that need to be done right to make your job search successful:
- Planning and preparation of documents are the basis of a successful job search. Get the resume and cover letter right and everything else will fall into place. Before you start writing, spend some time researching the latest resume and cover letter.
Focus your resume and cover letter on the needs of the potential employer. What surprises some job hunters is that a one-size-fits-all resume doesn’t fit all possible jobs. Tailoring your CV’s list of achievements to suit the employer’s needs is essential to getting noticed by the employer.
When writing a cover letter, remember that its function is not to repeat what is in the resume, but to introduce the resume. Just like writing a resume, every cover letter should be written to show how your skills match the needs of the specific job.
- An effective job interview requires preparation and then some preparation. You know that at some point you will be scheduled for a phone interview and then an in-person interview. Navigating this environment with the ability to communicate your agenda requires some planning and preparation.
When you start looking for a job, plan an activity every day that will help you prepare for the job interview. Make a plan of what you are going to do and say it in the phone conversation. There are some critical dos and don’ts, so this is a step you shouldn’t overlook.
Start putting together 50 to 100 challenging interview questions. Write them on a card with a thoughtful answer on the other side. This list will change over time as you uncover more information from the interviews and refine your answers.
Now ask a friend to ask you questions (do a mock interview in parts) and record the interview. Critique your performance, paying particular attention to your listening skills, possible bad habits and lack of incoherent answers, and how well you bring your agenda to your answers.
Start this preparation early in your job search. Your self-confidence will increase. When a job interview is scheduled, you can spend your time productively researching the employer and the job needs. Your research will help you put together some relevant questions to ask in the interview. Your final summary will assess how well you fit into this. Don’t forget to ask about the job.
- With a well-written resume and interview preparation, you can now start networking. Keep all your contact information organized. Working to add you to your network group. Get into the habit of always asking for referrals. Help others whenever you can.
Chances are, as your network of contacts grows, they will uncover job opportunities and give you ideas to help you in your job search. This resource can be a valuable asset in your job search.
Remember, a job offer is more likely to go to a candidate who is prepared, positive and has a great attitude than a more qualified candidate who flunked the interview questions, failed to assure the interviewer they could handle the job, doesn’t dress for success. and is not asking for a job. So be prepared, be positive and plan your job offer. You deserve nothing else.
John Groth changed careers seven times during his working life. Learn more about career change, job search strategies and career planning at [http://careersafter50.com]. Learn how other over 50s have built winning career plans and found the right career with an effective job search after 50 [http://careersafter50.com/Career-Planning-after-50.html].