Action Plan for Job Searching
Posted by Robert on Apr 10, 2008
Looking for a job is like war. You need to have a plan of attacking your problem: reaching prospective employers. Besides writing and sending out resumes, and waiting for that “call,†what else can you do?
Here are just some avenues on getting your resume to the right people:
Newspaper ads Job Boards On-line job sites Networking Job Fairs State Employment Agencies
In order to plan your job hunt well, you need to have a specific goal in mind. Here are some question guides:
What kind of job working in what type of organization making how much money? How many hours do you see yourself working? Do you expect to work alone or as part of a team?
Next, identify what needs to be done to achieve the goal. An updated resume, an appropriate cover letter, etc. After that, you need to describe the tasks that needs to be done. Break them down to doable tasks so you won’t be overwhelmed. Lastly, remember that job hunting is hard work. Always keep that in mind, and never rest on your laurels.
The Resume: Your Key
Posted by Robert on Mar 13, 2008
I touched on Resume preparation on the last post, but I feel that this is important so I’ll focus on it this time.
Think of your resume as your key to the door of opportunity. Most people, think of updating (or even creating!) their resume at the very last moment. I suggest that you check it even before you apply.
So how do we make our resume better? Check if all the personal information is complete and updated. Most important here is your contact number. Are you still using the same mobile phone sim? The address is next: are you still living in the same place? These need to be current so that the employer knows where to contact you.
Your Work Experience should be more than just a Job Description. Just sum up your JD in six to seven bullet points. Most of it should cover your achievements. Be specific, for example: Saved the company $200,000.00 by implementing new strategy in replacing wooden toothpicks to cheaper plastic ones, etc. Remember to always say the truth in these things, because the interviewer can do a background check.
Lastly, check for any typographical errors. It shows how meticulous and detailed you are if the interviewer sees that it’s all organized and well written.
Once this all done, feel confident and present your resume to the interviewer. Good luck!